If you’re a young South African graduate in Science, Engineering, Technology, Journalism or Media Studies, and you’ve been searching for a breakthrough opportunity, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) together with NRF–SAASTA has opened an exciting door for 2026.
- Are you ready for these Internships? Take the Internship Readiness Quiz Here!
- Track Your Daily Career Score here
- Create and Download your CV for these Graduate Internships here
- Create a Motivational Letter for these Graduate Internships here
- Practise Interview Questions and Answers for these Internships Here
- Check if these Graduate Internships Match your Career Choice
- View more 2026 Internships here
This is more than a volunteer programme—it is your chance to gain real experience, serve communities, boost your career profile, and become part of South Africa’s growing National Youth Service movement.
Applications are now open, and about 200 graduates will be accommodated for the 12-month programme. If you’re between 18 and 35 years old, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity Name | DSTI – National Youth Service Graduate Programme 2026 |
| Who Can Apply? | Unemployed Science, Engineering, Technology, Journalism & Media Studies graduates (ages 18–35) |
| Programme Duration | 12 Months |
| Monthly Stipend | NQF 6: R4 500 / NQF 7: R5 000 / NQF 8: R5 500 / NQF 9: R6 500 / NQF 10: R7 700 |
| Closing Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Start Date | April 2026 |
| Application Link | https://seims.dsi.gov.za/nys/landing |
| Sectors of Deployment | Science centres, schools, biodiversity conservation sites, media outlets, science engagement organisations, and more |
| Contact Person | Macdonald Kapu / Tel: 012 392 9300 / Email: MM.Kapu@saasta.nrf.ac.za |
Why This Programme Matters
Let’s be real—many young graduates in South Africa are sitting with qualifications but no work experience, no networks, and sometimes no idea where to start. Opportunities in STEM and journalism are competitive, and without a foot in the door, it can feel almost impossible.
That’s why this programme is a game-changer.
The DSTI–National Youth Service (NYS) initiative is designed to bridge that gap. It gives you hands-on experience, connects you with industry professionals, places you in real working environments, and makes you part of a nationwide effort to strengthen science and technology engagement across the country.
Instead of sitting at home hoping for a call, you get to build your CV while making a real difference in schools, conservation centres, community media outlets, science councils, and other organisations that need fresh, driven youth.
If you’re passionate about science, innovation, media, or public engagement, this is your chance to shine.
About the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
DSTI is South Africa’s leading governmental body promoting research, innovation and technological advancement. Their mission is to support a knowledge-based economy and empower young people to pursue careers that strengthen the country’s scientific capacity.
NRF–SAASTA (South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement)
SAASTA operates under the National Research Foundation and focuses on science engagement, STEM education, public outreach programmes, and youth empowerment. Their work ensures that science is accessible to everyday South Africans.
Together, DSTI and SAASTA are committed to giving unemployed graduates the opportunity to grow, learn and contribute to national development.
Who Is This Programme For?
This opportunity is open to unemployed graduates aged 18–35 in the following fields:
- Science
- Engineering
- Technology
- Journalism
- Communication & Media Studies
Depending on your qualification, you may be deployed to:
- Schools
- Universities & TVET colleges
- Science centres
- Science councils
- Biodiversity & conservation organisations
- Botanical and zoological gardens
- Non-profit science organisations
- Community media outlets (for journalism and media graduates)
The idea is simple: You gain experience while helping organisations that support science engagement and education.
Monthly Stipend Breakdown
Your qualification level determines the stipend you receive:
| Qualification (NQF Level) | Stipend |
| National Diploma – NQF 6 | R4 500 |
| Bachelor’s Degree / BTech – NQF 7 | R5 000 |
| Honours – NQF 8 | R5 500 |
| Master’s – NQF 9 | R6 500 |
| PhD – NQF 10 | R7 700 |
This ensures that graduates at different academic levels are compensated fairly while volunteering.
Application Requirements
To apply, you must submit:
- A cover letter explaining why you want to join the programme
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copies of your qualification(s) or academic transcripts
- If you completed your qualification but don’t yet have your certificate, attach a letter of completion
- Contact details
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Visit the official application portal:
https://seims.dsi.gov.za/nys/landing - Register an account or log in if you already have one.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Double-check all details for accuracy.
- Submit before the closing date:
31 January 2026 - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for screening.
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice
If you’re serious about building a career in science, journalism or technology, grab this opportunity with both hands. Programmes like these are rare, and the work exposure you gain in just one year can completely transform your CV.
Here’s how to increase your chances:
- Use the Edupstairs Simple CV Builder to create a clean CV
- Write a powerful cover letter using the AI Cover Letter Generator
- Apply early—don’t wait for the last week
- Make sure your documents are certified and clearly scanned
- Prepare for interviews by reading our Interview Q&A Practice Guide
This is your chance to step into your future confidently.
Career Growth Path After This Programme
Completing this national youth service opens multiple career pathways:
- Science Communication & Journalism Jobs
Many graduates go on to work for newspapers, research organisations, national broadcasters, and digital media platforms.
- Research & Academic Careers
The experience strengthens applications for:
- Research assistant roles
- Laboratory positions
- Postgraduate bursaries
- Academic internships
- Environmental & Conservation Careers
If deployed to biodiversity or conservation sites, you gain valuable exposure to ecological research and environmental science.
- Engineering & Technology Roles
Placing STEM graduates in schools and science centres helps them develop project management, communication, and technical skills valued in industry.
- Government & NGO Opportunities
Your experience in public engagement and science outreach can lead to roles in:
- Government departments
- Non-profit organisations
- Community development projects
- Entrepreneurship
Graduates often continue to use their skills to start small consultancies, media platforms, tutoring centres, or STEM workshops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- Is this opportunity only for South African citizens?
Yes, applicants must be South African citizens aged between 18 and 35.
- Do I need experience to apply?
No experience is required. This programme is specifically for unemployed graduates.
- Will I be paid?
Yes. Stipends range from R4 500 to R7 700 depending on your qualification level.
- How long does the programme last?
It is a 12-month placement starting in April 2026.
- Can I apply if I do not have my certificate yet?
Yes. You must include a letter of completion under the qualification section.
- Where will I be placed?
Your placement depends on your field of study and available host organisations.
- When is the closing date?
31 January 2026
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimers
- Edupstairs does not recruit on behalf of DSTI or NRF–SAASTA.
- We do not accept applications—please use the official link only.
- We do not charge any fee for sharing opportunities. Beware of scams.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the official programme administrators.
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. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE
