Young South Africans looking for an opportunity to gain workplace experience while earning a monthly stipend can now apply for the Santam Learnership 2026.
Santam, one of South Africa’s leading short-term insurance companies, has opened applications for its nationwide learnership programme. The initiative is designed to help unemployed youth build skills, gain industry exposure, and earn a recognised qualification within the insurance sector.
The programme combines accredited learning with practical workplace training, giving participants a valuable foundation for future career growth in financial services and insurance.
Overview of the Santam Learnership 2026
Company: Santam
Programme: Learnership 2026
Location: Nationwide, South Africa
Duration: 12 Months
Start Date: 01 September 2026
Closing Date: 31 May 2026
Opportunity Type: Learnership
Stipend: Monthly stipend provided
The programme is aimed at unemployed South African youth who want to enter the financial services industry and gain practical work experience while studying toward an accredited qualification.
About the Santam Learnership Programme
The Santam Learnership Programme is an entry-level skills development initiative created to address skills shortages within the insurance industry.
Successful learners will complete an accredited NQF Level 4 qualification while receiving structured workplace training and professional development. The programme also includes preparation for the FSCA Regulatory Examination (RE5), an important qualification within the insurance sector.
This combination of theoretical learning and practical workplace experience helps learners build industry knowledge while improving their employability.
What Successful Learners Will Receive
Participants selected for the programme will benefit from:
- Accredited NQF Level 4 training
- Monthly stipend
- Practical workplace experience
- Exposure to the short-term insurance industry
- RE5 examination preparation
- Professional development opportunities
- Career-building experience within a leading insurance company
- Opportunity to work toward professional membership with the Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA)
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the Santam Learnership 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be unemployed
- Be between 18 and 28 years old
- Have a Grade 12 / Matric certificate
- Achieve a minimum of 50% for English and a second language
- Achieve a minimum of 40% for Mathematics or 60% for Mathematical Literacy
- Have no more than one year of work experience
- Not be studying with another institution during the learnership period
- Not have previously participated in a Short-Term Insurance Learnership through INSETA
Important Exclusions
The programme is generally not intended for candidates who:
- Already hold post-matric qualifications such as diplomas or degrees
- Are currently studying toward a post-school qualification
- Have more than one year of work experience
Applicants living with disabilities are encouraged to apply but must provide medical documentation confirming the nature of their disability.
Documents Required
Before applying, candidates should prepare:
- Updated CV
- Matric certificate or matric results
- South African ID document
- Supporting documents where applicable
- Medical proof of disability if required
Santam has stated that applications submitted without a CV and matric results may not be considered.
Skills Learners Can Develop
During the programme, learners may gain experience in:
- Customer service
- Insurance administration
- Professional communication
- Regulatory compliance
- Financial services operations
- Workplace professionalism
- Problem-solving and teamwork
The programme is designed to help participants build a strong foundation for future employment opportunities within the insurance sector.
Why This Learnership Is Worth Considering
Many young South Africans struggle to secure their first opportunity because employers often request previous experience.
This learnership helps address that challenge by combining training with real workplace exposure.
Successful completion can strengthen a candidate’s CV while providing recognised industry qualifications and practical experience that employers value.
Community discussions around learnerships frequently highlight the value of gaining recognised qualifications and workplace exposure, even when the stipend is lower than a full salary. Many participants see learnerships as important stepping stones into long-term careers.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Santam careers portal.
Apply Here:
Santam Careers Portal
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are attached before submitting their application.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is:
31 May 2026
Because the programme attracts a large number of applicants nationwide, early submission is strongly recommended.
Final Thoughts
The Santam Learnership 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for unemployed South African youth who want to gain industry-recognised qualifications, workplace experience, and professional exposure within the insurance sector.
With accredited NQF Level 4 training, RE5 preparation, practical experience, and a monthly stipend, the programme can serve as an important first step toward building a long-term career in financial services.
Candidates who meet the requirements should prepare their documents and submit their applications before the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Santam Learnership paid?
Yes. Successful learners will receive a monthly stipend during the 12-month programme.
What qualification will learners receive?
Participants will complete an accredited NQF Level 4 qualification linked to the insurance sector.
Can applicants with disabilities apply?
Yes. Applicants living with disabilities are encouraged to apply and must provide supporting medical documentation.
Do I need previous work experience?
No. Applicants should have no more than one year of work experience.
When does the programme start?
The learnership is expected to start on 01 September 2026.





