DHET Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027

South Africa’s youth continue to face a tough job market, but every now and then, a rare opportunity opens up that can change a career forever. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has launched its sought-after Graduate Internship and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme for 2025/2026 to 2026/2027, a two-year initiative set to unlock fresh talent and give graduates and WIL students a real foot in the door.

What Is the DHET Graduate Internship & WIL Programme?

For many South Africans, breaking into their chosen profession is not easy. DHET, understanding these struggles, is once again offering a comprehensive paid internship and WIL programme aimed at exposing young graduates and students to the real world of work. This programme is not just a box-ticking exercise; it is a fully immersive experience designed to give participants practical skills and a head start in their chosen fields.

The programme, which will run for 24 months, takes place mainly at the DHET Head Office in Pretoria and some regional offices around the country. It is aimed at unemployed graduates who have completed their qualifications in specific fields. There are also WIL opportunities for N6 students who need work experience to complete their diplomas.

Why Apply? Real Growth, Real Support

For a young graduate or WIL student, the benefits are huge. Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend of R7,860.40 (for Graduate Interns) or R6,659.40 (for WIL Students). These positions are full-time and fixed-term, giving participants financial stability while they gain on-the-job experience.

But the real value is the exposure. Interns and WIL students work directly in their area of study, mentored by experienced professionals. From public administration and management to IT, finance, policy research, and more, there’s a spot for almost every discipline.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to unemployed South African citizens who meet the academic requirements for the specific posts. The DHET is firmly committed to equal opportunity and transformation; people living with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants should not have previously participated in any internship in the public service.

General Requirements:

• South African citizenship
• Unemployed status (never worked as a public service intern or contract worker)
• Relevant qualification as specified per post
• Completion of all academic requirements for your field
• WIL applicants: Must need work experience to complete N6 certification

Applicants are expected to fill out the new Z83 application form (available from any public service department or government website) and attach a detailed CV. No late applications will be accepted.

Graduate Internship and WIL Posts Available:

