Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027: R200 Daily Stipend With Matric

Who can apply

• Start by checking your age, citizenship, Matric qualification, employment status and residential location.
• You should also confirm that you have not previously participated in a Department of Tourism learnership or skills-development programme.

Documents you will need

• Attach the requested supporting documents where the form provides upload fields.
• Make sure you follow any document format or file-size instructions.
• Avoid submitting incorrect or misleading information.

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 could receive R200 per day while completing 12 months of culinary training through the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027. However, before submitting your details, check two important conditions: previous Department of Tourism programme participation and whether your town is included in the seven participating provinces.

The programme targets unemployed South Africans aged 18 to 35 who want to develop professional cooking and hospitality skills.

You only need Matric to meet the educational requirement listed for this intake. Previous professional cooking experience is not specified as compulsory.

The published closing date is 18 October 2026, making it important to prepare your documents and check the online registration form without delay.

What Does the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027 Offer?

The Department of Tourism is offering a structured skills-development programme focusing on two important areas of the hospitality industry.

Participants will receive training in Professional Cookery or Food and Beverage Services, depending on their placement.

Here are the main programme details.

Important: The R200 allowance is calculated daily, rather than being a guaranteed fixed monthly salary.

The published notice does not confirm the number of paid training days per month.

Who Qualifies for the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme?

The programme is intended for unemployed young South Africans who are interested in pursuing careers in tourism, hospitality and professional food preparation.

According to the 2026/2027 intake information, candidates must meet the following conditions:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Have completed Matric / Grade 12.
• Be currently unemployed.
• Communicate fluently in English.
• Have an interest in tourism and hospitality.
• Be willing to complete the full programme.
• Be prepared to work flexible hours.
• Be available on weekends and public holidays when required.
• Not have previously participated in the Department’s learnership or skills programmes.

Persons living with disabilities are also encouraged to participate.

Can You Qualify With Matric Only?

Yes. The specific 2026/2027 intake notice lists Matric as the educational requirement.

This means a university degree or hospitality diploma is not specified as compulsory for this intake.

However, the Department’s broader youth-skills webpage also mentions tourism or hospitality qualifications among its general selection criteria.

If you have Matric without additional hospitality qualifications, confirm that the intake-specific requirements apply to your chosen training location.

Can You Join Without Previous Cooking Experience?

Previous professional cooking or restaurant experience is not listed as compulsory in the 2026/2027 notice.

This makes the programme relevant to beginners who are interested in developing practical hospitality skills.

For example, you may have experience preparing meals at home, helping with family events or assisting with community catering.

These activities can demonstrate your interest in cooking, even if you have never worked in a professional kitchen.

Where Is the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme Available?

The 2026/2027 programme includes selected locations across seven South African provinces.

You should check the listed towns carefully because being a resident of a participating province does not automatically mean every town is included.

Northern Cape

• Kuruman and Kathu
• Upington
• Springbok

Eastern Cape

• Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
• Lusikisiki
• Mthatha

Free State

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

North West

• Potchefstroom
• Mahikeng (Mafikeng)
• Klerksdorp

Limpopo

- Giyani

Mpumalanga

• Ermelo
• Malelane

Gauteng

• Pretoria
• Soshanguve

The Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are not included in the published location list for this particular intake.

If you live outside the specified locations, contact the Department of Tourism to confirm whether you qualify before making travel arrangements.

What Will You Learn During the 12-Month Culinary Training Programme?

The programme focuses on two hospitality training streams.

Although both are connected to the food-service industry, they develop different occupational skills.

1. Professional Cookery

Professional Cookery focuses on preparing and handling food in professional kitchen environments.

This training area is suitable for someone interested in working in restaurants, hotel kitchens, catering companies or other food establishments.

Depending on the approved training curriculum, you may develop skills involving:

• Food preparation
• Kitchen hygiene
• Food safety procedures
• Ingredient storage
• Cooking techniques
• Kitchen equipment
• Food presentation
• Kitchen organisation
• Teamwork and time management

Professional kitchens operate differently from ordinary home kitchens.

Participants may therefore gain an understanding of workplace food preparation, safety responsibilities and professional service standards.

2. Food and Beverage Services

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

This training area may suit participants who enjoy interacting with customers and working in restaurants, hotels or hospitality establishments.

Relevant areas of learning could include:

• Customer communication
• Food and beverage service
• Table preparation
• Restaurant service procedures
• Menu knowledge
• Handling customer requests
• Workplace hygiene
• Professional conduct
• Teamwork

These skills are relevant to hospitality establishments that serve food and beverages to customers.

The specific modules and assessments will depend on the training provider and approved programme curriculum.

How Much Will You Receive During the Department of Tourism Culinary Programme?

The 2026/2027 programme lists a stipend of R200 per day.

This is an important distinction because daily stipends are not necessarily paid in the same way as monthly salaries.

The actual amount received during a payment period may depend on attendance rules, approved training days and the programme contract.

Before accepting a placement, confirm:

• Which training days qualify for payment.
• How attendance is recorded.
• When payments are processed.
• Whether any deductions apply.
• Whether transport assistance is provided.

The published notice does not guarantee transport or accommodation assistance.

If you need to travel to your training location, calculate your expected expenses before committing to the programme.

For more information about training allowances, read our SETA Learnership Stipend and Allowance Guide.

What Documents Do You Need for the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme?

The intake notice identifies several supporting documents that candidates must prepare.

Make sure you have the following:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified copy of your South African ID
• Proof of residence
• Matric certificate

Your documents should be accurate, readable and consistent with the information you provide in the online form.

