MICT SETA Learnerships 2026: How the Programmes Work, Stipend, Qualifications and How to Apply

If you are an unemployed South African looking for an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience, industry-related training and a nationally recognised qualification, MICT SETA learnerships may be worth exploring.

The Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) supports skills development in several sectors, including information technology, telecommunications, advertising, film and electronic media, and electronics. It works with employers, training institutions, universities, TVET colleges and other stakeholders to support learning programmes that respond to industry skills needs.

MICT SETA learnerships are particularly relevant for people who want to develop skills that can be used in South Africa’s growing digital, technology, media and communications industries.

What Is an MICT SETA Learnership?

A learnership is not simply a short course where you sit in a classroom for several months. According to MICT SETA, a learnership is a work-based education and training programme linked to a qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

The programme combines two important components:

• Structured theoretical learning
• Practical workplace experience

This combination allows learners to understand the theory behind an occupation while also gaining experience applying those skills in a real working environment.

For an unemployed person who has little or no workplace experience, this can be important because many entry-level vacancies ask candidates to demonstrate some form of practical experience.

A learnership can therefore provide an opportunity to develop skills while building a stronger CV.

Which Industries Does MICT SETA Cover?

MICT SETA operates within the Media, Information and Communication Technologies sector.

Its mandate covers areas including:

• Information Technology
• Telecommunications
• Advertising
• Film and electronic media
• Electronics
• Other related media and ICT activities

The organisation works with industry partners, universities, TVET colleges and other stakeholders to address skills shortages and support pathways into the workplace.

This means that MICT SETA opportunities can be relevant to people interested in careers involving computers, software, telecommunications, digital services, media, advertising and related technical occupations.

MICT SETA Learnerships Combine Theory and Workplace Training

One of the main features of a learnership is the combination of classroom-based learning and practical experience.

Instead of only studying theory, learners are expected to develop occupational skills through structured training and workplace exposure.

MICT SETA’s published career information describes learnerships as programmes that combine practical workplace experience with theoretical learning. Its 2024 Career Opportunities Guide describes the model as approximately 70% structured practical workplace experience and 30% structured theoretical learning for the learnership model described there.

The exact structure can depend on the specific qualification and programme.

During the practical component, learners may have the opportunity to work in an organisation where they can observe and perform tasks associated with their occupational field.

The theoretical component provides the knowledge needed to understand those tasks properly.

National Qualifications and NQF Levels

Another major advantage of a recognised learnership is that it can lead to a formal qualification.

MICT SETA explains that learnerships are linked to qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework.

The NQF provides a framework for qualifications and learning achievements in South Africa.

Depending on the particular programme, learners may enter at different levels and progress towards more advanced occupational skills.

MICT SETA currently lists a number of registered occupational qualifications connected to its sectors. For example, its published list includes qualifications such as:

• Occupational Certificate: Computer Technician – NQF Level 5
• Occupational Certificate: Software Tester – NQF Level 5
• Occupational Certificate: Software Engineer – NQF Level 6
• Higher Occupational Certificate: Advertiser – NQF Level 5
• Higher Occupational Certificate: Information and Communication Technology: Business Development Consultant – NQF Level 5
• Higher Occupational Certificate: Sound Operator – NQF Level 5
• Advanced Occupational Certificate: Media/Programme Content Production Manager – NQF Level 6

These examples show the variety of career areas available within the broader MICT environment.

However, applicants should always check the specific qualification and requirements attached to the particular learnership advertisement before applying.

MICT SETA Learnership Stipend

One of the questions many applicants ask is whether MICT SETA learners receive a stipend.

According to the official MICT SETA learner stipend notice, learners enrolled in MICT SETA-funded learnership programmes are eligible for a monthly stipend of R2,500.

Importantly, MICT SETA explains that the stipend is a grant and not a salary. It is paid to learners who successfully attend the programme and fulfil the relevant programme requirements and conditions.

Therefore, applicants should not think of the R2,500 as a normal permanent employment salary.

The purpose of the stipend is to provide financial support while the learner participates in the training programme.

The exact payment arrangements and eligibility conditions should always be confirmed with the employer, training provider or programme administrator responsible for the specific opportunity.