1. POST 33/132 : TEACHING QUALIFICATIONS POLICY REF. NO.: DHET/UE/2025/01
   Branch: University Education
   Period: Fixed 24 Months Contract
   • POSITION: Graduate Intern
   • STIPEND: R7 860.40 per month
   • CENTRE: Pretoria Head Office
   • REQUIREMENTS: National diploma/Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration/Public Management/Office Management.
2. POST 33/132 : INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS REF. NO.: DHET/UE/2025/02
   Branch: University Education
   Period: Fixed 24 Months Contract
   • POSITION: Graduate Intern and WIL Student
   • STIPEND: R7 860.40 per month for Graduate Intern and R6 659.40 for WIL Student per month
   • CENTRE: Pretoria Head Office
   • REQUIREMENTS: National diploma/Bachelor of Commerce in International Relations/Office Administration/Business Informatics, Marketing Management. N6 certificate in Financial Management/Office Management.
3. POST 33/132 : STUDENT SUPPORT AND SECTOR ENGAGEMENT REF. NO.: DHET/UE/2025/03
   Branch: University Education
   Period: Fixed 24 Months Contract
   • POSITION: Graduate Intern
   • STIPEND: R7 860.40 per month
   • CENTRE: Pretoria Head Office
   • REQUIREMENTS: National diploma/Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration/Management
4. POST 33/132 : GOVERNANCE SUPPORT REF. NO.: DHET/UE/2025/04
   Branch: University Education
   Period: Fixed 24 Months Contract
   • POSITION: Graduate Intern
   • STIPEND: R7 860.40 per month
   • CENTRE: Pretoria Head Office
   • REQUIREMENTS: National diploma in Public Administration/Public Management
5. POST 33/132 : MANAGEMENT SUPPORT AND TRANSFERS REF. NO.: DHET/UE/2025/05
   Branch: University Education
   Period: Fixed 24 Months Contract
   • POSITION: Graduate Intern
   • STIPEND: R7 860.40 per month
   • CENTRE: Pretoria Head Office
   • REQUIREMENTS: National diploma/Bachelor’s degree in Financial Administration/Management.
6. POST 33/132 : HRDC SECRETARIAT REF. NO.: DHET/HRDC/2025/01
   Branch: Human Resource Development Council
   Period: Fixed 24 Months Contract
   • POSITION: Graduate Intern
   • STIPEND: R7 860.40 per month
   • CENTRE: Pretoria Head Office
   • REQUIREMENTS: National diploma/Degree/Honours/Master’s in Communications Studies/Research/Project Management/Monitoring and Evaluation/Administrative Management/Office Management.
7. POST 33/132 : LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL REF. NO.: DHET/CFO/2025/01
   Branch: CFO
   Period: Fixed 24 Months Contract
   • POSITION: Graduate Intern and WIL Student
   • STIPEND: R7 860.40 per month for Graduate Intern and R6 659.40 for WIL Student per month
   • CENTRE: Pretoria Head Office
   • REQUIREMENTS: National diploma/Degree in Supply Chain Management/Logistics Management/Purchasing Management/Public Management. N6 certificate in Public Management.
8. POST 33/132 : DEMAND, ACQUISITION & CONTRACT MANAGEMENT REF. NO.: DHET/CFO/2025/02
   Branch: CFO
   Period: Fixed 24 Months Contract
   • POSITION: Graduate Intern
   • STIPEND: R7 860.40 per month
   • CENTRE: Pretoria Head Office
   • REQUIREMENTS: National diploma/Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management/Public Procurement.
9. POST 33/132 : PUBLIC ENTITIES REF NO: DHET/CFO/2025/03
   Branch: CFO
   Period: Fixed 24 Months Contract
   • POSITION: Graduate Intern and WIL Student
   • STIPEND: R7 860.40 per month for Graduate Intern and R6 659.40 for WIL Student per month
   • CENTRE: Pretoria Head Office
   • REQUIREMENTS: National diploma/Degree in Accounting/Financial Management. N6 certificate in Financial Management.
10. POST 33/132 : DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT REF. NO.: DHET/UE/2025/04
    Branch: CFO
    Period: Fixed 24 Months Contract
    • POSITION: Graduate Intern and WIL Student
    • STIPEND: R7 860.40 per month for Graduate Intern and R6 659.40 for WIL Student per month
    • CENTRE: Pretoria Head Office
    • REQUIREMENTS: BCom degree in Accounting or with accounting N6 certificate in Financial Management/Public Management.
11. POST 33/132 : COMPLIANCE UNIT REF. NO.: DHET/CFO/2025/05
    Branch: CFO
    Period: Fixed 24 Months Contract
    • POSITION: Graduate Intern
    • STIPEND: R7 860.40 per month
    • CENTRE: Pretoria Head Office
    • REQUIREMENTS: National diploma/Bachelor’s degree in Internal Audit/Accounting/Financial Management.
12. POST 33/132 : FINANCIAL SERVICE REF. NO.: DHET/CFO/2025/06
    Branch: CFO
    Period: Fixed 24 Months Contract
    • POSITION: Graduate Intern and WIL Student
    • STIPEND: R7 860.40 per month for Graduate Intern and R6 659.40 for WIL Student per month
    • CENTRE: Pretoria Head Office
    • REQUIREMENTS: BCom degree in Financial Management/Accounting with Mathematics N6 certificate in Financial Management.
13. POST 33/132 : CD INDLELA: ARTISAN DEVELOPMENT REF. NO.: DHET/SD/2025/01
    Branch: Skills Development
    Period: Fixed 24 Months Contract
    • POSITION: Graduate Intern
    • STIPEND: R7 860.40 per month
    • CENTRE: Olifantsfontein
    • REQUIREMENTS: N6 Engineering or Civil Diploma /University of Technology Engineering Diploma /BCom degree /LLB degree /Advanced diploma (Engineering or Civil) in TVET Education
14. POST 33/132 : NATIONAL ARTISAN MODERATION BODY REF. NO.: DHET/SD/2025/02
    Branch: Skills Development
    Period: Fixed 24 Months Contract
    • POSITION: Graduate Intern
    • STIPEND: R7 860.40 per month
    • CENTRE: Olifantsfontein
    • REQUIREMENTS: Unemployed qualified Artisan in the trades of Automotive mechanic, Fitting and Turning, Plumbing and Millwright
15. POST 33/132 : NATIONAL ARTISAN MODERATION BODY REF. NO.: DHET/SD/2025/03
    Branch: Skills Development
    Period: Fixed 24 Months Contract
    • POSITION: Graduate Intern
    • STIPEND: R7 860.40 per month
    • CENTRE: Olifantsfontein
    • REQUIREMENTS: National diploma/Degree in Public Administration/Public Office Management
16. POST 33/132 : CD INDLELA: ARPL & ASSESSMENT (HRM) REF. NO.: DHET/SD/2025/04
    Branch: Skills Development
    Period: Fixed 24 Months Contract
    • POSITION: Graduate Intern
    • STIPEND: R7 860.40 per month
    • CENTRE: Olifantsfontein
    • REQUIREMENTS: National diploma/Degree in Public Administration/Human Resource Management.

How To Apply

Getting your foot in the door is straightforward, but you must pay attention to detail. Here’s how to give your application the best chance:

Step 1: Complete the New Z83 Form

• Download the Z83 form from any government website or collect from a public service department.
• Complete the form fully and clearly. State which post/field you are applying for.

Step 2: Attach Your Comprehensive CV

• Make sure your CV is up to date and details all qualifications and experience.

Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline

• Applications close: 29 August 2025 at 15:00
• Submit by:
  • Post:
    The Director-General,
    Department of Higher Education and Training,
    Private Bag X174, Pretoria, 0001
    Attention: Training and Development unit
  • Hand delivery:
    123 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria, Reception area (Cnr Sophie De Bruyn & Francis Baard Streets)
  • Email: internship@dhet.gov.za (Quote the relevant Reference Number)

Note: Each application must be for only one post/field. If you want to apply for multiple posts, submit separate Z83 forms and supporting documents for each.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Double-check your eligibility—be sure you have not previously served as a Public Service intern or contract worker.
• Ensure your application includes all required documents, and that your qualification matches the post you are applying for.
• Make sure your CV is clear, concise, and professional.
• If you have a foreign qualification, have it evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) before applying.
• Applications after the closing date or with missing documentation will not be considered.

Contact for Enquiries

For questions or further details about any post, you can contact:

• Ms C. Ndzimela: 012 312 5818
• Ms N. Ndzantsi: 012 312 5343
• Ms N. Khoza: 012 312 5192

Check also: ACCA Tax Internship Programme 2026

In a job market where experience is a critical barrier, programmes like these provide more than just a line on a CV; they offer a pathway to real work, mentorship, and a network. They allow graduates to transition from theory to practice, from unemployment to opportunity.

For South Africa, supporting young people as they start their careers is essential for economic growth, skills development, and social upliftment. These DHET programmes don’t just change lives, they build a stronger, more skilled country for everyone.