The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is inviting unemployed young South Africans to apply for the 2026/2027 Cadet Learnership Programme. This is a 12-month learnership available across all nine provinces of South Africa, giving eligible youth the chance to gain practical workplace experience while receiving a R4,500 monthly stipend. Applications close on 18 September 2026 at 16:00.
The programme is aimed at unemployed youth who have completed Grade 12 or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification. Learners will receive a combination of theoretical training and practical workplace learning, with exposure to the Department of Home Affairs and its core business, particularly Immigration Services.
If you are currently unemployed, have Matric and want to gain valuable government workplace experience, this could be an opportunity worth considering.
Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership 2026/2027
The Cadet Learnership Programme is designed to help young people gain skills and experience that can prepare them for future employment.
Instead of only learning in a classroom, successful learners will also receive practical workplace exposure. This gives participants the opportunity to understand how a government department operates while developing useful workplace skills.
The programme runs for 12 months and successful candidates will receive a R4,500 stipend every month during the programme.
The opportunities are available in:
Gauteng
Eastern Cape
North West
Northern Cape
Mpumalanga
Free State
Western Cape
KwaZulu-Natal
Limpopo
Cadet Learnership Details
Job Detail
Information
Department
Department of Home Affairs
Programme
Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027
Duration
12 months
Contract
12-month contract
Stipend
R4,500 per month
Minimum Qualification
Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate
Equivalent Qualification
NQF Level 4
Target Group
Unemployed youth
Provinces
All 9 provinces
Closing Date
18 September 2026 at 16:00
Who Can Apply for the DHA Cadet Learnership?
The Department of Home Affairs is looking for unemployed youth who have completed Grade 12 or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
Applicants should carefully check the eligibility requirements before applying.
Preference will be given to young people who live close to the office where the learnership is based.
This is important because learners will be expected to report to the relevant workplace during the programme.
Applicants should also be aware that people who have previously participated in certain Public Service Youth Development Programmes may not qualify.
Young people who are currently receiving financial assistance from the government for another youth development programme will also not be eligible for consideration.
What Does the Cadet Learnership Offer?
The programme combines theoretical training and practical workplace learning.
This means learners will not only gain knowledge but will also have an opportunity to develop practical skills in a real government workplace.
Participants will be exposed to the Department of Home Affairs’ core business, including Immigration Services.
The experience gained during the programme could help learners understand workplace expectations, develop new skills and strengthen their CVs.
For unemployed young people who have limited work experience, gaining 12 months of workplace exposure can be particularly valuable when applying for future jobs.
R4,500 Monthly Stipend
Successful learners will receive a stipend of R4,500 per month for the duration of the 12-month programme.
It is important to understand that this is a learnership programme, not a permanent job appointment.
The stipend is provided while learners complete their training and workplace learning.
Applicants should therefore consider the full programme details before applying and understand that participation is for the stated 12-month period.
Cadet Learnership Vacancies in Gauteng
There are opportunities available at several locations in Gauteng.
Applicants need to make sure they submit the correct documents.
The application must include a fully completed New Z83 Application for Employment Form, effective from 1 January 2021, together with a comprehensive CV.
The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership provides unemployed youth with an opportunity to gain 12 months of practical workplace experience while receiving a monthly stipend.
Learners will also receive theoretical training and exposure to a government working environment.
The experience could help participants build their CVs, understand workplace expectations and develop skills that may be useful when applying for future opportunities.
However, applicants should remember that completing the learnership does not automatically guarantee permanent employment with the Department of Home Affairs.
Department of Home Affairs Learnership Closing Date
The closing date is:
18 September 2026 at 16:00
Late applications will not be considered.
Because applications must be sent to the correct provincial email address and include the required documents, eligible applicants should prepare their applications well before the deadline.
Quick Summary of the DHA Cadet Learnership
The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027 offers unemployed youth an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience and theoretical training.
The key details are:
Programme: Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027
Duration: 12 months
Stipend: R4,500 per month
Qualification: Grade 12 / NQF Level 4 equivalent
Experience: For unemployed youth
Locations: All 9 provinces
Workplace Exposure: Department of Home Affairs, including Immigration Services
Application: Provincial email
Closing Date: 18 September 2026 at 16:00
View the Official Job Advert and Z83 Form
Before applying, applicants should carefully read the full job advert and make sure they understand the requirements for their chosen province and centre.
If you are an unemployed young South African with Grade 12 or an NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification, this Department of Home Affairs opportunity could give you a chance to gain valuable workplace experience while receiving R4,500 per month for 12 months.
With opportunities spread across all nine provinces, job seekers have multiple locations to consider. Choose the correct province and centre, use the matching reference number and email address, complete the New Z83 form and attach your comprehensive CV.
