Learnerships 2026 South Africa — How to Apply

A learnership is a work-based learning programme that combines on-the-job training with theory. You earn a monthly stipend while you learn, and at the end you receive a nationally recognised NQF qualification. Learnerships are a powerful way for young South Africans to enter the job market — especially without university access. This guide explains what learnerships are, who qualifies, and how to find and apply.

What Is a Learnership?

A learnership is:

• A registered learning programme combining work experience and theory
• Typically 12 months long (some shorter or longer)
• Linked to a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) qualification
• Paid — you receive a monthly stipend throughout
• Open to school-leavers, graduates, and sometimes those without matric

Who Can Apply for a Learnership?

• South African citizen
• Most learnerships require a Matric (Grade 12) certificate — though some entry-level programmes do not
• Age restrictions vary — many target 18–35 year olds
• Usually unemployed or recently graduated
• Some learnerships specifically target people with disabilities

Learnership Stipend — How Much Will You Earn?

Stipends are set by the relevant SETA and employer. General ranges for 2026:

• Matric-level entry (NQF 2–4): R2,000–R3,500/month
• Post-matric (NQF 4–5): R3,500–R5,000/month
• Graduate learnership (NQF 6+): R5,000–R8,000/month

Government Learnerships 2026

• Learnerships funded by all 21 SETAs (energyseta.org.za, merseta.org.za, fasset.org.za, etc.)
• Department of Public Service and Administration learnerships
• Provincial departments: Health, Education, Social Development, Agriculture
• SAPS (South African Police Service) learnerships
• SANDF (South African National Defence Force)
• Transnet Engineering learnerships
• Eskom learnerships

Private Sector Learnerships 2026

• Banking: Absa, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Capitec
• Mining: Anglo American, Sibanye Stillwater, Gold Fields
• Retail: Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Woolworths, Checkers, Spar
• ICT: Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Microsoft SA
• Insurance: Sanlam, Old Mutual, Discovery, Momentum
• Construction: Murray & Roberts, WBHO, Group Five

Where to Find Open Learnerships for 2026

• SA Youth: sayouth.mobi — government-linked platform aggregating learnerships
• PNet: pnet.co.za
• Careers24: careers24.com
• Indeed SA: indeed.co.za
• Individual SETA websites for your sector
• Company career portals — check Eskom, Transnet, banks, retailers directly

How to Apply for a Learnership

1. Find a learnership in your field of interest (use the resources above)
2. Read the full advertisement — note the closing date, requirements, and how to apply
3. Prepare your documents: certified ID copy, certified matric certificate, CV, and motivation letter
4. Submit your application by the stated method (online portal, email, or in person)
5. If shortlisted, attend interviews and/or psychometric tests
6. If accepted, receive and sign your learnership agreement — a legal contract between you, the employer, and the SETA
7. Begin your learnership on the start date

What Qualification Do You Get?

Upon completing a learnership, you receive an NQF-registered qualification recognised by employers and further education institutions nationwide. This can range from NQF Level 2 (equivalent to Grade 10) up to NQF Level 7(equivalent to a bachelor's degree), depending on the learnership.

Learnership vs Internship vs Apprenticeship

• Learnership: Formal, SETA-registered, leads to an NQF qualification, you are paid
• Internship: Practical work experience, may or may not be formally registered, stipend varies, does not always lead to a qualification
• Apprenticeship: Trade-focused (plumber, electrician, welder), leads to a trade certificate, primarily in technical fields