The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority has officially opened applications for the merSETA Internship Programme, offering 48 paid internship positions across South Africa.
If you’re an unemployed graduate looking to gain real work experience, this is one of the top government internship opportunities in 2026.
About the merSETA Internship Programme 2026
The merSETA Internship Programme 2026 is a 24-month fixed-term programme aimed at equipping young graduates with workplace experience in key sectors like engineering, manufacturing, business, and ICT.
This programme is ideal for graduates who want to build careers in both the public and private sectors.
Who Qualifies?
The merSETA Internship Programme 2026 is open to:
- South African citizens aged 18–35 years
- Unemployed graduates
- Candidates who have not previously participated in an internship programme.
merSETA Internship Stipend 2026
Successful candidates in the merSETA Internship Programme 2026 will receive:
- R10,000 per month – National Diploma (NQF Level 6)
- R11,000 per month – Bachelor’s / BTech Degree (NQF Level 7)
- R12,000 per month – Honours / Postgraduate (NQF Level 8+)
This makes it one of the highest-paying SETA internships in South Africa.
Locations for merSETA Internships
The merSETA internship is available in:
- Head Office: Parktown, Johannesburg
- Regional Offices Nationwide, including:
- Gauteng
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Western Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Mpumalanga & Limpopo
- Free State & Northern Cape
Available Fields – merSETA Internship Programme 2026 (x48 Posts)
The merSETA Programme offers opportunities in the following fields:
Head Office Internships
- Marketing & Communications (2)
- Project Management (1)
- Monitoring & Reporting (1)
- Sector Skills Planning & Research (3)
- Quality Management (1)
- ICT (Networks, Development, Information Science) (3)
- Supply Chain Management (2)
- Company Secretariat (2)
- Learning Programmes & QA (4)
- Grants Management (4)
- Legal & Compliance (1)
- Human Resources (2)
- Finance (3)
- Assets Management (2)
- Travel & Tourism (1)
Regional Office Internships
- Client Services (16 posts – 2 per region)
Related: Use the Nasi iSpani ATS Resume Scanner to Improve Your CV Before Applying
How to Apply for merSETA Internship Programme 2026
Apply using one of the following methods:
Email your CV:
WhatsApp your CV:
- 033 880 0263
Apply Online:
- Search for “Rapid Recruiting” on PNet
- Apply via LinkedIn
Why You Should Apply
The internship programme is a great opportunity because it offers:
- Paid work experience for 24 months
- Exposure to real industry projects
- Opportunities across multiple career fields
- A strong boost to your CV and employability
Closing Date
20 April 2026
If you do not receive feedback within 2 weeks after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