Who Can Benefit From These Learnerships?

MICT SETA learnerships can be particularly useful for unemployed people who want to enter the technology, media, advertising, telecommunications or related sectors.

The official MICT SETA information highlights unemployed learners as one of the groups that can benefit from learnerships, with learnerships serving as an entry point into an industry.

However, there is no single set of requirements that applies to every MICT SETA learnership.

Requirements depend on the particular qualification, employer and programme.

For example, one opportunity may require Grade 12, while another may require a particular NQF qualification, technical background or other prerequisite.

Applicants should therefore read the individual advertisement carefully.

What Are the Benefits of an MICT SETA Learnership?

There are several potential benefits associated with completing a learnership.

1. Practical Workplace Experience

One of the biggest challenges facing unemployed job seekers is a lack of experience.

A learnership addresses this by combining training with workplace exposure.

Instead of simply telling an employer that you are willing to learn, you can potentially finish the programme with practical experience in the occupation you have trained for.

2. A Formal Qualification

MICT SETA explains that learnerships can lead to formal qualifications.

This can strengthen your CV and demonstrate that you have completed structured training in a specific occupational field.

3. Industry Exposure

Learners may be introduced to real workplace environments and professional expectations.

This can include learning how organisations operate, communicating with colleagues, following workplace procedures and completing tasks according to required standards.

4. Career Development

A learnership can help a person identify the type of work they want to pursue.

For example, someone interested in technology could explore areas such as computer support, software development, software testing or other ICT-related occupations.

5. Financial Support

For qualifying learners on MICT SETA-funded learnerships, the official stipend information currently states that the monthly stipend is R2,500, subject to attendance and programme requirements.

6. Possible Pathway Into Employment

Completing a learnership does not automatically guarantee permanent employment.

However, the experience and qualification gained may help a learner compete for future employment opportunities.

MICT SETA itself identifies improved employment opportunities and entry into an industry as benefits of learnership participation.

Who Is Responsible for Recruiting Learners?

This is an important point that applicants should understand.

MICT SETA does not necessarily directly employ every learner who participates in an MICT SETA-funded learnership.

According to the official MICT SETA learnership information, the SETA facilitates the recruitment and implementation of learnerships, while recruitment responsibilities can lie with the employer, service provider and training provider.

This is why applicants may see different organisations advertising MICT SETA-related opportunities.

A training provider or employer may recruit candidates for a particular funded programme.

How to Apply for MICT SETA Learnerships

There is an important difference between looking for information about MICT SETA and applying for a specific learnership.

You should not assume that there is one permanent application form on the MICT SETA website that automatically places you into every available learnership.

Instead, MICT SETA explains that employers and training providers can be responsible for recruiting learners for specific programmes.

Applicants should therefore follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the Specific Learnership

Look for an actual learnership advertisement that provides details such as:

• Programme name
• Qualification
• NQF level
• Location
• Duration
• Entry requirements
• Employer or training provider
• Application instructions
• Closing date

Step 2: Check the Requirements

Do not apply simply because the advertisement contains the words “MICT SETA”.

Read the eligibility criteria carefully.

Check whether the programme requires:

• Grade 10
• Grade 12/Matric
• A relevant NQF qualification
• A technical qualification
• Specific computer skills
• South African citizenship
• Unemployment status
• A particular age range
• Residence in a particular province or municipality

The requirements differ between programmes.

Step 3: Confirm the Training Provider or Employer

Before sending your personal documents, make sure you understand who is recruiting you.

MICT SETA works with various employers and training providers in implementing learning programmes.

Applicants should be cautious of people claiming that they can “guarantee” a MICT SETA position in exchange for money.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Depending on the advertisement, you may be asked for documents such as:

• Updated CV
• Certified identity document
• Matric certificate
• Relevant qualifications
• Proof of residence
• Other supporting documents

Only submit the documents specifically requested by the legitimate application channel.

Step 5: Submit Before the Closing Date

Learnership opportunities can have limited spaces.

If a programme has a closing date, submit your application before the deadline.

Do not wait until the final day if you already have all the required documents.

Does MICT SETA Have Learnerships in IT?

Yes. Information technology is one of the areas covered by MICT SETA.

