Unemployment is still a big challenge in South Africa, especially for young people who need real work experience. The City of Cape Town is opening a range of paid and unpaid internship programmes that give you on‑the‑job skills and a chance to build a CV that employers love. If you’re 18–30, living in Cape Town and looking for a foothold in the workforce, this could be the perfect stepping stone.
What the City of Cape Town Internship Programme Is All About
The City’s Human Resources Directorate – Corporate Services (Training and Development) is inviting unemployed candidates to join the Student Opportunities and Internship Programmes 2026. You can pick from fixed‑term contracts, work‑integrated learning, diploma and graduate internships, or learnerships that last 12–24 months. All programmes are based in Cape Town and offer practical workplace exposure across various city directorates.
Who Should Apply? – Eligibility & Minimum Requirements
- Must live permanently in Cape Town and be unemployed.
- Cannot be enrolled for further studies during the internship period (except for Work‑Integrated Learning and PhD students).
- Preference given to graduates from Universities, Universities of Technology, Colleges, and TVET Colleges within Cape Town.
Skills Programme (Fixed‑Term Contract)
- Grades 10, 11 or a National Senior Certificate (Matric).
- National Certificate N1–N5.
- Level 2–4 qualifications.
Work‑Integrated Learning (WIL) – Fixed‑Term Contract
- National Certificate N6 (WIL/In‑service Training).
- Official letter from your institution requesting a WIL placement.
- Academic transcript.
National Diploma / Diploma Internship
Full‑time internships for students who have completed their studies at TVET Colleges, FET Colleges, or other accredited institutions.
Graduate Internship Programme (GIP) – Fixed‑Term Contract
- 3‑year Diploma / National Diploma.
- Advanced Diploma / B-Tech.
- Degree, Honours, Masters or PhD.
Learnerships (12–24 Months)
- Minimum: Grade 12 (additional requirements vary by learnership).
What You Gain – Skills, Experience and Possible Stipends
These programmes are designed to:
- Give you hands‑on work experience.
- Develop employability skills across city directorates.
- Address youth unemployment and build a professional network.
- Potentially lead to a registered qualification on the NQF.
Remuneration, if funded, ranges from R36.66 to R57.62 per hour. Some programmes may be unpaid, depending on budget availability.
How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step
- Create an e-Services account on the City of Cape Town website.
- Log in and choose the internship programme that matches your qualifications.
- Upload the following certified documents (must be recent copies, no affidavits allowed):
- South African ID
- Matric certificate or Statement of Results
- Certified copy of your highest qualification
Applications can be submitted from any computer or via Smart Cape computers at city libraries (a library membership is required). Smartphones are not supported by the application system.
Practical Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Make sure all documents are scanned clearly and are current.
- Read each programme’s specific requirements carefully—missing a single item can disqualify you.
- Highlight relevant skills in a short cover letter (if requested).
- Check the deadlines: 28 February 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
- Prepare for possible criminal, security, verification and lifestyle audits once appointed.
Ready to Take the Leap?
Apply online today through the City of Cape Town e‑Recruitment portal: https://www.capetown.gov.za/internships. Remember, there’s no automatic guarantee of employment after you finish the programme, but the experience you gain is a powerful asset for your future career.
Good luck, and may this be the first step toward a brighter professional future.
