Are you a young South African citizen interested in building a career in Information Technology (IT)? If yes, the SITA Learnership 2026 programme is your chance to gain valuable experience and possibly secure a position within the State Information Technology Agency (SITA). This 12-month training programme offers you hands-on experience in the IT field and equips you with the skills necessary to thrive in a dynamic, tech-driven industry.
What is the SITA Learnership Programme?
The SITA Learnership Programme is a 12-month initiative that offers 30 exciting opportunities in the IT sector. During this period, learners will undergo both theoretical and practical training. Upon successful completion, candidates may be absorbed into critical IT positions within SITA, providing an excellent pathway to launch your career in technology.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To be considered for the SITA Learnership, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: Unemployed South African citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 years.
- Educational Qualification: You must have a Matric (Grade 12) or a Further Education and Training (FET) Certificate, which is equivalent to NQF Level 4, with Mathematics and/or Computer Application Technology (CAT).
- IT Experience: While prior IT exposure is not mandatory, it will be an added advantage for applicants.
- No Prior Learnership Experience: Applicants should not have previously participated in any learnership programme.
- Individuals with Disabilities: SITA strongly encourages individuals with disabilities to apply.
Why Choose the SITA Learnership?
- Practical IT Experience: This programme equips you with hands-on experience in IT, which is essential for building a successful career.
- Employment Opportunity: After completing the programme, you may be considered for absorption into various IT departments within SITA.
- No Prior Work Experience Needed: The programme is designed for individuals who are starting their careers, so no prior work experience is required.
How to Apply for the SITA Learnership 2026?
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in applying for the SITA Learnership, follow these steps:
- Prepare Your Documents: You will need a comprehensive CV, certified copies of your original qualifications, and a copy of your South African ID document.
- Submit Your Application: Send your documents to mpho.ydp@sita.co.za before the closing date.
- Important Deadline: Ensure that you submit your application by 31 August 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Enquiries and Contact Information
For any questions related to the SITA Learnership 2026 programme, you can contact:
- Christinah Monageng: (012) 482 2400
- Mpho Mashigo: (012) 482 2884
Additional Notes and Important Information
- Employment Equity: SITA is an Employment Equity employer, and preference will be given to members of designated groups as per its Employment Equity Plan.
- Correspondence: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you don’t hear back from SITA within two months of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
- Foreign Qualifications: Applicants with foreign qualifications must have them evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- No Recruitment Agencies: CVs submitted through recruitment agencies will not be considered.
Conclusion
The SITA Learnership 2026 is an incredible opportunity for young South Africans to gain a foothold in the IT industry. With a structured learning environment and the potential for long-term employment, this programme sets you on the path to a promising career.
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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
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Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
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Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
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Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.