A Once in a Lifetime Journey’ South African Students Begin Scholarship Adventure in China
By Thembi Moyo
Beijing, 16 September 2025 Excitement and pride filled the air as 36 South African students touched down in Beijing on Tuesday to begin a six-month study and internship programme under a new government scholarship.
The learners, recipients of the first batch of the BPC-TVET Project scholarships, will spend the coming months immersed in both classroom learning and hands-on industry training. For many, it is their first time leaving South Africa and the journey represents more than an academic opportunity.
“This is a dream come true,” said 21-year-old Lerato Mokoena from Johannesburg, moments before boarding the flight. “I grew up watching documentaries about China’s technology and innovation. To actually study here and see it with my own eyes feels unreal. I hope to come back with knowledge that can change not only my life, but also my community.”
At a farewell and reception ceremony in Beijing, China’s Minister of Education, Qin Zhanpeng, welcomed the students and underscored the importance of the programme. “Education is the bridge to the future,” he told them. “You are not only learners, but also ambassadors of friendship between China and South Africa.”
The BPC-TVET Project was established to strengthen South Africa’s technical and vocational education and training sector. The scholarships focus on giving young people practical skills aligned with global industry standards. Students will split their time between classrooms and internship placements in fields such as engineering, information technology and manufacturing.
For some learners, the scholarship is also a deeply personal milestone. “I’m the first in my family to ever travel abroad,” said 19-year-old Sipho Dlamini from KwaZulu-Natal. “It’s a big responsibility, but I know my family is proud. I want to show other young people back home that opportunities like this are possible.”
Beyond academics, the programme includes cultural exchange activities designed to broaden the students’ horizons. They will visit historical sites in Beijing, experience traditional Chinese festivals, and take part in workshops on language and culture.
South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training has welcomed the partnership, describing it as a step towards closing the skills gap in the country. With youth unemployment at high levels, officials believe that international exposure and technical training will boost the students’ career prospects when they return.
For the learners, however, the significance of the programme goes beyond statistics. “This is not just about getting a qualification,” said student Thandeka Ndlovu. “It’s about building confidence, learning how the world works, and making connections with people from another culture.”
Minister Qin expressed optimism that the programme will plant seeds of long-term cooperation. “When you return home, you will carry with you not only new skills, but friendships and memories that will strengthen ties between our peoples,” he said.
As the group settled into their new surroundings in Beijing, the sense of possibility was unmistakable. For these 36 young South Africans, the next six months will be a journey of discovery, growth and transformation one that promises to shape their futures, and perhaps even South Africa’s.
