Home Affairs Cadet Learnerships. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is inviting unemployed South African youth to apply for its Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/27. The opportunity is aimed at young people who have completed Grade 12 or hold an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4 and are looking for an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience.
The learnership programme is being offered in partnership with the Public Service Education and Training Authority (PSETA) and will run for 12 months. Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend while participating in the programme.
Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme
The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership is a youth development programme designed to help unemployed young South Africans develop valuable workplace skills and gain practical experience.
The programme combines theoretical learning with practical workplace training, giving participants an opportunity to understand how government services operate while developing skills that can support their future careers.
The learnership focuses on the National Certificate: Immigration Services. Learners will therefore be exposed to the Department of Home Affairs’ core functions, particularly activities related to Immigration Services.
The programme also supports broader government objectives aimed at improving youth employment and providing young people with opportunities to enter the labour market.
Where possible, preference may be given to applicants who live close to the office or location where the learnership opportunity is available.
Who Can Apply?
The Home Affairs Cadet Learnership is intended for unemployed South African youth who meet the minimum educational requirements.
Applicants should have:
- A Grade 12 certificate, or
- An equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4.
- The ability to meet all other requirements specified in the relevant learnership advertisement.
There are also important restrictions that applicants should understand before applying.
Individuals who have previously participated in a Public Service Youth Development Programme, as described in the relevant government directive on the employment of persons in developmental programmes, will not be considered.
Applicants who are currently receiving financial assistance from the government through another youth development programme may also be excluded from consideration.
Candidates should carefully read the specific requirements attached to the available learnership post before submitting an application.
What Does the Learnership Offer?
Successful candidates will be appointed to the 12-month Cadet Learnership Programme.
During this period, learners will receive a monthly stipend in accordance with the programme conditions. The opportunity is designed to provide more than classroom-based training by giving participants practical exposure to the working environment.
Learners will develop knowledge and experience related to Immigration Services and gain an understanding of the Department’s day-to-day operations.
This type of workplace exposure can help unemployed youth strengthen their CVs, improve their professional skills and gain experience that may be useful when applying for future employment opportunities.
It is important to note that participation in a learnership does not automatically guarantee permanent employment with the Department of Home Affairs after the programme ends.
How to Apply for the Home Affairs Learnership
Applicants must follow the application instructions provided in the official advertisement for the specific learnership position.
Applications must generally be submitted by email or delivered to the relevant address specified for the advertised post.
Candidates must complete the official Application for Employment Form (New Z83). The New Z83 form has been used for public service applications since 1 January 2021.
When completing the application, applicants should make sure that they include the correct post number and job title exactly as stated in the advertisement.
A detailed and up-to-date CV must also accompany the application.
What Should Be Included in Your CV?
Applicants should provide clear information about their previous employment or work experience, where applicable.
For each period of employment, the CV should include:
- Start date and end date in dd/mm/yy format
- Job title or position held
- Main duties and responsibilities
- Reason for leaving the position
Applicants should also provide the details of at least two contactable employment references. Where possible, these should be recent references who can confirm the applicant’s previous work experience.
Even if you have limited work experience, make sure your CV is accurate, well organised and easy to read.
Documents Required
Applicants should carefully follow the document requirements contained in the official advertisement.
Candidates who are shortlisted may be required to provide copies of their:
- South African ID document
- Grade 12 certificate
- Relevant qualification documents
Applicants who obtained qualifications outside South Africa may also be required to provide qualification evaluation results from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Do not submit documents that are not requested unless the official advertisement specifically instructs you to do so.
Home Affairs Learnership Selection Process
After applications have been received, the Department of Home Affairs will conduct a selection process to identify suitable candidates.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening and security checks before final placement.
The Department reserves the right to select, place or reject applicants according to its operational requirements and service delivery needs.
Because a large number of applications may be received, applicants should not expect individual written acknowledgement of their applications.
Only a limited number of candidates will eventually be selected for the Cadet Learnership Programme.
Important Tips Before Applying
Before submitting your application, carefully check every detail in the relevant advertisement. Make sure that you meet the minimum qualification requirements and that your application contains all required information.
Pay particular attention to the:
- Correct post number
- Correct job title
- Application closing date
- Email address or physical delivery address
- Required documents
- New Z83 application form
- CV requirements
An incomplete application or an application submitted incorrectly may not be considered.
Conclusion
The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/27 provides unemployed South African youth with an opportunity to gain structured training and practical workplace exposure in the field of Immigration Services.
The 12-month programme can help eligible young people develop professional knowledge, workplace skills and practical experience while receiving a monthly stipend.
If you meet the Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 requirement, carefully review the official vacancy advertisement and make sure your application is completed correctly before submitting it.
