For more information, please contact the
SAAF Recruitment Office:

The Air Force does not offer bursaries and learnerships (apprenticeship) as do organizations in the private sector. Instead, selected candidates are required to join the SANDF on a contract basis. This necessitates the successful completion of military courses during the first year of the contract, followed by studies and/or learnerships at selected universities or technical colleges and continued service in the SANDF for the remainder of the contract period.

Qualified engineers may direct enquiries to any of the Recruiting Offices.

Engineering
Fields of interest include electronics, electrical, mechanical, aeronautical and industrial engineering. University studies begin in the second year of service at either the Stellenbosch or Pretoria University. This study scheme requires students to finance their study costs and university fees out of their salary. Accomodation is paid for by the Air Force.

The requirements to be accepted as an engineer in the SAAF are as follows:

1. Must be a South African citizen
2. Age: Not younger than 18 and not yet 24 when starting Basic Military Training
3. Classified medically fit for duty by the Surgeon General
4. Be recommended by a selection board

The academic requirements are:

1. Complete Grade 12 with exemption with a C average and English as a subject
2. At least a C symbol for both Mathematics and Physical Science on HG
3. Minimum M-Score of 18

Training:
Duration: 5 years, including Basic Military Training, Officers Forming Course plus a pre-academic programme and university degree studies

Apprenticeship
Trade training is offered in a Mechanical, Electronic, Electrical or General Avionic support field.

The requirements to be accepted as an apprentice in the SAAF are as follows:

1. Must be a South African citizen
2. Age: At least 18 years when starting Basic Military Training
3. Classified medically fit for duty by the Surgeon General
4. Candidate must undergo prescribed psychometric evaluation
5. Be recommended by a selection board

The academic requirements are:

1. Currently in Grade 12 or completed + at least Grade 10/N1 Mathematics
2. Preferably Grade 12 with Maths or N3 Certificate
3. Candidates who passed Grade 12 with additional N-level subjects will be preferred

Training:
Duration: 3 years, including Basic Military Training, Theoretical Training (Centurion Technical College), and practical at various bases and units.