Dis-Chem Pharmacies has opened applications for its Dispensary Support Learnership Programme 2026/2027, giving qualifying South Africans an opportunity to start building a career in the pharmacy and pharmaceutical environment.
The learnerships are available at selected Dis-Chem stores in Gauteng, Limpopo, Free State and Western Cape.
Applicants must have Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics and Physical Science or Life Science, as well as a minimum overall average of 50%.
The available vacancies have different closing dates, ranging from 22 October to 4 November 2026.
Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnerships 2026/2027: Quick Overview
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Dis-Chem Pharmacies |
| Programme | Dispensary Support Learnership |
| Career Pathway | Basic Pharmacist Assistant |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 / Matric |
| Mathematics | Pure Mathematics |
| Science | Physical Science or Life Science |
| Minimum Average | 50% |
| Locations | Gauteng, Limpopo, Free State and Western Cape |
| Employment | Fixed-term during learner period |
| Registration | South African Pharmacy Council |
| Application | Online |
| Closing Dates | 22 October–4 November 2026 |
The individual vacancies have their own application pages and closing dates, so applicants should select the correct store before applying.
About the Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership
The Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership is aimed at candidates who can successfully complete the Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistant course.
Successful applicants initially work in fixed-term Dispensary Support positions while completing the required training and working towards registration with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) as learner basic pharmacist assistants.
After successfully qualifying as Basic Pharmacist Assistants, learners may be considered for permanent employment.
Permanent employment is therefore not guaranteed at the beginning of the learnership.
What Does the Learnership Offer?
The programme provides practical exposure to the pharmacy environment while learners develop knowledge and workplace skills related to:
- Pharmacy operations
- Medicine handling
- Prescription processing
- Stock management
- Patient service
- Dispensary administration
- Customer service
- Pharmaceutical workplace procedures
The programme is particularly relevant to Grade 12 applicants who want to enter the pharmacy sector without already holding a pharmacist assistant qualification.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the academic requirements before applying.
You need:
- Grade 12 / Matric
- Pure Mathematics
- Physical Science or Life Science
- A minimum overall average of 50%
Pure Mathematics is specifically listed in the requirements. Applicants should therefore check their Matric subjects carefully before submitting an application.
The available source does not state an age requirement for these vacancies.
Pure Mathematics Is Required
One of the most important requirements is Pure Mathematics.
Applicants should not assume that any Mathematics-related subject will automatically satisfy the requirement. The advertised vacancies specifically refer to Pure Mathematics.
Candidates should also have either Physical Science or Life Science.
Minimum Average
Applicants need an overall average of at least:
50%
Candidates who do not meet the stated academic requirements may not be considered.
Skills and Competencies
Dis-Chem is looking for candidates who can work professionally in a busy pharmacy and retail environment.
Important skills include:
- Good English communication
- Ability to communicate in a second language
- Good time management
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to work under pressure
- Attention to detail
- Good communication skills
- Good listening skills
- Customer-service skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Teamwork
- Conflict-management skills
- Accountability
- Professional conduct
- Honesty and trustworthiness
- Computer skills
- Numerical skills
These skills are important because dispensary support work involves customers, prescriptions, medicines, stock and detailed procedures.
Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership Duties
Successful learners will receive practical exposure to a range of dispensary activities.
Depending on the duties assigned and the applicable supervision requirements, learners may assist with:
Medicine and Dispensary Support
- Selling Schedule 1 medicines or scheduled substances.
- Assisting with the preparation and compounding of non-sterile medicines under supervision.
- Learning to interpret prescriptions accurately.
- Picking, packing and labelling medication.
- Ensuring medicines are checked and signed off by a pharmacist.
Stock and Merchandising
Learners may also assist with:
- Unpacking dispensary stock.
- Merchandising products.
- Cleaning dispensary and OTC shelves.
- Checking medicine expiry dates.
- Monitoring stock levels.
- Reporting low-stock and out-of-stock items.
- Receiving dispensary stock according to company procedures.
Patient and Customer Support
The programme can also provide exposure to:
- Following up with patients regarding prescription tracking.
- Assisting with patient-service calls.
- Assisting with call-centre scripts.
- Providing basic health-related information.
- Supporting scheme authorisations for chronic, HIV/AIDS and oncology medication.
Learners work within the applicable procedures and supervision requirements of the pharmacy environment.
What Happens After the Learnership?
Successful candidates initially remain in fixed-term Dispensary Support positions while working towards registration as Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistants with the South African Pharmacy Council.
Once learners successfully qualify as Basic Pharmacist Assistants, they may be considered for permanent employment.
However, applicants should understand that completing the learnership does not create an automatic guarantee of permanent employment.
Available Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnerships 2026/2027
The latest advertised opportunities include six locations across four provinces.
1. Linden Lanes – Randburg, Gauteng
Position: Dispensary Support Learnership
Location: Randburg, Gauteng
Closing Date: 22 October 2026
The current Dis-Chem vacancy listing confirms the Linden Lanes opportunity and its 22 October closing date.
