Looking for a paid internship that lets you jump straight into the world of copyright and intellectual property? The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is offering two graduate positions for 2026. If you’re a South African graduate who is still looking for work, this could be the perfect place to start your career. The role is based at the CIPC’s Sunnyside Office in Pretoria, Gauteng, and you’ll spend the next two years learning how to protect and enforce IP rights in South Africa.
Job Details
- Apply by: 5 February 2026
- Location: CIPC Sunnyside Office, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
- Reference: IPCopyright&enforcementintern
About the Internship Programme
During the 24‑month internship you’ll work with the IP Copyright and Enforcement team. You will see what a public‑sector job looks like, get a clear sense of how the law protects creative work, and learn how the CIPC keeps South Africa’s IP system running smoothly. This is part of a national plan that started in 2002 to give recent graduates real work experience that matches what they studied.
Who Can Apply?
This programme is aimed at people who meet all of these criteria:
- South African graduates who have finished a degree or a national diploma.
- No previous work experience.
- No prior internship experience.
- Between 18 and 35 years old.
What You’ll Get
- Stipend: R12 000 per month.
- Full access to training and mentorship during the whole 24‑month period.
- A contract that explains your role and responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications
You need to have finished at least one of the following courses. If you studied abroad, bring your qualification to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for recognition before you apply.
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
- National Diploma in Business Management
- National Diploma in International Trade
- National Diploma in Criminology
- National Diploma in Information Technology
- National Diploma in Marketing
- National Diploma in Supply Chain Management
How to Apply
Follow these steps carefully. Missing anything will mean your application will be turned away.
- Fill out the online form on the CIPC job portal.
- Upload the following documents in the correct sections:
- Your updated CV
- A certified copy of your South African ID
- A certified copy of the qualification you completed
- Do NOT send your application by fax, e‑mail, post, or hand‑delivery. Only the online upload counts.
Apply now for the CIPC IP Copyright and Enforcement Graduate Internship Programme 2026
Explore other opportunities on the CIPC careers portal
Questions? Call the CIPC Recruitment Office at 087 743 7074, 7075, or 7197.
Why This Internship Is a Good Choice
If you’re curious about how copyright rules work, how companies protect their ideas, or how the government keeps track of IP, this internship lets you see it all. You’ll learn about the legal framework in South Africa, meet real professionals in the field, and earn a steady stipend that covers your living expenses while you learn.