Understanding the DHET's Push for Global Alignment in Higher Education

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in South Africa is taking decisive steps to enhance the country's position in the global academic landscape. Recently announced by Deputy Minister Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube, a sector-wide workshop on international relations aims to foster greater coherence and strategic alignment across the higher education sector. This initiative comes at a critical time when South African universities and colleges are increasingly looking outward to bolster research collaborations, student mobility, and skills development aligned with national priorities.

South Africa's higher education system, comprising 26 public universities and numerous Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, has long recognized the value of internationalisation. Defined as the integration of an international, intercultural, or global dimension into the purpose, functions, or delivery of higher education, internationalisation helps institutions respond to globalization's demands. The workshop builds on existing efforts, such as partnerships under the People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM) with China, to ensure these engagements support economic growth, innovation, and Agenda 2063 of the African Union.

Announcement at SASCA Conference Signals New Era

During her keynote at the South African Students in China Association (SASCA) 3rd Virtual National Conference on January 31, 2026, Deputy Minister Dube-Ncube highlighted the upcoming workshop. Speaking to students and professionals who have studied in China, she emphasized how their experiences inform government-to-government partnerships. The event underscored the evolution of South Africa-China relations, from historical solidarity to strategic collaborations in education.

"These initiatives are essential to equipping South African students and professionals with advanced skills, global exposure, and specialised training in priority areas aligned to South Africa’s development needs," Dube-Ncube stated. This announcement positions the workshop as a pivotal moment for aligning global partnerships with local needs, such as skills shortages in STEM fields and renewable energy.

Core Objectives of the International Relations Workshop

The workshop's primary goal is to contribute to the finalisation of DHET's International Relations Strategy. This strategy will provide a clear policy framework for South Africa's international cooperation in higher education and training. Key objectives include:

• Promoting coherence across universities, TVET colleges, and other post-school institutions in managing international engagements.
• Aligning partnerships with national priorities like the National Development Plan (NDP) and skills development.
• Expanding scholarship opportunities and short-term training programs, particularly through bilateral mechanisms like PPEM.
• Fostering research collaborations, joint postgraduate supervision, and innovation hubs.

By addressing these, the DHET aims to build a cadre of globally competent graduates ready to drive South Africa's economy.

Building on the Policy Framework for Internationalisation

The workshop aligns with DHET's Policy Framework for the Internationalisation of Higher Education in South Africa, which outlines strategies for cross-border student and staff mobility, international research, and curriculum internationalisation. The framework emphasizes collaboration between DHET, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), and institutions to ensure equitable benefits. It calls for institutions to develop their own internationalisation plans that support national goals.

For example, universities like the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Stellenbosch University have established international offices to manage exchange programs, while TVET colleges are exploring vocational training partnerships. The workshop will refine these efforts, ensuring sector-wide buy-in.Learn more on DHET's policy site.

South Africa-China Partnerships as a Model

A flagship example is the collaboration with China under PPEM, which has facilitated scholarships for South African students. Recent sessions, including the 4th PPEM in late 2025, focused on expanding these opportunities in priority areas like engineering and health sciences. Deputy Minister Dube-Ncube's visits to China have paved the way for more exchanges.

Students returning from China bring not just qualifications but global networks. SASCA serves as a vital platform for sharing these insights, influencing policy. This model can extend to other BRICS nations and the EU, enhancing South Africa's research output—currently, international co-authored papers constitute about 20% of SA's publications.

Institutions like the University of Johannesburg have joint programs with Tsinghua University, demonstrating practical benefits.

Benefits for South African Universities and Colleges

Participation in global alignments offers multifaceted advantages:

• Enhanced Research Capacity: Joint projects access funding and expertise, e.g., in AI and climate change.
• Student Mobility: Over 1,000 SA students study abroad annually via DHET scholarships.
• Curriculum Enrichment: Exposure to diverse pedagogies improves graduate employability.
• Institutional Prestige: Rankings like QS improve with international collaborations.

TVET colleges benefit through vocational exchanges, aligning with the Just Energy Transition. For career seekers, this means more opportunities in higher ed jobs with global exposure.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Student Voices

Students, via SASCA, play a key role, providing lived experiences that shape strategy. University leaders from bodies like Universities South Africa (USAf) welcome the coherence, noting fragmented approaches previously hindered impact. Government officials stress mutual benefit, avoiding dependency.

"Let us carry the spirit of South Africa wherever we go," urged Dube-Ncube, highlighting cultural diplomacy. Challenges like visa issues and funding gaps were raised, with the workshop set to address them.

Challenges in Achieving Global Alignment

Despite progress, hurdles remain: limited funding (international budgets <5% in most unis), equity concerns (historically disadvantaged institutions lag), and geopolitical tensions. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in mobility. Solutions include digital exchanges and targeted funding via the National Skills Fund.

The International Relations Strategy will mandate reporting on partnerships, ensuring alignment and impact measurement.

Future Outlook: Finalising the Strategy and Beyond

Post-workshop, the strategy will guide engagements through 2030, integrating with enrolment planning (2026-2030 targets approved). Expect more PPEM-like mechanisms with Africa, Europe, and Asia. This positions SA higher ed as a BRICS leader.Read the full announcement.

For professionals, this opens doors to higher ed career advice and roles in international offices. Explore openings at university jobs.

Implications for Careers and Talent Development

The alignment boosts demand for globally skilled faculty and admins. Platforms like Rate My Professor highlight international faculty impact. Graduates with overseas experience command 15-20% higher salaries. DHET's focus prepares the workforce for a multipolar world.

Institutions should invest in staff training; check faculty jobs for opportunities.

Photo by Amanda Jones on Unsplash

Call to Action: Engage with the Future of SA Higher Education

As the workshop unfolds, stakeholders should contribute ideas. Students, apply for scholarships via DHET international scholarships. Professionals, upskill via partnerships. AcademicJobs.com supports your journey—visit higher ed jobs, rate your professor, and career advice for the edge in this globalised sector.