If you are a young South African looking for a way to enter the working world, gain professional experience, and build a long-term career in the financial services industry, the Santam Learnership Programme could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.
The programme is designed for unemployed youth who want to earn while they learn through accredited training, practical workplace exposure, and industry-recognised qualifications. Santam, one of South Africa’s largest and most respected insurance companies, is offering this nationwide learnership opportunity for 2026.
Applications are now open, and the closing date is 31 May 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme Name: Santam Learnership Programme 2026
Company: Santam
Parent Group: Sanlam Group
Location: Nationwide (Head office in Johannesburg, Gauteng)
Contract Duration: 12 Months
Start Date: 1 September 2026
Closing Date: 31 May 2026
Qualification Level: NQF Level 4
Stipend: Monthly stipend provided
Industry: Short-Term Insurance / Financial Services
Application Requirement: CV and Matric Results must be attached
What Is the Santam Learnership Programme?
The Santam Learnership Programme is an entry-level development initiative aimed at addressing skills shortages in South Africa’s financial services sector.
This programme combines:
- Classroom-based learning
- Practical workplace experience
- Industry exposure
- Professional development
- Accredited qualifications
Learners will work towards an NQF Level 4 qualification while also preparing for the FSCA regulatory examinations known as RE5.
Successfully completing the programme may allow learners to apply for professional membership with the Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA).
This creates a pathway into the insurance industry and opens opportunities for long-term career growth.
Who Can Apply?
Santam has strict eligibility requirements for this learnership programme.
Applicants must meet ALL the following requirements:
- Must have a Grade 12 Certificate
- Minimum 50% for English
- Minimum 50% for a Second Language
- Minimum 40% for Mathematics OR 60% for Mathematical Literacy
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be unemployed
- Must be between 18 and 28 years old
- Must not currently be studying at another institution
- Must not have previously participated in a Short-Term Insurance Learnership through INSETA
- Must have less than 1 year of work experience
Applicants living with disabilities must also provide a medical note confirming the nature of the disability.
Who Cannot Apply?
Unfortunately, not everyone qualifies for this programme.
The following applicants will NOT be considered:
- People with post-matric qualifications
- People studying towards higher qualifications
- Applicants with diplomas or degrees
- Applicants with honours qualifications
- Applicants with more than 1 year of work experience
This is because the programme specifically targets unemployed matriculants who have not yet entered higher education or long-term employment.
What You Will Receive
Successful learners will receive several benefits during the programme.
These include:
- Accredited NQF Level 4 training
- Monthly stipend
- Workplace experience
- Exposure to the insurance industry
- Professional development opportunities
- Support preparing for FSCA RE5 examinations
- Potential career opportunities after completion
This combination of theory and practical experience makes the programme highly valuable for young people trying to enter the formal job market.
Understanding the Insurance Industry in South Africa
Many young South Africans overlook the insurance sector when searching for careers. However, the financial services industry remains one of the country’s largest employers.
Short-term insurance companies like Santam offer careers in:
- Claims administration
- Customer service
- Underwriting
- Risk assessment
- Data capturing
- Sales support
- Compliance
- Contact centres
- Office administration
- Broker support
- Digital insurance services
The industry also offers opportunities for career progression and long-term stability.
What Is RE5 and Why Is It Important?
The programme mentions the FSCA regulatory examinations RE5.
RE5 is a regulatory exam required in South Africa’s financial services sector. It is overseen by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).
Passing the RE5 examination demonstrates that an individual understands:
- Financial regulations
- Compliance requirements
- Ethics in financial services
- Insurance principles
- Consumer protection
Obtaining RE5 can significantly improve employability in the insurance and banking industries.
Nationwide Opportunities
One major advantage of this learnership is that it is available nationwide.
This means applicants from different provinces can apply, including:
- Gauteng
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Eastern Cape
- Western Cape
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Free State
- Northern Cape
- North West
Although the programme is linked to Johannesburg and Gauteng, opportunities may exist across multiple regions.
Documents You Need Before Applying
Applicants should prepare all required documents before submitting applications.
These usually include:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified copy of Matric Certificate
- Matric results
- Proof of residence
- Medical confirmation for disabilities (if applicable)
Santam specifically states that applications without BOTH a CV and matric results will not be considered.
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE SANTAM LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 NATIONWIDE HERE
How to Improve Your Chances of Selection
Competition for major learnership programmes is extremely high in South Africa.
To improve your chances:
- Create a Professional CV
Your CV should:
- Be clear and organised
- Include accurate contact details
- Highlight achievements
- Include volunteer work if you have no experience
- Avoid spelling mistakes
- Use a Professional Email Address
Avoid informal email addresses.
Use something simple like:
- Prepare Supporting Documents Early
Many applicants miss opportunities because documents are incomplete.
Ensure everything is scanned clearly and correctly certified where required.
- Apply Before the Closing Date
Avoid last-minute applications because online systems may become overloaded.
Skills You May Develop During the Programme
The learnership can help learners develop valuable workplace skills such as:
- Communication skills
- Customer service
- Computer literacy
- Teamwork
- Professional conduct
- Time management
- Administration skills
- Insurance knowledge
- Compliance understanding
These skills can also help you qualify for future opportunities beyond insurance.
Common Reasons Applications Get Rejected
Many applicants are rejected because of avoidable mistakes.
Common issues include:
- Missing matric results
- Incomplete CVs
- Incorrect contact details
- Applying despite not meeting requirements
- Poor document quality
- Applying after the deadline
Always double-check your application before submission.
Edupstairs Advice
Many young South Africans underestimate the value of insurance learnerships because they are unfamiliar with the industry. However, the financial services sector offers stable career paths, professional growth, and long-term earning potential.
If you meet the requirements for the Santam Learnership Programme 2026, take the opportunity seriously.
Before applying:
- Prepare a strong CV
- Organise your documents properly
- Ensure your matric results are clear
- Use professional communication
- Apply early
Even if you do not get selected immediately, learning how these recruitment systems work can improve your future applications for other learnerships and internships.
Young people who consistently apply, improve their documents, and build professional habits often increase their chances over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is this a permanent job?
No. This is a 12-month learnership contract.
However, learners may gain valuable experience that can help them secure permanent employment later.
- Will learners receive a stipend?
Yes. Santam confirms that successful learners will receive a monthly stipend.
- Can university students apply?
No. Applicants currently studying or holding post-matric qualifications cannot apply.
- Can applicants with work experience apply?
Only applicants with less than 1 year of work experience may apply.
- Is the programme only for Gauteng residents?
No. The opportunity is available nationwide.
- What qualification will learners receive?
Learners will complete an accredited NQF Level 4 qualification linked to the insurance sector.
CLOSING DATE: 31 MAY 2026
You can also:
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not affiliated with Santam or the Sanlam Group. This article is published for informational and educational purposes only to help South Africans access verified career and training opportunities. Applicants should always verify information through the employer’s official recruitment platforms before submitting applications. Closing dates, requirements, and programme details may change without notice.
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