Are you a young South African passionate about tourism, hospitality, or conservation? The Tourism Graduate Recruitment Programme 2025/2026 is now open for applications, offering unemployed graduates the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while contributing to South Africa’s growing tourism sector.
About the Programme
The Department of Tourism is calling on enthusiastic graduates to take part in this 12-month structured programme. Successful applicants will be placed with host employers within their nearest hometowns, ensuring they gain relevant workplace exposure while also supporting local tourism initiatives.
This initiative provides a monthly stipend between R5,000 and R7,000, making it a great stepping stone for graduates looking to kickstart their careers in the industry.
Who Can Apply?
Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
Selection Criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen, aged 18–35
- Hold a tertiary qualification in Tourism, Hospitality, or Conservation (Degree, National Diploma, or N6)
- Certified copies of qualifications and any other relevant certificates must be included
- Certified copy of ID
- Proof of residence
- Must be able to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays when required
- Must be passionate about tourism and hospitality and eager to grow in the sector
⚠️ Note: Incomplete applications or those missing documents will not be considered.
Placement Sites
Participants will be matched with host employers at provincial Departments of Tourism, including:
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- Gauteng
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Northern Cape
- North West
- Western Cape
Key Details
- Contract Duration: 12 Months
- Stipend: R5,000 – R7,000 per month
- Closing Date: 26 September 2025 (23:59)
How to Apply
Applying is simple and done online via the SA Youth platform.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit sayouth.mobi (registration is free and requires no data).
- If you’re a new user, register — the process takes about 4 minutes.
- If already registered, simply log in.
- Once registered, you’ll see opportunities available at your nearest tourism sites based on your address.
- If no opportunities appear, search for “Tourism Graduate Programme” in the search bar.
Or
Click the link under the park nearest to you for more information and to apply:
Department of Tourism Eastern Cape
https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/1865092
Department of Tourism Free State
https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/1865096
Department of Tourism Gauteng
https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/1865115
Department of Tourism Kwa-Zulu Natal
https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/1865094
Department of Tourism Limpopo
https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/1865102
Department of Tourism Mpumalanga
https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/1865088
Department of Tourism Northern Cape
https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/1865098
Department of Tourism North West
https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/1865104
Department of Tourism Western Cape
https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/1865100
For assistance, call SA Youth on 0800 72 72 72 (Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 16:30).
Why You Should Apply
This programme offers you the chance to:
- Gain real-world work experience in tourism and hospitality
- Receive a monthly stipend while learning
- Work with provincial Departments of Tourism
- Develop essential workplace skills for a successful career
If you’re passionate about tourism and ready to take your first step into the industry, don’t miss this opportunity. Apply today for the Tourism Graduate Recruitment Programme 2025/2026 before the closing date on 26 September 2025.
