The Department of Science and Innovation (DSTI) invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the National Youth Service Graduate Programme 2026 Vacancies. This programme is open to unemployed graduates, and successful applicants will be placed for 12 months at partner institutions across South Africa. The closing date for applications is Saturday, 31 January 2026 at 23:59. If you are a young graduate looking for real work experience, this opportunity could change your future.
Graduate unemployment is still a big problem in South Africa. Many young people finish their studies but struggle to find work because they have little or no experience. The DSTI National Youth Service (NYS) Graduate Programme was created to help solve this problem by giving graduates a fair chance to gain skills, workplace exposure, and confidence.
The DSTI-NYS Graduate Programme 2026 is a government-supported initiative focused on helping young graduates enter the world of work. The programme is managed by SAASTA, which falls under the National Research Foundation (NRF), on behalf of the Department of Science and Innovation.
Graduates who are selected will be placed at approved partner institutions for 12 months. During this time, participants will gain practical work experience, contribute to community development, and receive a monthly stipend to support their basic needs.
This programme is not just about working. It is about learning, growing, and becoming ready for long-term employment.
This programme forms part of the government’s National Youth Service strategy, which focuses on building skills while helping communities. The main goals of the programme include:
Graduates who join the programme are given a chance to prove themselves in real working environments. This makes it easier to find permanent jobs after the programme ends.
Graduates will be placed in different institutions depending on their field of study and skills. Your tasks may include:
This experience helps graduates become confident and job-ready.
To qualify for this programme, you must:
If you do not meet all these requirements, your application may not be considered.
Graduates from the following areas are encouraged to apply:
Even if your qualification is closely related, you are still encouraged to apply.
The programme is looking for young people who are ready to learn and work hard. Useful skills include:
You do not need to be perfect. What matters most is your attitude and willingness to grow.
The Department of Science and Innovation is serious about fairness and transformation. The programme supports:
Applications are strongly encouraged from:
Everyone deserves a chance to succeed.
Make sure you prepare and upload the following certified documents:
Missing documents can lead to disqualification, so double-check everything.
Apply early to avoid last-minute problems.
This programme is a powerful opportunity for young graduates who want to build a better future. If you are serious about your career and ready to gain experience, the DSTI National Youth Service Graduate Programme 2026 could be the step that changes everything.
homechoice invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their 24Hrs Flexi Sales Associate Vacancies (Multiple… Read More
The Capital Hotels invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Food & Beverage Waiter… Read More
Adidas invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Permanent Part-Time Sales Assistant Vacancies (Multiple… Read More
