The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), through WorldSkills South Africa (WSZA), has officially opened applications for the WorldSkills South Africa 2027 National Competition. This event provides a platform for talented students, apprentices, and skilled candidates across the country to showcase their practical skills in a variety of technical and vocational fields.
About the Opportunity
The WorldSkills South Africa competition is designed to identify and promote excellence in practical and technical skills among young people who are pursuing vocational, occupational, and technical careers. It covers 34 skill categories, including traditional trades such as bricklaying, carpentry, welding, and plumbing, as well as modern and emerging fields like software development, cloud computing, and renewable energy technology.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include students and learners enrolled at TVET colleges, universities, Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, technical high schools, and private skills development providers. Additionally, candidates participating in apprenticeships or learnerships related to one of the skills categories may also apply. The competition is open to those working towards technical, vocational, occupational, or skills-related qualifications.
Main Requirements
- Applicants should be actively studying or training in a field that directly corresponds to one of the 34 registered WorldSkills categories.
- Candidates must confirm their eligibility based on their institution type (e.g., university, TVET college) or training pathway (apprenticeship or learnership).
- Applicants for specific categories such as Aircraft Maintenance, Mechatronics, and Water Technology must not be 26 years or older in the year 2028.
- Careful attention should be given to category-specific rules and eligibility criteria listed on the official application portal.
Competition Locations and Dates
The competition will engage participants from various provinces, representing institutions across South Africa. Applications opened on 1 September 2026 and will close on 30 April 2027.
Important Information Before Applying
- Applicants are advised to start their preparation early and ensure that all required information and supporting documents are accurate and complete.
- Applicants must download and complete an indemnity form before submitting their online application.
- Participants should select the skill category that best reflects their actual qualifications and abilities, as the competition assesses practical skills according to occupational standards.
- Submitting false or inaccurate information regarding qualifications or experience may result in disqualification.
How to Apply
Applications for WorldSkills South Africa 2027 must be submitted online through the official WorldSkills South Africa application portal. Candidates should first verify their eligibility and download the indemnity form from the portal before starting the application process.
Access the application portal here: WorldSkills South Africa 2027 Application Portal.
Additional Resources
For career exploration, apprenticeship programs, and related skills development pathways, applicants can utilize platforms that provide information about SETA programmes and vocational education opportunities aligned with WorldSkills categories.