Why Is Proof of Residence Important?

The programme targets selected communities and training locations.

Proof of residence helps programme administrators establish where you currently live.

If the document is not in your name, contact the Department to find out which alternative evidence will be accepted.

How Should You Prepare Your CV?

Your CV should explain your educational background, interests and relevant experience.

You can include informal activities such as helping with catering, serving food at community events or preparing meals for family functions.

However, only include activities you have genuinely completed.

For more guidance, read What Documents Do You Need for a Learnership in South Africa?.

How Can You Register for the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027?

The programme notice provides an online Microsoft Forms registration link.

Follow these steps to complete the process.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Start by checking your age, citizenship, Matric qualification, employment status and residential location.

You should also confirm that you have not previously participated in a Department of Tourism learnership or skills-development programme.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Collect your CV, certified ID copy, Matric certificate and proof of residence.

Check that scanned documents are clear and that all required pages are included.

Step 3: Open the Programme Registration Form

Use the online form linked in the 2026/2027 programme announcement.

Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027 - Online Form:

Open the Culinary Skills Programme Registration Form

The Department has also circulated the programme through its official communication channels. Confirm the form and its ownership with the Department if you are uncertain before uploading sensitive documents.

Step 4: Complete Your Personal Information

Follow the instructions displayed on the form.

Provide your correct personal information, contact details and educational background.

Where the form requests a training location, choose the option that matches your circumstances.

Step 5: Upload the Required Documents

Attach the requested supporting documents where the form provides upload fields.

Make sure you follow any document format or file-size instructions.

Avoid submitting incorrect or misleading information.

Step 6: Review and Submit

Check your information carefully before completing the process.

Ensure that your cellphone number and email address are correct.

Keep any confirmation or reference number that the system provides.

Closing Date: 18 October 2026

What Happens After You Submit Your Information?

The programme notice states that shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews.

The Department will use the selection process to assess whether candidates meet the programme requirements.

Only shortlisted candidates are expected to receive further communication.

The notice also indicates that candidates who have not received a response within two weeks after the closing date should regard their submissions as unsuccessful.

Keep your cellphone accessible and check your messages regularly during the selection period.

Can You Join If You Previously Participated in a Tourism Learnership?

The 2026/2027 intake includes a specific restriction concerning previous participation.

Candidates who have already participated in the Department of Tourism’s learnership or skills programmes are not eligible for this intake, according to the published notice.

This restriction is important even if you meet the age and Matric requirements.

It refers specifically to the Department’s previous programmes, rather than automatically excluding everyone who has completed training elsewhere.

If you previously participated in another organisation’s programme, contact the Department to clarify your eligibility.

Will You Receive a Certificate After Completing the Culinary Programme?

The Department of Tourism’s general youth-skills information states that its culinary training initiatives award accredited certificates following successful completion.

However, the exact certificate for the 2026/2027 intake has not been clearly identified in the current programme notice.

Before enrolment, ask about the qualification title, applicable NQF level, accreditation and assessment requirements.

This will help you understand which qualification or certificate you may receive.

It is also important not to confuse this programme with older National Youth Chefs Training Programme qualifications, which followed different training arrangements.

What Career Opportunities Could You Explore After Culinary Training?

Completing a culinary skills programme can help you develop experience relevant to the hospitality industry.

Depending on your training and future qualifications, possible career directions include:

• Kitchen assistant
• Food preparation assistant
• Catering assistant
• Restaurant service assistant
• Food and beverage attendant
• Cook
• Commis chef
• Hospitality service employee

You could also explore further training in professional cookery, hospitality management or catering.

Some advanced positions require additional qualifications and workplace experience.

Completing the 12-month programme does not guarantee permanent employment.

However, the skills developed may support future career development in the food-service and tourism sectors.

How Can You Contact the Department of Tourism About This Programme?

If you need clarification about your eligibility, training location or supporting documents, you can contact the Department directly.

Department of Tourism - Culinary Skills Programme Enquiries

Telephone: 012 444 6649

Email: msebiloane@tourism.gov.za

Official Website: https://www.tourism.gov.za

You can also review the Department’s general information about youth skills initiatives:

Department of Tourism - Youth Skills Programme

Frequently Asked Questions About the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027

1. Can I join the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme with Matric only?

Yes. The 2026/2027 intake notice lists Matric as the educational requirement. You must also satisfy the age, citizenship, employment and other programme conditions.

2. How much is the daily stipend for the Culinary Skills Programme?

The programme lists a stipend of R200 per day. The number of paid days and exact payment arrangements should be confirmed through the programme contract.

3. Can I join the programme without previous hospitality experience?

Previous professional hospitality experience is not listed as compulsory. The programme targets unemployed youth interested in developing hospitality and culinary skills.

4. Which provinces are included in the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme?

Selected areas in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, North West and Free State are included in the published 2026/2027 location list.

5. When is the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027 closing date?

The published closing date is 18 October 2026. Candidates should confirm that the online registration form remains active.

The Bottom Line

The Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027 offers unemployed South Africans an opportunity to develop practical cooking and hospitality skills.

The programme runs for 12 months and lists a R200 daily stipend, with Matric as the educational entry requirement for this intake.

However, the training is limited to specific locations, and candidates who previously participated in the Department’s learnership or skills programmes are excluded.

If you are aged 18 to 35, unemployed and interested in the hospitality industry, check your eligibility and prepare your documents before 18 October 2026.

Visit the Culinary Skills Programme online registration form and contact the Department if you need clarification before submitting personal information.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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