Eligibility Criteria for BEEI Application in 2025

Understanding the Eligibility Criteria for the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) in 2025. In an effort to address youth unemployment and support the country’s educational system, the South African government launched the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) under the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI). This groundbreaking programme aims to provide short-term employment and skills development to young South Africans while simultaneously enhancing teaching and learning in public schools.

Through the BEEI, thousands of unemployed youth are placed in schools as Education Assistants (EAs) and General School Assistants (GSAs). These placements help improve the quality of education by supporting overburdened teachers and school administration, while also giving youth valuable work experience and training.

Start your Basic Education Employment Initiative Online Application now.

However, to be considered for the BEEI, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. These requirements are put in place to ensure that the programme reaches its intended target: young people who are unemployed, unqualified, and eager to gain work experience in the education sector.

This page outlines in detail the eligibility requirements for the BEEI, providing aspiring applicants with a comprehensive guide to what is needed to qualify.

1. Age Requirement

The BEEI specifically targets youth between the ages of 18 and 34 years. This aligns with South Africa’s official youth age bracket. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and not older than 34 at the time of application. Those who fall outside this range are not eligible for the programme.

2. Employment Status

Applicants must be currently unemployed at the time of applying. The initiative is meant to benefit those who are not participating in any form of paid work. Those who are already working, even part-time or informally, do not qualify for BEEI placement.

3. Education Level

The minimum educational requirement is a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate. However, in certain provinces or under special circumstances, individuals without Matric but with relevant experience or training may be considered especially for roles as General School Assistants.

For Education Assistant roles, having Matric is typically compulsory, and additional post-school qualifications in education-related fields (such as teaching, early childhood development, or digital literacy) are considered an advantage but not a requirement.

4. Training and Skills Development Readiness

Applicants must be willing to undergo training. One of the key components of BEEI is the integration of skills development and capacity building, often including accredited short courses.

Participants are expected to:

Attend training sessions
Complete assignments or assessments
Use digital devices or learning platforms if provided

This ensures they not only contribute effectively during their placement but also acquire skills that will benefit them beyond the programme.

5. Citizenship and Identification

Only South African citizens with a valid South African ID book, smart ID card, or birth certificate are eligible to apply. Foreign nationals and permanent residents are not eligible.

Applicants must also provide:

A certified copy of their ID
Proof of residence (e.g., municipal bill or affidavit)

6. Residency Proximity

Applicants must live near the school they are applying to. This is to:

Minimise travel costs
Encourage community development
Ensure punctuality and daily attendance

Most schools will prioritize candidates from the local community or surrounding areas. If you’re applying online, the system often filters opportunities based on your registered location.

7. Criminal Record and Clearance

To protect learners and ensure a safe school environment, applicants:

Must not have a criminal record
Must not have been convicted of any offence involving violence, abuse, or misconduct toward children

Successful candidates may be required to undergo a police clearance check, especially if they will be working closely with learners.

8. Digital Access and Registration on SAYouth.mobi

Applicants must register on the official BEEI recruitment platform, SAYouth.mobi, which is:

Free to use (zero-rated – no data needed)
The only official application portal for BEEI
User-friendly and accessible via mobile phones

All applications must go through this platform. Paper-based or walk-in applications are not accepted.

To register, applicants need:

A valid South African ID number
Mobile phone number (for SMS notifications)
Email address (optional, but helpful)

9. NEET Status (Not in Education, Employment, or Training)

The BEEI is designed to assist youth who are not in school, not working, and not undergoing any form of training at the time of application. This NEET group is seen as most in need of opportunities for growth and upskilling.

Applicants who are enrolled in tertiary education, participating in learnerships, or receiving stipends from other government programmes are not eligible.

10. Commitment to Contract Terms

Successful applicants must be:

Willing to commit to the full contract period (usually around 5 to 6 months)
Punctual, reliable, and professional in their conduct
Open to being evaluated by school authorities during the placement

While BEEI is a temporary opportunity, it requires the same level of commitment and responsibility as permanent employment.

Key Documents Required for Application

To verify eligibility, applicants will typically need:

Certified copy of South African ID
Matric certificate or highest qualification
Proof of residence
Updated CV (Curriculum Vitae)
Any relevant training certificates (if available)

It is advisable to have certified copies ready and to keep digital versions in case of online upload requests.

The Basic Education Employment Initiative is a powerful tool in the fight against youth unemployment in South Africa. However, to benefit from it, young people must first ensure they meet the eligibility criteria.

From age and education to unemployment status and digital registration, each requirement is designed to ensure that opportunities are awarded fairly and reach those who need them most. Understanding and meeting these criteria not only improves your chances of being selected but also ensures smoother onboarding and participation once placed.