Z83 form download

Every application for a South African public service post needs the Z83 form. Here is the official form to download and print, and a quicker way: fill it in on your phone and save it as a PDF, together with your CV.

Updated 29 October 2026 · By Tumelo Vincent Tau

1. Download the official Z83 form

Government departments only accept the new Z83, effective 1 January 2021. It is two pages long and says "Effective 01 January 2021" at the top. Applications on the old form are not considered.

• Z83 form (PDF) from the Department of Basic Education
• Z83 form (PDF) from the Department of Water and Sanitation

Many adverts also link to the form. If a department gives its own instructions, follow the advert.

2. Filling it in by hand

• Print both pages and write clearly in black ink.
• Fill in every question in Parts A to D: the post, your personal details, contact details and language.
• For the qualifications and work experience parts you may write "see attached CV", but always answer the questions in Part F.
• Sign and date the declaration, and initial every page.
• Scan or photograph the pages clearly, and send them with your CV as the advert asks.

Step-by-step help for each part: how to fill in the Z83 form.

3. Filling it in on your phone

CV Maker SA has the 2021 Z83 built in. It fills in your details from your CV, so you only add what is new for each job: the post, the department and the reference number. You sign once with your finger, your initials go on every page, and the Z83, your CV and copies of your documents are saved as one PDF, ready to email or upload. It is free, works on any phone, and your details are never uploaded.

4. Mistakes that get applications rejected

Sources: the Z83 Application for Employment form (effective 01 January 2021) as published by the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Water and Sanitation. Rules can differ per department: the advert always comes first.