South African graduates looking to enter the technology industry can now apply for the QBurst Learnerships 2026, offering fully funded workplace-based learning opportunities in software development and software testing.
The 12-month programmes provide unemployed South Africans aged 18 to 29 with practical ICT experience, recognised qualifications, technical training and a monthly stipend.
With only limited places available, eligible graduates are encouraged to prepare their applications before the 15 July 2026 closing date.
QBurst Learnerships 2026 Open for Unemployed South African Graduates
Technology continues to create new career opportunities for young South Africans, but many graduates struggle to gain the workplace experience needed to secure their first job.
The QBurst Learnerships 2026 aim to address this challenge by combining formal ICT qualifications with real workplace exposure.
QBurst Technologies SA is offering two fully funded learnership streams:
Both programmes run for 12 months and are designed for unemployed South African graduates who want to build careers in the software industry.
Opportunity Overview
| Opportunity Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | QBurst Technologies SA |
| Programme Type | ICT Learnership |
| Available Programmes | Software Development and Software Testing |
| Industry | Information and Communication Technology (ICT) |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Number of Places | 12 positions per programme |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Monthly Stipend | Provided |
| Stipend Amount | Not disclosed |
| Qualification Level | NQF Level 6 |
| Target Applicants | Unemployed South African graduates |
| Age Requirement | 18–29 years |
| Application Method | |
| Closing Date | 15 July 2026 |
What Are the QBurst Learnerships 2026 About?
The QBurst learnership programmes are designed to help graduates move from academic learning into professional technology careers.
Participants will complete structured training while gaining practical experience alongside software engineering teams.
Instead of only learning concepts through theory, learners will participate in workplace projects where they can develop real technical skills.
The programmes focus on:
- Practical ICT skills
- Workplace readiness
- Software engineering processes
- Team collaboration
- Industry-relevant technology tools
- Career development
Successful learners will gain valuable experience that can strengthen future employment opportunities within the technology sector.
QBurst Software Development Learnership 2026
The Software Development Learnership focuses on building applications and developing programming skills.
Learners will gain exposure to modern software development practices while working with experienced development teams.
Software Development Training Includes:
- Programming fundamentals
- Software development processes
- Application development
- Coding practices
- Debugging and problem-solving
- Software engineering teamwork
- Live project exposure
Technologies Learners May Use:
- Python
- Java
- .NET
- Node.js
The programme is suitable for graduates who enjoy creating solutions through code and want to pursue careers in software development.
QBurst Software Testing Learnership 2026
The Software Testing Learnership focuses on software quality assurance and ensuring that digital products perform correctly.
Learners will develop skills in identifying defects, improving software quality and supporting engineering teams.
Software Testing Training Includes:
- Functional testing
- Test automation
- Performance testing
- Security testing
- Quality assurance processes
- Test planning
- Software defect reporting
- Testing documentation
Participants will also work towards internationally recognised software testing certifications, including:
- ISTQB certification
- SA-STQB certification
This creates opportunities for graduates interested in software quality engineering and testing careers.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 29 years old
- Be unemployed when the programme starts
- Have a completed NQF Level 6 qualification
- Be available for the full 12-month programme
- Commit to completing the learnership requirements
Applicants who are currently employed by another organisation will not qualify.
Accepted Qualifications
QBurst accepts relevant NQF Level 6 qualifications, including:
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Engineering
- Related ICT qualifications
Applicants should have completed their qualification before applying.
Short courses or unrelated certificates will not replace the required NQF Level 6 qualification.
Who Should Apply?
The QBurst Learnerships may suit graduates who:
- Enjoy technology and problem-solving
- Want to start a career in software
- Have programming or ICT exposure
- Enjoy analysing information
- Like improving digital solutions
- Want workplace experience
- Are willing to learn from experienced professionals
For software testing specifically, attention to detail and patience are valuable skills.
For software development, logical thinking and coding interest are important.
Stipend and Benefits
Successful learners will receive:
- Fully funded training
- Monthly learner stipend
- Workplace experience
- Technical skills development
- Mentorship from industry professionals
- Exposure to real engineering projects
The stipend amount has not been disclosed.
Transformation and Employment Equity
QBurst runs these programmes as skills-development learnerships aligned with transformation objectives.
Preference may be given to candidates who support employment equity goals, including:
- Black South Africans
- African, Coloured and Indian candidates
- Women candidates
- Suitable candidates with disabilities
These initiatives support broader skills development within South Africa’s ICT sector.
Required Documents Checklist
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African identity document
- Qualification certificate or academic results
Before submitting, applicants should ensure all documents are clear, readable and correctly attached.
How to Apply for QBurst Learnerships 2026
Step 1:
Prepare your application documents:
- CV
- Certified ID copy
- Qualification results
Step 2:
Write an email including:
- Full name
- Age
- Qualification
- NQF Level
- Confirmation that you are unemployed
- Contact number
Step 3:
Use the correct email subject:
For Software Development:
Software Development Learnership
For Software Testing:
Step 4:
Send your application via email to:
Keep a copy of your sent email and attachments for your records.
Closing Date
Applications Close: 15 July 2026
Eligible graduates should submit applications before the deadline.
Applying early gives candidates enough time to correct missing documents or application errors.
Related Opportunity
Youthscope
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for QBurst Learnerships 2026?
Unemployed South African graduates aged 18 to 29 with a completed NQF Level 6 qualification.
2. What qualifications are needed?
Applicants need qualifications in ICT-related fields such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems or Engineering.
3. Are these learnerships open to unemployed youth?
Yes. The programmes are aimed at unemployed graduates.
4. Is there a stipend?
Yes, learners receive a monthly stipend. The amount has not been disclosed.
5. How long do the programmes last?
Both learnerships run for 12 months.
6. How do applicants apply?
Applications must be emailed to Janine.smith@qburst.com with the required documents attached.
Why You Should Apply
The transition from studying technology to finding employment can be challenging without practical experience.
The QBurst Learnerships provide graduates with the opportunity to:
- Build workplace confidence
- Gain industry experience
- Develop technical skills
- Work on real projects
- Learn from experienced professionals
- Improve their employment prospects
For young South Africans entering the ICT sector, workplace exposure can make a significant difference when applying for permanent positions.
Career Pathways After Completion
Graduates may pursue careers such as:
Software Development Pathway
- Junior Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- Backend Developer
- Full Stack Developer
- Application Developer
- Web Developer
- Systems Developer
Software Testing Pathway
- Software Tester
- Quality Assurance Analyst
- Test Automation Engineer
- QA Engineer
- Software Quality Engineer
- Performance Testing Analyst
The experience gained may also support further studies, certifications and career advancement in ICT.
Expert Guidance: Mbalizuke Nkosi
Career Advice for Applicants
Technology learnerships attract many applications, so preparation is important.
Before submitting your application:
- Confirm that you meet every eligibility requirement.
- Make sure your CV clearly highlights your qualification and technical skills.
- Use professional filenames for attachments.
- Check that your ID and qualification documents are readable.
- Apply before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
Applicants should also remember that employers look for more than qualifications. A willingness to learn, attention to detail and professional communication can help you stand out.
Disclaimer
Applicants should verify all information through official QBurst recruitment channels before applying.
Never pay money to secure a learnership, internship or job opportunity. Legitimate employers do not request payment during recruitment.
Application decisions remain solely with QBurst Technologies SA.
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
Through informative and professionally curated content, YouthScope.co.za aims to equip young people with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
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