The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has once again alerted South African students to a funding opportunity abroad in the form of the World in Serbia Scholarship for 2023.
This is through the DHET International Scholarships platform which collates and shares these programmes to encourage cultural exchange and offer tuition support abroad.
The World in Serbia Scholarship is taking applications until 13th October 2022 and it covers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
As with many of this overseas learning opportunities, applicants must be able to be taught and communicate in the home language. Thankfully, as part of the scholarship, some tutelage in Serbian is included:
- Free Serbian language preparatory course (Serbian on-line course and Serbian language intensive course upon arrival in the Republic of Serbia);
- Tuition at basic academic or vocational studies, specialist vocational studies, master academic studies or doctoral studies;
- Monthly stipend to the value of 15.000,00 Serbian dinars (approximately R 2165.01);
- Student accommodation and food expenses;
- Compulsory health insurance (up to age of 26);
- Residence Visa;
- Free verification of secondary and higher education; and
- The Department will provide support to successful awardees with travel costs to and from Serbia, as well as a settlement allowance.
Aside from the language barrier there are several other criteria which should be observed such as the holding of European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits depending on the qualification.
While not mentioned by the department we have to imagine that the war in Ukraine might have an impact on proceedings so those considering this opportunity should bring it up during the application process.
More details and the instructions for applying can be found on the DHET International Scholarships website here. Applicants are highly encouraged to read through this page thoroughly, including the four downloadable PDF forms at the bottom of the page.