Application:
Apply for the Linden Lanes Dispensary Support vacancy
2. Makhado Crossing – Makhado, Limpopo
Position: Dispensary Support Learnership
Location: Makhado, Limpopo
Closing Date: 23 October 2026
Application:
Apply for the Makhado Crossing vacancy
3. Platinum Park – Polokwane, Limpopo
Position: Dispensary Support Learnership
Location: Polokwane, Limpopo
Closing Date: 23 October 2026
Application:
Apply for the Platinum Park vacancy
4. Savannah Mall – Polokwane, Limpopo
Position: Dispensary Support Learnership
Location: Polokwane, Limpopo
Closing Date: 23 October 2026
Application:
Apply for the Savannah Mall vacancy
5. Northridge Mall – Bloemfontein, Free State
Position: Dispensary Support Learnership
Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
Closing Date: 29 October 2026
The current Dis-Chem vacancies page also lists the Northridge Mall Dispensary Support opportunity with a 29 October 2026 closing date.
Application:
Apply for the Northridge Mall vacancy
6. Optenhorst – Paarl North
Position: Dispensary Support Learnership
Location: Paarl, Western Cape
Closing Date: 4 November 2026
Application:
Apply for the Optenhorst, Paarl North vacancy
How to Apply for the Dis-Chem Learnership
Applications are submitted online for the specific Dis-Chem vacancy.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Store
Select the store and location where you would realistically be able to complete the workplace component of the learnership.
Step 2: Check the Requirements
Make sure you have:
- Grade 12
- Pure Mathematics
- Physical Science or Life Science
- At least a 50% overall average
Step 3: Prepare Your Information
Have your academic information and relevant personal details ready before starting the application.
An updated CV may also be useful where requested by the application system.
Step 4: Open the Correct Vacancy
Use the application link for the specific store you want to apply to.
Step 5: Complete the Online Application
Enter your information accurately and make sure your Grade 12 subjects and marks are correct.
Step 6: Submit Before the Closing Date
Each vacancy has its own closing date.
Do not assume that all six positions close on the same day.
Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, check that you have:
- Grade 12 / Matric
- Pure Mathematics
- Physical Science or Life Science
- At least a 50% overall average
- Your correct contact details
- Your academic information
- An updated CV if requested
- Selected the correct Dis-Chem store
- Checked the individual closing date
- Completed the online application
Is There a Stipend or Salary?
The supplied 17 October 2026 vacancy information does not state a specific stipend amount.
Some third-party listings describe remuneration differently, but applicants should not treat unofficial figures as confirmed programme terms.
For this article, no specific stipend or salary amount is therefore stated.
Important Advice for Applicants
Do not apply without checking your academic results.
The most important academic requirements are Pure Mathematics, Physical Science or Life Science, and an overall average of at least 50%.
You should also choose a store that you can realistically attend. The workplace component is an important part of the learning experience.
Finally, submit your application before the closing date shown on the individual vacancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualification do I need for the Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership?
You need Grade 12, Pure Mathematics, and Physical Science or Life Science, with a minimum overall average of 50%.
Do I need Pure Mathematics?
Yes. Pure Mathematics is specifically listed as a requirement.
Can I apply with Life Science?
Yes. The requirement allows for Physical Science or Life Science.
What is the minimum average?
You need an overall average of at least 50%.
Where are the current learnerships available?
The latest listed opportunities are in Randburg, Makhado, Polokwane, Bloemfontein and Paarl, across Gauteng, Limpopo, Free State and Western Cape.
Are the learnerships fixed-term?
Yes. Learners are initially employed in fixed-term Dispensary Support positions while working towards learner basic pharmacist assistant registration.
Can the learnership lead to permanent employment?
Yes, learners who successfully qualify as Basic Pharmacist Assistants may be considered for permanent employment. Permanent employment is not guaranteed.
What is the closing date?
The listed closing dates range from 22 October to 4 November 2026, depending on the store.
Is there a stipend?
The supplied vacancy information does not state a specific stipend amount.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the application page for the specific Dis-Chem vacancy.
Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnerships 2026/2027 Summary
| Store | Location | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| Linden Lanes | Randburg, Gauteng | 22 October 2026 |
| Makhado Crossing | Makhado, Limpopo | 23 October 2026 |
| Platinum Park | Polokwane, Limpopo | 23 October 2026 |
| Savannah Mall | Polokwane, Limpopo | 23 October 2026 |
| Northridge Mall | Bloemfontein, Free State | 29 October 2026 |
| Optenhorst, Paarl North | Paarl, Western Cape | 4 November 2026 |
Conclusion
The Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnerships 2026/2027 offer Grade 12 candidates an opportunity to gain practical experience in the pharmacy environment while working towards the Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistant pathway.
Applicants need Pure Mathematics, Physical Science or Life Science, and a minimum overall average of 50%.
The latest opportunities are available in Gauteng, Limpopo, Free State and Western Cape, with individual closing dates from 22 October to 4 November 2026.
If you meet the requirements, select the Dis-Chem store that suits you, check the specific vacancy carefully and submit your online application before the relevant closing date.
