The SAIFA and AgriSETA Graduate Placement Programme for 2026 has officially opened, offering unemployed South African graduates a rare opportunity to gain paid, structured workplace experience in the agricultural sector. This is a 12-month graduate placement programme supported by AgriSETA and implemented through SAIFA, designed to bridge the gap between academic qualification and real-world industry experience.
Unlike informal internships, this programme follows national skills standards and provides meaningful exposure within agriculture-related workplaces. Participants receive a monthly stipend of R5 000 while gaining experience in one of South Africa’s most vital economic sectors.
Overview of the Graduate Placement Programme
The SAIFA and AgriSETA Graduate Placement Programme is aimed at graduates who are ready to apply their qualifications in a practical work environment while building professional credibility.
Programme Details
- Programme Name: SAIFA and AgriSETA Graduate Placement Programme 2026
- Duration: 12 months
- Monthly Stipend: R5 000
- Age Requirement: 18 to 35 years
- Citizenship: South African citizens only
- Programme Type: SETA-supported graduate placement
This initiative focuses on placing graduates into relevant agricultural environments where they can develop workplace competence and industry readiness.
Organisations Behind the Programme
Southern Africa Institute for Artisans (SAIFA)
SAIFA is a recognised skills development institution that focuses on training, placement, and preparing individuals for sustainable employment. While widely known for artisan development, SAIFA also plays a key role in coordinating graduate placement programmes funded through SETAs.
The organisation’s approach is centred on ensuring that training leads directly to real employment exposure rather than theoretical learning alone.
AgriSETA
AgriSETA, the Agriculture Sector Education and Training Authority, operates under the Department of Higher Education and Training. Its mandate includes developing skills within the agricultural sector and funding initiatives that promote youth participation and transformation.
Programmes funded by AgriSETA are aligned with national standards, quality assured, and widely recognised across the sector, making them highly valuable on a graduate’s CV.
Fields and Qualifications Accepted
This graduate placement programme is specifically targeted at agriculture-related qualifications. Applicants may apply if they hold a completed Diploma or Degree in any of the following fields:
- Agriculture
- Horticulture
- Animal Production
- Other relevant agriculture-related qualifications
Important Qualification Notice
Applicants with TVET N6 qualifications do not qualify for this programme. Only completed Diplomas or Degrees are accepted, and applications that do not meet this requirement are automatically disqualified.
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is ideal for unemployed graduates who are committed to building careers in agriculture and related fields. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35
- Be currently unemployed
- Hold a completed Diploma or Degree in an agriculture-related field
Required Documents
Applicants must submit certified copies of all required documents. Incomplete applications are not considered.
Documents to Be Submitted
- Updated curriculum vitae
- Certified copy of South African ID (smart card front and back)
- Certified Matric certificate
- Certified academic record
- Certified qualification certificate (Diploma or Degree)
- Proof of residence
- Bank confirmation letter
Certification Requirements
All documents must be:
- Clear and legible
- Properly certified
- Certified within the last three months
Failure to comply with certification requirements may result in disqualification.
How to Apply
Applicants must follow the application instructions carefully to avoid rejection.
Application Process
- Prepare all required documents
- Combine all documents into a single PDF file
- Email the application to info@saifa.africa
- Use the exact subject line: AgriSETA Graduate Placement Programme
- Submit the application before the official deadline
Applications submitted late or with incorrect subject lines may not be considered.
Understanding the Monthly Stipend
Participants receive a monthly stipend of R5 000 for the duration of the programme. This allowance is intended to assist with basic living costs such as transport and daily expenses, allowing graduates to focus on gaining workplace experience and developing industry skills.
While the stipend is not a full salary, the experience gained through the programme significantly improves long-term employability and future earning potential.
Conclusion
The SAIFA and AgriSETA Graduate Placement Programme for 2026 offers unemployed agricultural graduates a structured and credible pathway into the workforce. With SETA backing, a guaranteed stipend, and exposure to real agricultural workplaces, this programme provides a strong foundation for professional growth within the sector.
Graduates who meet the requirements and submit complete, well-prepared applications stand a strong chance of benefiting from this valuable opportunity.
Application closing date: 21 January 2026 at 16:30
