The South African Department of Tourism is inviting applications for its 2026/2027 Culinary Skills Programme, focusing on Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery. This government skills development opportunity is aimed at helping eligible participants develop practical skills for careers in the tourism and hospitality industry. Applications close on 18 October 2026.
The programme forms part of the department’s broader efforts to improve skills development and employment opportunities within South Africa’s tourism sector. It provides an opportunity for young people interested in hospitality, food preparation and professional cooking to gain valuable industry-related training.
Key Details
| Details | Information |
| Organisation | Department of Tourism |
| Programme | Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027 |
| Opportunity Type | Skills Development Programme |
| Training Fields | Food and Beverage Services; Professional Cookery |
| Target Group | Unemployed youth |
| Age Range | 18–35 years under general programme criteria |
| Application Method | Online |
| Closing Date | 18 October 2026 |
About the Department of Tourism
The Department of Tourism is responsible for supporting the development and growth of South Africa’s tourism sector.
Its responsibilities include tourism development, industry support, transformation and initiatives aimed at improving skills and employment opportunities.
Through its Youth Skills Development Programmes, the department provides training opportunities intended to prepare unemployed young people for careers in tourism and hospitality.
Available Training Programmes
The 2026/2027 intake training fields.
1. Food and Beverage Services
This training field focuses on developing knowledge and practical skills relevant to food and beverage operations within the hospitality industry.
Potential learning areas include food service procedures, customer service, hygiene and hospitality operations.
2. Professional Cookery
This training field focuses on culinary knowledge and practical food preparation skills.
The department’s general culinary training information identifies learning areas such as:
- Food safety and hygiene.
- Baking and pastry skills.
- Grilling techniques.
- Food preparation.
- Food pairing.
- Professional cookery.
- Food and beverage operations.
Minimum Requirements
According to the Department of Tourism’s general Culinary Skills Programme criteria, applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be unemployed.
- Have a tourism or hospitality qualification.
- Be interested in developing skills in the hospitality industry.
- Be able to provide the relevant supporting documents.
Unemployed young people with disabilities are included in the programme’s target group.
Applicants who have previously participated in a departmental learnership or skills development programme must disclose their participation in a motivational letter.
Important: These are the department’s general culinary programme criteria. Applicants should check the online application form for any additional or different requirements specific to the 2026/2027 intake.
Training Duration
The department’s general Culinary Skills Programme information describes training periods of three, six or twelve months.
Monthly Stipend
The Department of Tourism states that participants in its Culinary Skills Programmes receive a monthly stipend.
Required Documents
The department’s general programme information identifies the following supporting documents:
- Certified copy of South African identity document.
- Certified copies of relevant tourism or hospitality qualifications.
- Proof of residence.
- Relevant additional certificates, where applicable.
- Motivational letter disclosing previous participation in departmental skills programmes, where applicable.
Applicants must follow the document requirements displayed in the official 2026/2027 online application form.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official Microsoft Forms application link published by the Department of Tourism.
Official Application Page:
Apply for the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027
Application Steps
- Visit the Department of Tourism’s official learnerships page.
- Locate the 2026/2027 Culinary Skills Programme advertisement.
- Click the Microsoft Forms application link.
- Read the application instructions and eligibility requirements.
- Complete the required information.
- Provide the requested supporting information or documents.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
Applicants should ensure that their contact details are correct.
Closing Date
18 October 2026
Applicants are encouraged to complete the online application before the closing date.
Enquiries
For enquiries about the advertised 2026/2027 Culinary Skills Programme, contact:
Telephone: 012 444 6649
Email: msebiloane@tourism.gov.za
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme open for 2026/2027?
Yes. The department has published an official application notice with a closing date of 18 October 2026.
What training fields are available?
Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery.
Can unemployed youth apply?
Yes. The department’s general culinary programme targets unemployed youth between 18 and 35 years old, subject to the requirements of the specific intake.
Will participants receive a stipend?
The department’s general programme information provides for monthly stipends.
Is Grade 12 alone sufficient?
The general culinary programme criteria mention a tourism or hospitality qualification. The current notice does not clarify whether applicants with only Grade 12 are eligible.
Where will the training take place?
- Northern Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- North West
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Gauteng
Sources & References
- Department of Tourism – Official Learnerships and Application Notice
- Department of Tourism – Youth Skills Development Programmes
Disclaimer
Career27 is an independent information website and is not affiliated with the Department of Tourism.
This article is provided for informational purposes to assist applicants in accessing government skills development opportunities.
Applicants must submit their applications through the official Department of Tourism application platform. Career27 does not recruit or select candidates on behalf of the department.
All applicants are encouraged to verify eligibility requirements and application details directly with the Department of Tourism.
