Correctional Services Learnership 2026/27: Requirements and How to Apply

Last updated: 16 October 2026

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Learnership is a paid, 12-month training programme for young people who want to become correctional officials. It is one of the most popular government opportunities in South Africa, with over a million applications in a recent round. Wiz Admissions is an independent website and is not linked to DCS. This guide explains the requirements, how the process has worked before and how to spot fake adverts.

What Is the Correctional Services Learnership?

The learnership is DCS’s main entry route for new correctional officials. Learners study the theory of corrections and then work under mentors inside correctional centres.

In March 2025, DCS told Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services that:

• The programme runs for 12 months.
• The first 16 weeks are theory at the training colleges.
• The rest is experiential learning at correctional centres.
• Kroonstad College can take 540 learners and Zonderwater College can take 492, so 1,032 per intake.
• The department received over 1.2 million applications for that recruitment drive.
• Learners who complete the programme will be considered for permanent posts as correctional officials.

Completing the learnership does not guarantee a permanent job. Appointment depends on available posts and funding.

When Does the 2026/27 Intake Open?

We could not confirm an official 2026 or 2027 intake date. No dated advert appeared on the DCS website at the time of writing.

Here is what we do know from official sources:

• A large recruitment drive started in early 2023. The 2022/23 advert closed on 15 February 2023.
• The first group from that drive was due to start on 1 April 2025, subject to suitability checks.
• DCS has said it aims to train about 3,000 learners a year, depending on funding.

In June 2026, DCS repeatedly warned that “2026 intake” learnership posts on social media were fake. Africa Check also debunked them. So be very careful with any advert you see.

We will update this page when DCS publishes a new official advert.

Requirements

The exact rules are set in each advert. The list below is based on the 2022/23 advert and DCS briefings to Parliament. Always check the new advert, as rules can change.

Basic requirements

• South African citizen with a valid ID.
• Aged 21 to 35 (as per the 2022/23 advert).
• Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate, or NC(V) NQF Level 4, or FET Certificate NQF Level 4.
• No criminal record. Pending or decided cases must be declared on the form.
• Physically fit and mentally resilient.
• Willing to undergo personnel suitability checks (background, citizenship, qualifications and criminal record).
• Willing to take part in all DCS selection processes.

Selection split

For the most recent drive, DCS reserved about half of the places for Grade 12 or equivalent applicants. The other half went to applicants with relevant qualifications. Preference went to Corrections, Penology and Criminology.

Fitness and medical tests

Shortlisted candidates do physical fitness tests. DCS told Parliament these include a 2.4 km run and body mass index (BMI) limits. Candidates also undergo medical screening, including substance abuse screening.

Stipend

Learners receive a monthly stipend, not a salary. The amount is set in each advert.

For reference, government news agency SAnews reported a stipend of R3,500 per month for the 2019 intake. Newer adverts may list a different amount. Check the official advert for the current figure.

How to Apply: Step by Step

The process below is how past intakes worked. Follow the instructions in the new official advert if they differ.

1. Find the official advert. Check dcs.gov.za, the verified DCS Facebook page (blue tick) and the DPSA website (dpsa.gov.za). DCS says genuine opportunities are only advertised on these channels.
2. Get the official application form. For 2022/23, forms were available free at Management Areas, Community Corrections offices, Correctional Centres, Regional Offices and Head Office.
3. Prepare your documents. Usually a certified copy of your ID and your matric or NQF Level 4 certificate. Add any other documents the advert lists.
4. Complete the form fully and honestly. Declare any criminal cases. Leaving out information can disqualify you.
5. Submit before the closing date. Use only the method in the advert. Sign the submission register if you hand it in.
6. Wait for contact. Shortlisted applicants are called for fitness tests, medical screening and interviews.
7. Pass suitability checks. DCS checks your record and qualifications before you can start.

How to Prepare While You Wait

You can get ready now, even before the next advert opens.

• Train for fitness. Practise running 2.4 km a few times a week and build up slowly.
• Get certified copies. Certify your ID and matric certificate at a police station, so they are ready.
• Check your record. If you had a case in the past, find out its outcome so you can declare it correctly.
• Follow official pages. Follow the verified DCS Facebook page and bookmark dcs.gov.za.
• Look at other options. Keep applying for other learnerships and jobs in the meantime.

Common Mistakes

• Applying after the closing date.
• Sending uncertified or old copies when certified copies are required.
• Not declaring a pending case. DCS checks criminal records.
• Arriving unfit for the fitness test. Start training for a 2.4 km run early.
• Applying through a link that is not on dcs.gov.za or another official government site.
• Giving a phone number that is off or full. Keep your phone on and your voicemail clear.

Scam Warning

Fake DCS learnership adverts are very common. In 2026 DCS said that learnership posts circulating on social media were scams and not issued by the department.

Remember these facts from DCS:

• DCS does not charge applicants for any job or learnership.
• Application forms are not for sale. In 2023 an official was arrested for allegedly selling them.
• DCS has no third parties or middlemen recruiting for it.
• Genuine adverts appear on dcs.gov.za, official DCS social media and the DPSA website.

Red flags include WhatsApp-only applications, links to unknown websites and requests for “processing fees”. If someone sells you a form, report it to your nearest police station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Correctional Services Learnership open now?

As of 16 October 2026, we could not find an official open advert. Check dcs.gov.za and the verified DCS social media pages regularly.

What is the age limit?

The 2022/23 advert set the age at 21 to 35. The next advert may differ, so confirm it there.

Do I need a driver’s licence?

It was not listed as a requirement in the 2022/23 advert. Read the new advert in case this changes.

Can I apply online?

Past intakes used a printed form submitted at DCS offices. Only apply online if the official advert on dcs.gov.za says you can.

Will I get a permanent job after the learnership?

Not automatically. Learners who finish are considered for permanent correctional official posts, depending on available posts and funding.

Related Guides

• Learnerships 2026
• SASSA Vacancies
• Transnet Vacancies
• EPWP Jobs
• Call Centre Jobs in South Africa
• CV Template for South Africa

Conclusion

The DCS Learnership offers training, a stipend and a possible path to a permanent government job. Prepare your documents and fitness now, so you are ready when the next official advert appears. Only trust dcs.gov.za, verified DCS pages and the DPSA website, and never pay to apply.

Disclaimer: Wiz Admissions is an independent information website. We are not affiliated with the Department of Correctional Services or any government department. Always confirm details on dcs.gov.za before applying.