The Free State Office of the Premier is offering 20 graduate internship posts to unemployed graduates who live in Bloemfontein. The 24-month programme covers Communication (8 posts), Corporate Reform IT (10 posts) and Intergovernmental Relations (2 posts). If you have a relevant qualification and have never done an internship before, submit your Z83 application before the closing date of 4 August 2026.
About the Programme
The Office of the Premier is the centre of the Free State Provincial Government. It coordinates policy across all provincial departments, runs provincial communication, drives digital transformation and manages the province’s relationships with national government and other provinces. An internship here places you at the heart of how a province is actually run.
Government internship programmes like this one exist to give unemployed graduates their first structured workplace experience, paired with a monthly government internship stipend. Over 24 months, interns rotate through real responsibilities in their directorate, build a professional track record and become strong candidates for public service posts, which typically require exactly this kind of experience. For Bloemfontein graduates struggling to break into the job market, 20 posts in one building is a significant opening.
Available Posts and What You Will Learn
- Communication (8 posts): government communication, public-awareness campaigns, graphic design, content creation, social media, photography and multimedia production. Qualifications: Graphic Design, Marketing, Media Studies, Photography, Digital Marketing or related
- Corporate Reform (10 posts): technical support, information systems, digital transformation, network administration, data management and ICT services. Qualification: National Diploma or Diploma in Information Technology
- Intergovernmental Relations (2 posts): stakeholder engagement, protocol services, event coordination, government liaison and public participation. Qualifications: International Relations, Political Studies, Public Relations, Communication, Hospitality, Events Management or related
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens who are unemployed
- Resident in Bloemfontein (proof of residence may be requested)
- Completed qualification relevant to the chosen directorate
- Have never participated in a government internship programme before
- Available for the full 24 months and willing to undergo verification and security screening
RELATED: Free State Human Settlements Graduate Internship 2026: R8,174.75/Month, Closes 31 July
Required Documents
- Fully completed and signed new Z83 application form
- Comprehensive updated CV with your residential address
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified academic record and copies of completed qualifications
How to Apply
- Download and complete the new Z83 form, clearly stating the internship field you are applying for
- Attach your CV and certified supporting documents
- Sign and date the Z83 form
- If applying for more than one field, prepare a separate full application for each
- Hand-deliver your application to: Free State Training and Development Institute, Brahman Building, 2nd Floor, 124 Nelson Mandela Drive, Bloemfontein
- Submit before 4 August 2026
Download the official form here: Apply with the new Z83 form from DPSA.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Free State Office of the Premier Graduate Internship Programme 2026 is 4 August 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Free State has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the country, and Bloemfontein graduates often feel overlooked as opportunities concentrate in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
This programme is reserved exclusively for Bloemfontein residents, which dramatically narrows the competition compared to national programmes. Two years inside the Office of the Premier also builds exactly the experience profile that provincial and national departments look for when filling permanent administrative, ICT and communication posts. For IT diploma graduates in particular, ten posts in one intake is unusually generous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need work experience?
No. The programme is for unemployed graduates who have not done an internship before. Prior internship participants are not eligible.
How much is the stipend?
The advert does not state an amount. Government internship stipends are paid according to public service policy, and the exact figure is confirmed during the application process.
Can I apply if I live outside Bloemfontein?
No. The programme is specifically for graduates residing in Bloemfontein, and your address on the Z83 and CV must reflect this.
Can I apply online or by email?
No. Applications must be physically delivered to the Free State Training and Development Institute at Brahman Building, 124 Nelson Mandela Drive, Bloemfontein.
Applying for this opportunity?
Make sure your application stands out with these free tools:
