Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027: Your Matric Could Open the Door to 12 Months of Training and R200 a Day

Who can apply

• Before choosing your long-term direction, use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer.
• The platform allows South Africans to research occupations, NQF levels, SAQA qualifications and possible links between careers and recognised learning pathways.
• Applicants interested in professional cookery can research culinary occupations and the qualifications associated with them.
• Those interested in customer service and hospitality management can investigate related roles and possible progression routes.
• The objective is to understand what qualifications and competencies you may need after this training.
• Confirm that you meet the age, educational, location and other advertised requirements.
• Do not submit false information about your qualifications, residence or previous programme participation.
• It is important for applicants to distinguish between the Department’s advertised requirements and additional career advice.
• The flyer does not specify the exact qualification title, SAQA ID, NQF level or certification outcome. Applicants should request this information from the programme administrators.
• Will I get a permanent job after training?

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to Department Tourism Culinary Skills - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

You have your Matric certificate. You want to work. But every time you look for employment, you encounter the same frustrating requirement: experience.

How are you supposed to gain experience when employers want you to have it before they give you an opportunity?

For unemployed young South Africans who are passionate about cooking, hospitality, restaurants and tourism, the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027 could provide an important starting point.

The Department of Tourism is inviting unemployed youth aged 18 to 35 to apply for its 12-month Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery Skills Programme, with successful beneficiaries receiving an advertised daily stipend of R200.

What makes this opportunity particularly relevant is that the advertised minimum educational requirement is Matric. Applicants are not required by the flyer to already possess a university degree or hospitality diploma.

Training opportunities are advertised across seven provinces, including Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, North West and Free State.

Applications close on 18 October 2026.

If you qualify, consider where you could be a year from now after gaining structured training and practical skills in the hospitality sector.

The opportunity does not guarantee employment, but it offers a potential route towards building the experience and competencies that hospitality employers value.

Quick Overview: Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027

• Organisation: South African Department of Tourism
• Programme: Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027
• Training Fields: Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery
• Programme Type: Skills Development and Hospitality Training
• Duration: 12 months
• Stipend: R200 per day
• Minimum Qualification: Matric / Grade 12
• Age Requirement: 18 - 35 years
• Target Group: Unemployed youth
• Participating Provinces: Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng
• Persons with Disabilities: Encouraged to apply
• Application Method: Online Microsoft Forms application
• Closing Date: 18 October 2026

Apply Online for the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027

Why This Opportunity Deserves Your Attention

For many unemployed Matric holders, the biggest problem is not necessarily a lack of willingness to work.

It is the absence of a practical opportunity to develop skills that employers can recognise.

You might enjoy cooking at home, helping with family events, preparing meals for customers or serving people.

However, working in a professional hospitality environment requires additional knowledge, discipline and practical competencies.

The Department of Tourism’s Culinary Skills Programme is designed to improve employment opportunities for unemployed youth within the hospitality and tourism sector.

Instead of relying entirely on what you learned at school, you could potentially use this opportunity to develop industry-related skills over 12 months.

Think about the difference between two CVs.

One simply lists Matric.

The other lists Matric alongside relevant culinary training, food preparation knowledge, food safety competencies and practical hospitality exposure.

Although completing training cannot guarantee employment, relevant skills can strengthen the way an applicant presents themselves to potential employers.

That is why opportunities like this deserve careful consideration.

What Will Participants Learn During the Culinary Skills Programme?

The advertisement identifies two main training areas:

1. Professional Cookery

Professional Cookery is associated with the preparation, cooking, presentation and handling of food in professional kitchen environments.

Depending on the approved curriculum and training provider, relevant areas of learning may include:

• Basic and advanced food preparation techniques
• Kitchen hygiene and food safety
• Safe handling and storage of ingredients
• Preparation of different dishes
• Understanding professional kitchen equipment
• Food presentation
• Kitchen organisation
• Teamwork and communication
• Professional kitchen standards
• Managing time and working under pressure

These skills are relevant to restaurants, hotels, catering companies, tourism establishments and other food-service businesses.

Participants interested in progressing further into culinary careers can also investigate the Occupational Cook Learnership pathway on the Edupstairs CATHSSETA Platform.

1. Food and Beverage Services

Food and Beverage Services focuses on the service side of hospitality.

While chefs and cooks work primarily on preparing food, food and beverage employees help ensure that customers receive professional service.

Relevant industry competencies may include:

• Customer service and guest interaction
• Restaurant service procedures
• Serving food and beverages
• Understanding menus
• Table preparation and presentation
• Professional communication
• Hygiene and service standards
• Teamwork
• Handling customer requests
• General restaurant operations

For someone who enjoys working with people, this can be a useful area to investigate.

You can also explore the Food and Beverage Service qualification pathway through CATHSSETA.

Important: These are examples of industry-related competencies, not a confirmed list of modules or qualifications awarded by this particular Department of Tourism programme. The detailed curriculum should be confirmed with the programme administrators.

Where Is the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme Available?

The advertisement identifies specific towns and regions across seven South African provinces.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the advertised locations before applying.

Northern Cape

Applications are invited from the following areas:

• Kuruman and Kathu
• Upington
• Springbok

Eastern Cape

The advertised areas include:

• Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
• Lusikisiki
• Mthatha

Free State

The participating areas include:

• Phuthaditjhaba and Harrismith
• Sasolburg and Parys
• Kroonstad and Viljoenskroon

North West

The following areas are listed:

• Potchefstroom
• Mafikeng (Mahikeng)
• Klerksdorp

Limpopo

The advertised location is:

• Giyani

Mpumalanga

Applicants are invited from:

• Ermelo
• Malelane

Gauteng

The advertised locations include:

• Pretoria
• Soshanguve

Important for applicants: The programme advertisement specifically identifies these locations. KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape are not included in the advertised provincial list.

Applicants should not assume that training is available in every town within a listed province.

If you live outside the specified areas, confirm your eligibility with the Department of Tourism before making arrangements.

Who Qualifies for the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme?

The advertisement targets unemployed young people with Matric who are interested in developing careers within hospitality and tourism.

According to the advertised requirements, applicants must:

1. Be between the ages of 18 and 35.
2. Have completed Matric / Grade 12.
3. Be fluent in English.
4. Submit a CV.
5. Submit a certified copy of their identity document.
6. Provide proof of residence.
7. Provide their Matric certificate.
8. Be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays, when required.
9. Demonstrate an interest in tourism and hospitality and a willingness to grow within the sector.
10. Not have previously participated in the Department of Tourism’s learnership or skills programmes.

The advertisement also states that persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Can You Apply Without Previous Work Experience?

The flyer does not list previous hospitality employment as a minimum requirement.

This is important for unemployed applicants who have Matric but have not yet worked in a professional kitchen, hotel or restaurant.

However, applicants must still meet the published criteria and any additional lawful screening requirements communicated by the programme administrators.

Can You Apply If You Have Previously Completed a Tourism Learnership?

The advertisement states that beneficiaries who previously participated in the Department of Tourism’s learnership or skills programmes will not be considered.

Applicants should therefore disclose their previous participation accurately.

How Much Will Participants Receive?

The Department of Tourism advertises a daily stipend of R200.

This allowance is intended for beneficiaries participating in the programme.

It is important to understand the difference between a daily stipend and a fixed monthly salary.

The advertisement does not specify a guaranteed number of paid days per month.

Therefore, applicants should not automatically assume that they will receive the same amount every month.

The exact payment arrangements, eligible attendance days and other stipend conditions should be confirmed through the programme contract.

The advertisement specifies that successful candidates will be required to sign a contract covering the 12-month training period.

Is This a Permanent Government Job?

No permanent government appointment is promised in the advertisement.

The advertised opportunity is a 12-month skills-development programme, not a guaranteed permanent position within the Department of Tourism.

The value of the programme lies in the training and potential development of skills relevant to the hospitality industry.

Participants could use the experience to investigate future opportunities in restaurants, lodges, hotels, catering services and related tourism establishments.

But the availability of employment after training depends on individual circumstances, vacancies, employer requirements and successful completion of the relevant training.

Career Opportunities After Culinary and Hospitality Training

There is an important distinction between applying for a training opportunity and building a longer-term career.

The training may be temporary.

The knowledge and practical skills you develop can remain useful long after the programme ends.

Depending on your training, competence and further qualifications, hospitality-related career options may include:

• Kitchen Assistant
• Food Preparation Assistant
• Commis Chef
• Cook
• Catering Assistant
• Food and Beverage Attendant
• Waiter or Waitress
• Restaurant Service Assistant
• Hotel Food-Service Employee
• Catering Entrepreneur

With appropriate additional qualifications and experience, some people may progress towards more advanced roles such as Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Chef, Kitchen Supervisor or Restaurant Manager.

These are possible career pathways, not employment outcomes guaranteed by this programme.

Use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer

Before choosing your long-term direction, use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer.

The platform allows South Africans to research occupations, NQF levels, SAQA qualifications and possible links between careers and recognised learning pathways.

