Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027: Stipend R200 a Day
The Department of Tourism is inviting unemployed youth aged 18 to 35 to apply for its 12-month Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery Skills Programme, with successful beneficiaries receiving an advertised daily stipend of R200.
For unemployed young South Africans who are passionate about cooking, hospitality, restaurants and tourism, the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027 could provide an important starting point.
Training opportunities are advertised across seven provinces, including Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, North West and Free State.
Applications close on 18 October 2026.
- If you qualify, consider where you could be a year from now after gaining structured training and practical skills in the hospitality sector.
- The opportunity does not guarantee employment, but it offers a potential route towards building the experience and competencies that hospitality employers value.
- Organisation: South African Department of Tourism
- Programme: Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027
- Training Fields: Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery
- Programme Type: Skills Development and Hospitality Training
- Duration: 12 months
- Stipend: R200 per day
- Minimum Qualification: Matric / Grade 12
- Age Requirement: 18–35 years
- Target Group: Unemployed youth
- Participating Provinces: Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng
- Persons with Disabilities: Encouraged to apply
- Application Method: Online Microsoft Forms application
- Closing Date: 18 October 2026
How to Apply for the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027
- Applications must be completed online through the Microsoft Forms application supplied with the programme advertisement.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
- Confirm that you meet the age, educational, location and other advertised requirements.
- Get Class Supplies
- Do not submit false information about your qualifications, residence or previous programme participation.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Before beginning your application, prepare:
- An updated CV
- A certified ID copy
- Your Matric certificate
- Proof of residence
Make sure your documents are clear and readable.
The advertisement warns that failure to submit required documentation will result in an application not being considered.
Step 3: Open the Application Form
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM CULINARY SKILLS PROGRAMME 2026/2027
Hospitality and Tourism Courses at University
- Young people who become interested in management, tourism development or more advanced hospitality-related studies may also wish to investigate university pathways.
Depending on the institution, relevant fields may include:
- Hospitality Management
- Tourism Management
- Food Science
- Consumer Science
- Business Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Events Management




