Who this is for: This programme is only for South African citizens under 35 living in Gauteng (Johannesburg). Applicants from other countries aren’t eligible.
The Samsung Software Development Programme 2027 is open. It’s a 12-month, full-time programme run by Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, and funded through Samsung’s Equity Equivalent Investment Programme. It helps ICT graduates get past the classic problem: employers want experience, but nobody gives you a first chance.
Participants join a real development team working on projects that tackle South African challenges, mentored by senior developers. They also receive a monthly stipend of R5,400, equipment and data. Since 2020, 89 young developers have completed the programme, and 89% have found work in the industry.
Applications close on 29 November 2026.
At a Glance
| Host | Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct (Wits University) |
| Sponsor | Samsung |
| Places | 15 |
| Stipend | R5,400 a month |
| Duration | 12 months, full-time and in person (from mid-January to 14 December 2027) |
| Location | Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Gauteng |
| Minimum qualification | 3-year diploma (NQF 6) or degree |
| Deadline | 29 November 2026 |
What You’ll Do
- Work in a real software development team on projects that address South African challenges
- Get mentoring from senior developers throughout the year
- Strengthen your core software engineering skills
- Learn AI-assisted development and automation
- Build a portfolio of work to show future employers
Benefits
- A monthly stipend of R5,400
- Equipment (laptop) and data
- Access to the Tshimologong precinct, Johannesburg’s digital innovation hub
- Mentorship from experienced developers
- A certificate of completion and an alumni network
- Hiring opportunities: 89% of past participants found work in the industry
- Free to apply
Eligibility
- South African citizen
- Under 35 years old
- Living in Johannesburg/Gauteng
- A matric certificate
- A completed 3-year diploma or bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Software Development, Computer Science, IT, Software Engineering or a related field
- Able to commit full-time for the whole year
Tshimologong is looking for graduates who are curious, comfortable with ambiguity and want to see their work used by real people.
Selection Process
- Application submitted
- Document verification (your qualifications are checked)
- Practical assessment task
- Interview
- Final selection
How to Apply
- Get your ID, matric certificate, diploma or degree certificate and CV ready.
- Open the official application page (link below) and click Apply now.
- Sign in with your email. There’s no password; you’ll get a one-time secure link.
- Complete your profile and application, then submit before 29 November 2026. You can save and come back later, and track your application’s progress online.
Apply for the Samsung Software Development Programme 2027 (official Tshimologong page)
Stay safe: applying is free. Never pay anyone to apply.
Tips
- Show what you’ve built. Link to GitHub projects, apps or websites, even small ones.
- Practise coding tasks. There’s a practical assessment, so brush up on the languages and tools from your studies.
- Explain why you want to solve local problems. The programme focuses on projects for South African challenges.
- Plan your finances. R5,400 a month is a stipend, not a full salary, so budget for transport to Braamfontein.