Applicants interested in professional cookery can research culinary occupations and the qualifications associated with them.

Those interested in customer service and hospitality management can investigate related roles and possible progression routes.

The objective is to understand what qualifications and competencies you may need after this training.

Interested in Becoming a Professional Chef? Explore CATHSSETA

South Africa has a Sector Education and Training Authority responsible for industries that include tourism and hospitality.

It is known as the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, Sport Sector Education and Training Authority, or CATHSSETA.

The Edupstairs SETA Platform allows applicants to explore all 21 South African SETAs and investigate learning pathways associated with different industries.

For culinary and hospitality applicants, the following resources are particularly useful.

CATHSSETA Culinary and Hospitality Development

The CATHSSETA Culinary and Hospitality Development Programme guide explains occupational and workplace development pathways related to cooking, food preparation and hospitality operations.

Occupational Cook Learnership

The Occupational Cook Learnership guide provides information about a registered learnership linked to the Occupational Certificate: Cook.

Occupational Certificate: Chef

Applicants interested in progressing towards professional culinary qualifications can investigate the Occupational Certificate: Chef pathway.

Other Hospitality Learnerships

The CATHSSETA Learnerships guide provides information about structured learning and workplace-development pathways within the sector.

Important: These Edupstairs CATHSSETA resources are for career research. They do not mean that the Department of Tourism programme is necessarily awarding one of these specific qualifications or that every listed CATHSSETA programme is currently accepting applications.

What If You Want to Study Hospitality at a TVET College?

Not everyone who wants to enter hospitality needs to follow the same educational route.

Some applicants may benefit from skills-development programmes.

Others may wish to pursue vocational qualifications through public TVET colleges.

Edupstairs provides a TVET College Explorer covering all 50 public TVET colleges in South Africa.

This allows prospective students to investigate college programmes, campuses, entry requirements and application resources.

Hospitality-related study options may include Hospitality, Tourism or occupational training where a particular college offers the relevant programme.

Applicants should check which courses are available at individual institutions and campuses.

If you are considering further studies in 2027, read the Edupstairs guide to TVET College Applications for 2027.

The important question is not simply whether you can get into a college.

It is whether the qualification will help you progress towards the career you actually want.

Explore Hospitality and Tourism Courses at University

Young people who become interested in management, tourism development or more advanced hospitality-related studies may also wish to investigate university pathways.

Depending on the institution, relevant fields may include:

• Hospitality Management
• Tourism Management
• Food Science
• Consumer Science
• Business Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Events Management

The Edupstairs University Explorer allows prospective students to compare South African universities, available programmes, APS requirements, application information and related student resources.

A university qualification is not an advertised requirement for this Department of Tourism intake.

This resource is intended to help applicants consider future educational progression.

Check QCTO-Accredited Training Providers Before Registering for Further Training

There are many institutions advertising culinary courses, chef training and hospitality qualifications.

However, an institution advertising training does not automatically establish that it holds the relevant accreditation.

Before paying for occupational training, applicants should investigate the training provider’s accreditation status.

Edupstairs provides a QCTO Accredited Skills Development Provider and Assessment Centre database.

The database allows users to search available accreditation records and filter providers according to province.

Applicants researching culinary qualifications can investigate providers associated with occupations such as Cook, Chef and Food Handler.

Remember that accreditation may apply to specific qualifications and sites. A provider appearing in the database does not mean it is participating in the Department of Tourism’s current programme.

How to Apply for the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027

Applications must be completed online through the Microsoft Forms application supplied with the programme advertisement.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm that you meet the age, educational, location and other advertised requirements.

Do not submit false information about your qualifications, residence or previous programme participation.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Before beginning your application, prepare:

• An updated CV
• A certified ID copy
• Your Matric certificate
• Proof of residence

Make sure your documents are clear and readable.

The advertisement warns that failure to submit required documentation will result in an application not being considered.

Step 3: Open the Application Form

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM CULINARY SKILLS PROGRAMME 2026/2027

Use the application link supplied with the advertisement, and confirm that the form identifies the correct programme before entering personal information.

Step 4: Complete the Required Information

Follow the online form’s instructions.

Provide accurate personal and contact information and select the appropriate location or programme option if requested.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Check your responses and required attachments before submitting.

Keep a record of any confirmation or reference provided.

Closing Date: 18 October 2026.

Applying before the final day can help you avoid technical problems, incomplete uploads or mistakes made while rushing.

What Happens After You Apply?

According to the advertisement, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview to determine their suitability.

Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates.

The advertisement further states that if applicants have not been contacted within two weeks after the closing date, they should accept that their applications were unsuccessful.

For this programme, the advertised two-week period ends around 1 November 2026.

Applicants should therefore monitor their telephone calls, SMS messages and email correspondence after submitting their applications.

Latest Learnerships and Skills-Development Opportunities Published on Edupstairs

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is submitting a single application and then waiting for an outcome before searching again.

There is no guarantee that every qualifying applicant will be selected.

Edupstairs has recently published several additional learnerships and workplace-development opportunities worth investigating.

1. Transcend Generic Management Learnership Programme 2026

Applicants interested in leadership, supervision and management-related qualifications can read about the Transcend Generic Management Learnership Programme 2026.

The programme identifies Matric or NQF Level 4 as its minimum educational requirement and includes management-related learning pathways.

1. Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learnership Programme 2026

Recently qualified artisans looking for workplace experience can investigate the Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learnership Programme 2026.

The opportunities cover selected technical trades, including Carpentry, Plumbing, Instrumentation and Diesel Mechanics. Applicants must meet the relevant trade-test requirements.

1. Rohlig-Grindrod Youth Employment Service Programme 2026

Unemployed Matric holders interested in logistics and supply-chain careers can explore the Rohlig-Grindrod Youth Employment Service Programme 2026.

The programme provides a 12-month workplace-experience pathway for qualifying young people.

The advertised closing date is 15 November 2026.

1. Sasol Maintenance and Production Learnership Programme 2026

Applicants interested in technical and industrial careers can investigate the Sasol Maintenance and Production Learnership Programme 2026.

The programme covers Electrical, Mechanical Fitting and Chemical Plant Operations pathways, subject to specific academic requirements.

Applications close on 16 October 2026.

1. NARYSEC Drone Pilot Training Programme 2026/2027

Unemployed young people from the targeted communities can explore the NARYSEC Drone Pilot Training Programme 2026/2027.

This provides another skills-development pathway for qualifying applicants interested in emerging technologies.

1. NARYSEC Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician Training Programme 2026

Applicants interested in renewable energy can investigate the NARYSEC Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician Training Programme 2026.

The advertised intake has specific geographic and academic requirements, with a closing date of 9 October 2026.

1. Peace Officers and Traffic Wardens Programme 2026

Unemployed youth interested in municipal law enforcement and public safety can read about the Peace Officers and Traffic Wardens Programme 2026.

The Stellenbosch Municipality opportunity includes training through the Expanded Public Works Programme, with applications closing on 19 October 2026.

For continuously updated opportunities, visit the Latest Learnerships and Skills-Development Programmes on Edupstairs.

Applicants should check each opportunity’s current status, requirements and application deadline before applying.

Official Department of Tourism Requirements vs Edupstairs Guidance

It is important for applicants to distinguish between the Department’s advertised requirements and additional career advice.

Official Programme Information

The supplied Department of Tourism advertisement identifies:

• A 2026/2027 Culinary Skills Programme
• Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery
• A 12-month programme duration
• A R200 daily stipend
• Unemployed youth aged 18 - 35 as the target group
• Matric and English fluency requirements
• Specified towns and regions across seven provinces
• Required supporting documentation
• Flexible working-hour requirements
• Exclusion of previous beneficiaries of the Department’s learnership or skills programmes
• Shortlisting and interview arrangements
• A closing date of 18 October 2026

Additional Edupstairs Guidance

The Career & Qualification Explorer, Career Discovery, QCTO accreditation database, University Explorer, TVET College Explorer, SETA Platform and related learnership links are independent Edupstairs resources.

They are provided to help applicants understand wider educational and employment opportunities.

These resources do not introduce additional eligibility conditions for the Department of Tourism programme.

Tools you may find useful:

View Other Employment Opportunities here

Need Help?

Don’t Let Your Matric Be the Last Step in Your Career Development

Here is a question worth considering.

If you are still unemployed 12 months from now, what would you wish you had started doing today?

For some people, the answer might be applying for a learnership.

For others, it might be enrolling for a qualification, improving their CV, starting a small business or gaining practical skills.

If you genuinely enjoy cooking, hospitality and working with people, the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme is worth investigating.

But do not apply simply because it offers a stipend.

Think about what the training could help you build.

Could you imagine working in a restaurant kitchen?

Would you enjoy providing professional service to hotel guests?

Are you interested in catering, food preparation or eventually operating your own food business?

If you are unsure which career direction matches your interests, try the Edupstairs Career Discovery assessment.

