If you’re a recent graduate who doesn’t have a job yet, you’re probably looking for ways to get real work experience before you decide what you want to do next. The good news is that there are dozens of internships and learnerships that are closing in January 2026. These programs give you a chance to work in government agencies, municipalities, big companies, and other organisations that need fresh talent. If you wait too long you might miss out because most of these spots fill up fast and the application windows close on specific dates.
Below is a straight‑forward list of the top opportunities available right now. Read the details for each and click the “Apply here” link to start your application before the deadline.
1. Mining Qualifications Authority – IT Internships (2026‑2028)
- Closing Date: 26 January 2026
- Locations: Head Office in Johannesburg and various regional offices
- Who can apply: IT graduates who want to learn about the mining sector
- Apply here: [https://www.studentroom.co.za/mining-qualifications-authority-mqa-it-internships-2026/]
2. Cross Border Road Transport Agency – Internships (2026)
- Closing Date: 27 January 2026
- Location: Pretoria
- Apply here: [https://www.studentroom.co.za/cross-border-road-transport-agency-c-brta-internships-2026-apply-now/]
3. Independent Police Investigative Directorate – TVET & Graduate Internships
- Closing Date: 28 January 2026
- Locations: National Office and all provinces
- Apply here: [https://www.studentroom.co.za/ipid-tvet-university-graduate-internships-2026/]
4. Council for Geoscience – SHEQ Internships (8 posts)
- Closing Date: 28 January 2026
- Locations: Pretoria, Bellville, Polokwane, Gqeberha, Pietermaritzburg
- Apply here: [https://www.studentroom.co.za/council-for-geoscience-cgs-sheq-internships-2026-x8-posts/]
5. KwaZulu‑Natal Department of Cooperative Governance – Graduate Internships
- Closing Date: 28 January 2026
- Location: KwaZulu‑Natal province
- Apply here: [https://www.studentroom.co.za/kwazulu-natal-cogta-learnerships-graduate-internships-2026/]
6. Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality – TVET Agricultural Graduate Internships
- Closing Date: 29 January 2026 (4:15 pm)
- Location: Free State province
- Apply here: [https://www.studentroom.co.za/thabo-mofutsanyana-municipality-tvet-agricultural-graduate-internships-2026/]
7. City of Johannesburg – Valuer Graduate Internships (10 posts)
- Closing Date: 29 January 2026
- Location: Braamfontein, Gauteng
- Apply here: [https://www.studentroom.co.za/city-of-johannesburg-valuer-graduate-internships-2026-x10-posts/]
8. Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation – Graduate Internships (2026‑2028)
- Closing Date: 30 January 2026
- Duration: 24 months
- Stipend: R94 326 per year
- Apply here: [https://www.studentroom.co.za/mpumalanga-dept-of-culture-sport-and-recreation-internships-2026/]
9. Old Mutual – Corporate Internships (2026)
- Closing Date: 30 January 2026 (11:59 pm)
- Locations: Johannesburg and Cape Town – hybrid work setup
- Apply here: [https://www.studentroom.co.za/old-mutual-corporate-internships-2026-apply-now/]
10. National Home Builders Registration Council – Internships
- Closing Date: 30 January 2026
- Duration: 18 months
- Apply here: [https://www.studentroom.co.za/national-home-builders-registration-council-nhbrc-internships-2026/]
11. National Consumer Commission – Internships
- Closing Date: 30 January 2026
- Location: Pretoria
- Apply here: [https://www.studentroom.co.za/national-consumer-commission-ncc-internships-2026-apply-now/]
12. Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority – Internships
- Closing Date: 27 January 2026 (9:59 pm)
- Location: Illovo, Johannesburg
- Apply here: [https://www.studentroom.co.za/insurance-sector-education-and-training-authority-inseta-internships-2026/]
13. South African Tourism – Graduate Internships (23 posts)
- Closing Date: 30 January 2026
- Location: Sandton, Gauteng
- Duration: 24 months
- Apply here: [https://www.studentroom.co.za/south-african-tourism-graduate-internships-2026-x23-posts/]
Quick Checklist Before You Submit
- Make sure your resume is up to date and clear.
- Gather any certificates or proof of qualifications that the employer might need.
- Hit “Apply” before the closing date for each job – they usually close on time and will not open again for a year.
Missing a deadline can push your career start back a whole year. So grab the chance now, fill out the form, and put yourself on a path to real experience. Good luck!
