Teaching

SA Youth Teacher Assistant Application Guide 2025

Complete step-by-step guide to applying for teacher assistant positions through SA Youth (sayouth.mobi). Get all the information you need for a successful application.

By GoCareers Team 15 min read

Quick Access to SA Youth Portal

Access the official SA Youth platform to start your teacher assistant application

Official SA Youth Portal • Department of Basic Education • Free Application

About the SA Youth Teacher Assistant Program

The SA Youth Teacher Assistant Program is a government initiative that provides young South Africans with opportunities to gain valuable experience in the education sector while supporting schools with additional classroom assistance.

💰

Monthly Stipend

Receive monthly payment for your services

📚

Gain Experience

Valuable classroom and administrative experience

🎓

Career Development

Pathway to teaching career opportunities

Application Requirements

✅ Who Can Apply

  • South African citizen between 18-35 years
  • Matric certificate (Grade 12) with minimum 50% pass
  • Clear criminal record
  • Basic computer literacy
  • Good communication skills in English
  • Passion for education and working with children
  • No previous teaching qualification required

⚠️ Important Notes

  • • Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis
  • • Positions are subject to availability in your preferred province
  • • You must be available for immediate placement
  • • Training will be provided upon successful selection
  • • Contract period is typically 12 months

Step-by-Step Application Process

1

Visit SA Youth Portal

Go to sayouth.mobi or sa-youth.mobi

Navigate to the official SA Youth website. Make sure you're on the correct government portal.

2

Create Account / Login

Register for new account or login to existing one

Use your valid email and create a strong password. Verify your email address when prompted.

3

Navigate to DBE Section

Find Department of Basic Education opportunities

Look for sayouth.mobi/p/dbe or use the search function to find teacher assistant positions.

4

Complete Profile

Fill in all personal and educational information

Ensure all information matches your official documents exactly.

5

Upload Documents

Submit required supporting documentation

Upload clear, certified copies of all required documents in PDF format.

6

Submit Application

Review and submit your completed application

Double-check all information before final submission. Save your reference number.

Required Documents Checklist

📋 Document Requirements

All documents must be certified copies. Original documents will not be accepted. Ensure all documents are clear and legible when scanned/uploaded.

Required Documents

  • Certified copy of ID document
  • Certified copy of Matric certificate
  • Certified copy of tertiary qualifications (if applicable)
  • Police clearance certificate (not older than 3 months)
  • CV with contactable references
  • Motivation letter (explaining why you want to be a teacher assistant)
  • Recent passport-sized photograph

Certification Information

Who Can Certify Documents?

  • • Commissioner of Oaths
  • • Police Officer (Captain or above)
  • • Magistrate
  • • Attorney or Advocate
  • • Principal of educational institution

Document Tips

  • • Scan at high resolution (300 DPI minimum)
  • • Save as PDF format
  • • File size should be under 2MB each
  • • Ensure text is clearly readable

Provincial Opportunities

🌍 Nationwide Opportunities

Teacher assistant positions are available across all nine provinces in South Africa. You can apply for positions in multiple provinces to increase your chances of placement.

ProvinceStatusApplication Deadline
Western CapeAvailableOngoing
GautengAvailableOngoing
KwaZulu-NatalAvailableOngoing
Eastern CapeAvailableOngoing
Free StateAvailableOngoing
LimpopoAvailableOngoing
MpumalangaAvailableOngoing
North WestAvailableOngoing
Northern CapeAvailableOngoing

Tips for a Successful Application

✅ Do's

  • • Complete all sections of your profile accurately
  • • Upload high-quality, clear document scans
  • • Write a compelling motivation letter
  • • Apply as early as possible
  • • Keep copies of all submitted documents
  • • Regularly check your email for updates
  • • Be honest about your qualifications and experience

💡 Pro Tips

  • • Highlight any experience working with children
  • • Mention additional languages you speak
  • • Include volunteer work in your CV
  • • Show enthusiasm for education in your motivation letter
  • • Get references from educators if possible

❌ Don'ts

  • • Don't submit incomplete applications
  • • Don't use blurry or unclear document scans
  • • Don't provide false information
  • • Don't ignore email communications
  • • Don't apply with an expired police clearance
  • • Don't use unprofessional email addresses
  • • Don't submit applications after deadlines

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • • Forgetting to verify email address
  • • Not saving application reference number
  • • Uploading documents in wrong format
  • • Providing incorrect contact details
  • • Not completing all required fields

Common Issues & Solutions

🔐 Login Problems

Issue: Can't access sayouth.mobi or forgot password
Solution:
  • Try clearing your browser cache and cookies
  • Use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page
  • Check your email (including spam folder) for reset instructions
  • Try accessing from a different browser or device

📄 Document Upload Issues

Issue: Documents won't upload or are rejected
Solution:
  • Ensure files are in PDF format and under 2MB
  • Check that documents are properly certified
  • Scan at higher resolution if text is unclear
  • Try uploading one document at a time

📧 Communication Issues

Issue: Not receiving emails from SA Youth
Solution:
  • Check your spam/junk email folder
  • Add sayouth.mobi to your email whitelist
  • Update your contact details in your profile
  • Contact support if emails continue to not arrive

After You Apply

Processing Time

Applications are typically processed within 2-4 weeks. You'll receive email updates about your application status.

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Interview Process

Successful applicants may be contacted for a telephonic or in-person interview. Be prepared to discuss your motivation and availability.

🎯

Placement

If selected, you'll be placed at a school in your chosen province and receive orientation training before starting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the teacher assistant program last?

A: The program typically runs for 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.

Q: What is the monthly stipend for teacher assistants?

A: The stipend amount varies by province and is determined by the Department of Basic Education. Current rates are communicated during the placement process.

Q: Do I need teaching experience to apply?

A: No, previous teaching experience is not required. The program is designed to provide entry-level opportunities in education. Training will be provided.

Q: Can I apply for multiple provinces?

A: Yes, you can indicate multiple provinces in your application preferences. This increases your chances of placement.

Q: What happens if my application is not successful?

A: You can reapply for future opportunities. Keep your profile updated and consider gaining additional relevant experience or qualifications.

Q: Is there an age limit for the program?

A: Yes, applicants must be between 18-35 years old as per SA Youth program requirements.

Need Help with Your Application?

If you're experiencing technical difficulties or have questions about your application, here are ways to get help:

📧 Email Support

For technical issues with the SA Youth platform

support@sayouth.mobi

📞 Provincial DBE Offices

For questions about teacher assistant positions

View Contact Details

Ready to Start Your Teaching Journey?

Take the first step towards a rewarding career in education. Apply for the SA Youth Teacher Assistant Program today!