National Youth Service for Unemployed Graduates: DSI

ByRainbow Time

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), in partnership with the National Research Foundation’s South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF-SAASTA), invites unemployed graduates in science, engineering, technology, and journalism to apply for the National Youth Service (NYS) Programme. This 12-month programme is designed to provide young graduates with practical work experience while supporting science engagement, innovation, and communication initiatives across South Africa.

Successful applicants will be placed at institutions such as higher education institutions, schools, science centres, community media outlets, conservation sites, and non-profit organisations. Participants will receive a monthly stipend ranging from R4 500 to R7 700, depending on their highest qualification level, and are expected to commence their service in April 2026. Applications must be submitted online before the closing date of 31 January 2026.

Position: National Youth Service (NYS) Volunteer – Science, Engineering, Technology & Journalism Graduates
Duration: 12 months contract

Stipend:

  • National Diploma (NQF Level 6): R4 500 per month
  • Bachelor’s Degree / B.Tech (NQF Level 7): R5 000 per month
  • Honours Degree (NQF Level 8): R5 500 per month
  • Master’s Degree (NQF Level 9): R6 500 per month
  • PhD (NQF Level 10): R7 700 per month

Location: South Africa
Closing Date: 31 January 2026

The Department of Science and Innovation Invites Unemployed Graduates to Apply for the National Youth Service Programme

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), in partnership with the National Research Foundation’s South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF-SAASTA), is calling on unemployed science, engineering, technology, and journalism graduates to apply for the National Youth Service (NYS) Programme.

This 12-month programme aims to provide young graduates with practical workplace experience while supporting science engagement and communication across South Africa. Approximately 200 graduates will be placed in various organisations nationwide.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to South African graduates aged 18 to 35 years who are currently unemployed and hold qualifications in the following fields:

Science, Engineering and Technology Graduates
Successful applicants will be deployed to institutions that support science engagement, including:

  • Higher education institutions
  • Schools and science centres
  • Science councils
  • Biodiversity and conservation sites such as botanical and zoological gardens
  • Non-profit organisations focusing on mathematics, science, and technology

Communication, Science, Journalism or Media Studies Graduates
Graduates in these fields will be placed at community media outlets to support science journalism and related media activities. Placements will be made across district municipalities and metropolitan areas where possible.

Monthly Stipend

Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend to assist with daily living expenses, based on qualification level:

  • National Diploma (NQF Level 6): R4 500
  • Bachelor’s Degree / B.Tech (NQF Level 7): R5 000
  • Honours Degree (NQF Level 8): R5 500
  • Master’s Degree (NQF Level 9): R6 500
  • PhD (NQF Level 10): R7 700
Application Requirements

Interested applicants must submit:

  • A covering letter explaining why they want to participate in the NYS Programme
  • A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Certified copies of South African ID
  • Certified copies of qualifications or academic transcripts
  • Contact details

Applicants who have completed their studies but have not yet received their certificates must attach a letter of completion under the “qualification” section.

Programme Start Date

Successful candidates will be expected to begin their service in April 2026.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official National Youth Service (NYS) application portal. Interested candidates are required to complete the online application form and upload all supporting documents, including a covering letter, curriculum vitae (CV), certified copies of a South African ID, and certified copies of qualifications or academic transcripts. Applicants who have completed their studies but have not yet received their certificates should upload a letter of completion in place of the qualification certificate.

All applications must be submitted via the NYS portal at https://seims.dsi.gov.za/nys/landing before the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the outcome of the application process.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 31 January 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.