The SETA’s published occupational qualification information includes ICT-related programmes such as Software Engineer, Software Tester and Computer Technician.

MICT SETA has also identified various technology-related learnerships connected to emerging areas.

Its information on Fourth Industrial Revolution programmes includes areas such as:

• Cloud administration
• Software development
• Data science
• Artificial intelligence software development
• Cybersecurity
• Quality test automation

These fields demonstrate how learnerships can extend beyond traditional office administration into specialised technology occupations.

MICT SETA and Digital Skills

Technology continues to influence how businesses operate.

Companies increasingly use computers, software, digital communication systems, cloud platforms, online services and other technologies.

As a result, digital skills can be useful across many industries.

MICT SETA’s role is to support skills development in the sectors within its mandate and to work with industry and education partners to address identified skills needs. (MICT)

For young South Africans interested in technology, media or telecommunications, an appropriate learnership can therefore provide a structured route to gaining occupational knowledge and workplace exposure.

What Happens After Completing the Learnership?

Completing a learnership does not automatically mean that the learner will receive a permanent job.

However, the learner may leave the programme with several useful assets:

A qualification + practical experience + workplace exposure + improved CV + industry knowledge.

These can be useful when applying for future vacancies.

Learners may also use the experience to identify additional training or further qualifications they would like to pursue.

MICT SETA states that its learnerships can assist with career pathing, self-development and access to employment opportunities. (MICT)

Why You Should Check Accreditation

Applicants should pay attention to the organisation providing the training.

MICT SETA has accreditation processes and requirements for training providers, while current occupational qualification accreditation arrangements also involve the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). (MICT)

This matters because learners should know exactly what qualification they are being trained towards and who is responsible for delivering the programme.

Do not assume that every company advertising a “SETA course” is automatically an accredited provider.

Beware of Learnership Scams

Job seekers should be particularly careful when applying for learnerships online.

A legitimate learnership should provide clear information about the programme, organisation, requirements and application process.

Be cautious if someone tells you:

• You must pay a registration fee.
• You must pay to secure a learnership.
• You must pay someone to submit your CV.
• You are guaranteed a job after paying money.
• You must send money through WhatsApp to reserve a position.

Never give your banking PIN, password or other confidential banking information to someone claiming to be a recruiter.

Always verify the organisation and application process through reliable sources.

Important: A Learnership Is Not the Same as a Permanent Job

People applying for learnerships should understand the difference between training and permanent employment.

A learnership is designed to provide structured education, training and workplace experience.

The purpose is to develop occupational competence.

Although completing a learnership can improve employment prospects, it does not automatically guarantee permanent employment.

The MICT SETA itself describes learnerships as a route that can serve as an entrance into an industry for unemployed learners rather than promising permanent employment to every participant.

Where to Find Reliable MICT SETA Information

Applicants should make the official MICT SETA website one of their first sources when researching these opportunities.

The official website provides information about learnerships, stipends, occupational qualifications, accreditation, career opportunities and other learning programmes.

Visit the official MICT SETA website

The MICT SETA website currently also provides a 2025/26 Career Opportunities Guide, which applicants can use to learn more about the organisation’s different learning interventions and career-related opportunities.

Final Thoughts

MICT SETA learnerships provide an opportunity to combine theory, practical workplace training and occupational skills development.

For unemployed South Africans, the programmes can be particularly valuable because they may provide workplace exposure that is difficult to obtain when starting a career.

The MICT SETA describes learnerships as work-based programmes linked to NQF-registered qualifications, with benefits that include practical learning, career development, formal qualifications and improved access to employment opportunities. (MICT)

For learners on MICT SETA-funded learnership programmes, the current official stipend notice states that the stipend is R2,500 per month, subject to attendance and fulfilment of programme requirements. It is a learner grant rather than a salary. (MICT)

Most importantly, applicants should understand that MICT SETA is a facilitator and skills-development authority, while specific employers and training providers may handle recruitment for individual learnership programmes.

Therefore, anyone interested should regularly check legitimate MICT SETA information and individual employer or accredited training-provider advertisements, carefully compare the requirements and submit applications through the specified official channels.

Always verify the latest requirements, closing date, qualification, stipend conditions and application instructions for the specific learnership before applying.