The assessment helps users explore careers based on the types of work they find interesting.

Then use the Career & Qualification Explorer to research the qualifications and occupational pathways associated with those interests.

Most importantly, understand that submitting an application is a decision you control; being selected is not.

Do the part that is within your control.

Prepare your documents, check your eligibility and submit accurately before the deadline.

Then continue applying for other legitimate opportunities.

Build Your Career Beyond This Programme

Use these Edupstairs resources to build a wider training, education and employment plan:

• Career Discovery - Find Careers That Match Your Interests - Explore occupational interests and potential career matches.
• Career & Qualification Explorer - Research South African Careers and SAQA Qualifications - Investigate occupations, qualifications and NQF levels.
• CATHSSETA Culinary and Hospitality Development Programmes - Explore culinary skills-development pathways.
• CATHSSETA Occupational Cook Learnership - Research occupational cook training.
• CATHSSETA Occupational Certificate: Chef - Investigate professional culinary qualification pathways.
• SETA Platform - Explore All 21 SETAs - Find information about sector-specific learning and skills-development opportunities.
• QCTO Accredited Training Providers - Research accredited Skills Development Providers and Assessment Centres.
• TVET College Explorer - Explore South Africa’s 50 Public TVET Colleges - Compare vocational education pathways.
• University Explorer - Search South African Universities and Courses - Investigate higher-education opportunities.
• Mopani TVET College Professional Cookery Learnership 2026 - Read about a previous culinary learnership intake; the advertised March 2026 deadline has passed.
• Latest Learnerships in South Africa - Discover recently published training opportunities.
• Latest Internships - Find workplace-experience opportunities for qualifying applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme accepting applications for 2026/2027?

The supplied advertisement invites applications for the 2026/2027 intake, with a stated closing date of 18 October 2026. Applicants should confirm that the application form remains available.

1. How much is the stipend?

The advertised stipend is R200 per day. The number of paid days per month is not specified in the flyer.

1. How long is the programme?

The programme runs for 12 months.

1. Can I apply with Matric only?

Matric is the advertised minimum educational qualification, but applicants must also satisfy the age, location and other requirements.

1. What is the age requirement?

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.

1. Do I need hospitality experience?

The advertisement does not list previous hospitality work experience as a minimum requirement.

1. Can persons with disabilities apply?

Yes. The advertisement specifically encourages persons living with disabilities to apply.

1. Can I apply from KwaZulu-Natal or the Western Cape?

These provinces are not included in the advertised programme locations. Applicants outside the listed regions should confirm eligibility with the programme administrators.

1. What documents must I submit?

Applicants are required to provide a CV, certified ID copy, proof of residence and Matric certificate.

1. Will I receive a qualification after completing the programme?

The flyer does not specify the exact qualification title, SAQA ID, NQF level or certification outcome. Applicants should request this information from the programme administrators.

The advertisement does not guarantee permanent employment.

1. When will shortlisted candidates be contacted?

The Department’s advertisement states that shortlisted candidates will be contacted and interviewed. Applicants who have not received correspondence within two weeks after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.

1. When is the closing date?

The advertised closing date is 18 October 2026.

1. Where can I apply?

Applications are completed online through the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027 application form provided with the advertisement.

Department of Tourism Contact Details

For programme-related enquiries, the supplied advertisement lists:

Telephone: 012 444 6649

Email: [email protected]

Applicants can also consult the South African Department of Tourism website for departmental contact information and official notices.

You can also:

Disclaimer

Edupstairs is an independent education, careers and employment opportunities platform and is not affiliated with the Department of Tourism’s recruitment or selection process.

This article is based primarily on the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027 advertisement supplied for publication.

The provided Microsoft Forms link opens a Microsoft Forms page, but its ownership and the programme’s publication on an official departmental website could not be independently confirmed during this research.

Applicants should confirm the programme and application channel with the Department of Tourism before submitting sensitive documents. Never pay anyone who claims they can guarantee selection, training placement or government employment.

Programme details, requirements, locations, allowances, recruitment processes and application arrangements may change.

Editorial Integrity

The programme name, training streams, stipend, duration, age and educational requirements, advertised locations, document requirements, previous-participation restriction, selection procedure, contact details and closing date have been taken from the supplied advertisement.

Information concerning career opportunities, further qualifications, CATHSSETA, QCTO-accredited providers, universities, TVET colleges and related Edupstairs learnerships represents additional editorial research and career guidance.

These resources should not be interpreted as additional application requirements or guarantees of employment, funding or qualification outcomes.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 - 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

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