Explore the best opportunities for students, graduates, and unemployed youth in South Africa for 2026. From aviation and IT to rail, horticulture, and creative arts, these bursaries, internships, and learnerships offer funding, training, and career pathways.
1. Mwelase Group of Companies Bursary Programme 2026
Description: Fund your engineering, mining, IT, or business studies with Mwelase Bursaries 2026. Apply before 20 Feb.
Headline: Mwelase Group Bursaries 2026: Study Engineering, Mining, IT & Business
Details:
- Closing Date: 20 February 2026
- Eligibility: First-year and undergraduate students
- Fields: Engineering, Mining, Finance, IT, HR, Business, Safety & Environmental Management
- Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, academic excursions
- Apply: Email hr@mwelasemining.co.za with certified documents and CV
Highlights: Priority for residents of Emalahleni and Steve Tshwete Municipalities and historically disadvantaged students.
2. Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarship Programme 2026
Description: Up to R300k ACT Nyoloha Scholarships 2026 for young creatives in performing, visual & digital arts.
Headline: ACT Nyoloha Scholarships 2026: Support for Emerging Artists & Creatives
Details:
- Closing Date: 31 March 2026
- Eligibility: Grade 12 or university-exempt learners aged 17–25
- Fields: Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Digital Arts
- Apply: Submit portfolio, audition, and supporting documents via ACT portal
Highlights: Mentorship, workshops, live showcases, and industry networking.
3. Traxtion Engineering Apprenticeship Programme 2026
Description: Apply for Traxtion 3-year Diesel Electrical Fitter Apprenticeship 2026 in Pretoria. Start your engineering career.
Headline: Traxtion Engineering Apprenticeship 2026: Diesel Electrical Fitter Training
Details:
- Closing Date: 20 February 2026
- Location: Rosslyn, Pretoria, Gauteng
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: Matric with Maths, Science & English; N2 trade subjects preferred; 18–25 years old
- Apply: Email Careers@traxtionafrica.onmicrosoft.com
Highlights: Hands-on technical training, QCTO certification, and rail industry career pathway.
4. BBD Graduate Internship Programme 2026
Description: Launch your IT career with BBD Graduate Programme 2026. Paid internship, mentorship & real client projects.
Headline: BBD Graduate Internship 2026: Paid IT Programme for New Graduates
Details:
- Location: South Africa (Hybrid)
- Eligibility: Newly qualified graduates in Computer Science, IT, Software Engineering, or related fields
- Apply: Upload CV and supporting documents to BBD careers portal
Highlights: Full-time paid role, mentorship, exposure to multiple industries, hands-on software experience.
5. SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Study Grant 2026
Description: Apply for SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Study Grant 2026. Support for postgraduate Food Science & Technology students.
Headline: SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Grant 2026: Postgraduate Food Science Funding
Details:
- Closing Date: 27 February 2026
- Eligibility: Postgraduate students in BSc (Hons) Food Science or BTech Food Technology
- Value: R20,000 per student
- Apply: Nomination via department heads only
Highlights: Supports academic excellence, research, and career growth in South Africa’s food industry.
6. Rand Water Horticulture Learnership 2026 (NQF Level 2)
Description: Gain NQF Level 2 horticulture skills with Rand Water Learnership 2026. Apply before 27 Feb.
Headline: Rand Water Horticulture Learnership 2026: Practical Training for Youth
Details:
- Closing Date: 27 February 2026
- Location: Rietvlei, Glenvista, Gauteng
- Eligibility: Unemployed youth, Matric with Maths/Math Literacy and Life Science
- Apply: Submit online with certified documents
Highlights: Practical horticulture training, accredited qualification, entry-level agriculture/landscaping career path.
7. Joe Gqabi Economic Development Agency ICT Internship 2026
Description: JoGEDA ICT Internship 2026 for IT graduates in Eastern Cape. Gain practical public sector IT experience.
Headline: JoGEDA ICT Internship 2026: Gain Hands-On Public Sector IT Experience
Details:
- Closing Date: 20 February 2026
- Location: Aliwal North, Eastern Cape
- Eligibility: IT graduates (Diploma/Degree), unemployed
- Apply: Email vacancies@jogeda.co.za with CV, ID, qualifications, motivation letter
Highlights: Practical ICT exposure, public sector IT support, and economic development initiatives.
8. Transnet Train Assistant Trainee Programme 2026
Description: Transnet Train Assistant Trainee 2026: Rail operations training & career growth. Apply for Waterval Boven, Nelspruit, Komatipoort.
Headline: Transnet Train Assistant Trainee Programme 2026: Hands-On Rail Training
Details:
- Location: Various depots (Waterval Boven, Nelspruit, Komatipoort)
- Eligibility: Grade 12 with Maths/Physical Science, 21+, physically fit
- Apply: Online for preferred depot
Highlights: Structured rail training, freight & passenger operations experience, career growth in rail logistics.
9. Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Limited (ATNS) Bursary Programme 2026
Description: ATNS Bursaries 2026: Study Air Traffic Services & aviation management in Gauteng. Apply before 28 Feb.
Headline: ATNS Bursaries 2026: Study Air Traffic Services & Launch Aviation Career
Details:
- Closing Date: 28 February 2026
- Location: ATNS Aviation Training Academy, Bonaero Park, Gauteng
- Eligibility: Matric, unemployed, South African citizens, strong Maths & English
- Apply: Submit online using reference atns_000597
Highlights: 117 bursaries available in air traffic services, airport management, simulator support, and more.
Tips for Applying
- Apply early to avoid missing deadlines.
- Ensure all documents are certified and readable.
- Write strong motivation letters for bursaries and internships.
- Highlight community involvement, leadership, and relevant skills.
- Track application follow-ups and meet deadlines.
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Mbalizuke Nkosi
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to sharing opportunities, education updates, and career development information. The editorial team focuses on producing clear, reliable, and easy-to-understand content for students, job seekers, and young professionals.
With a strong interest in youth empowerment, skills development, and access to opportunities, Youth Admin curates and publishes content covering learnerships, internships, bursaries, and study guides across South Africa.
The aim of Mbalizuke Nkosi is to simplify important information and make it accessible to young people who are building their future careers.