Are you an unemployed young person with a passion for cooking and hospitality? The Royal Bafokeng Institute (RBI) is offering an exciting opportunity to build a professional career in the culinary industry.
The RBI Chef Programme 2026 is a three-year QCTO Occupational Certificate: Chef programme that combines theoretical learning, practical training and workplace experience. The programme is advertised as fully funded and paid.
📌 Programme Details
- Organisation: Royal Bafokeng Institute (RBI)
- Programme: QCTO Occupational Certificate: Chef
- Duration: 3 years
- Field: Culinary Arts / Hospitality & Catering
- Funding: Fully funded
- Payment: Paid programme
- Target group: Unemployed youth
- Minimum requirement: Grade 12 with Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Applications: 2 September – 23 September 2026
- Application location: RBI campus in Phokeng
- Selection: Psychometric test and interview
- Persons with disabilities: Strongly encouraged to apply
🎓 What Does the Programme Offer?
This is more than a short cooking course. The three-year programme combines:
✅ Theoretical learning
✅ Practical chef training
✅ Workplace learning
✅ Professional culinary development
The training is designed to prepare participants for careers in Hotels, Restaurants and Catering (HORECA) establishments, including professional food preparation, cooking, presentation, storage and related kitchen operations.
📋 Requirements
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Grade 12 with Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Certified Grade 12 results
- Certified ID copy not older than three months
- Parents’ certified ID copies
- Recommendation letter from your Kgosana/Kgotla
- Working parent’s original payslip, where applicable
- Affidavit confirming unemployment of parent(s), where applicable
- Certified parent ID copies where required
- Proof of disability, where applicable
- Motivation letter
Applicants must also be unemployed.
📝 How to Apply
- Obtain the RBI application form from the Royal Bafokeng Institute campus in Phokeng or download it from the RBI website.
- Complete the application form accurately.
- Attach all required supporting documents.
- Return the completed application and supporting documents to the RBI campus in Phokeng.
⏰ Closing Date: 23 September 2026
Applications are open from 2 September to 23 September 2026.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Documents such as certified copies, affidavits and the Kgosana/Kgotla recommendation letter may take time to obtain.
🔎 What Happens After Applying?
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete a psychometric test and attend an interview as part of the selection process.
💰 How Much Is the Stipend?
The current advert describes the opportunity as “fully funded and paid”, but it does not state the payment/stipend amount.
Applicants should therefore be cautious of social-media posts claiming a specific monthly stipend unless the amount is confirmed directly by RBI. The advert also does not specify whether accommodation, meals, transport or other personal expenses are covered.
👨🍳 Interested in Becoming a Professional Chef?
If you meet the requirements and want to build a career in culinary arts, hospitality and catering, this could be an opportunity worth considering.
📅 Application period: 2–23 September 2026
📍 Location: Phokeng, Royal Bafokeng Institute
🎓 Qualification: QCTO Occupational Certificate: Chef
⏳ Duration: 3 years
💰 Funding: Fully funded and paid
Start preparing your documents now and submit your application before the closing date.
Apply here https://www.bafokenginstitute.org.za/?utm_source=chatgpt.com