Dept of Correctional Services Internship 2026 – Apply by 09 July

Now is the time to start your public‑service career – the Department of Correctional Services is accepting applications for its Public Service Graduate Internship Programme 2026/27 and 2027/28.

What the internship is

The programme runs for 24 months and is open to unemployed South African graduates. You will work in a real correctional‑services environment and receive a monthly stipend of R8 174.75. Positions are available nationwide, from the national head office to regional training colleges.

Who can apply

You must be a South African citizen, currently unemployed, and hold the qualification listed for the field you are interested in. Below are the fields and the minimum education required.

Head Office (Pretoria)

• Built Environment – Ref HO 2026/06/01 – Diploma or degree in Architectural Technology, Interior Design, Landscape, Architecture, Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Legal – Ref HO 2026/06/02 – Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
• Finance – Ref HO 2026/06/03 – Diploma or degree in Financial Accounting or Financial Management.
• Psychology – Ref HO 2026/06/04 – Degree in Psychology.
• Social Work – Ref HO 2026/06/05 – Degree in Social Work.
• Information Technology – Ref HO 2026/06/06 – Diploma or degree in IT.
• Supply Chain Management – Ref HO 2026/06/07 – Diploma or degree in SCM.
• Theology – Ref HO 2026/06/08 – Diploma or degree in Theological Studies.
• Correctional Service Management – Ref HO 2026/06/09 – Diploma or degree in Correctional Services Management, Correctional Sciences, Penology, Criminology or Security Management.

Kroonstad Training College

• Information Technology – Ref KSC 2026/06/10 – Diploma or degree in IT.
• Supply Chain Management – Ref KSC 2026/06/11 – Diploma or degree in SCM.
• Theology – Ref KSC 2026/06/12 – Diploma or degree in Theological Studies.

Zonderwater Training College

• Information Technology – Ref ZWC 2026/06/13 – Diploma or degree in IT.
• Supply Chain Management – Ref ZWC 2026/06/14 – Diploma or degree in SCM.
• Theology – Ref ZWC 2026/06/15 – Diploma or degree in Theological Studies.

Regional Opportunities

Each region lists the same monthly stipend of R8 174.75. Use the reference number when you apply.

Gauteng

• Correctional Service Management – Ref GP 2026/06/16
• Occupational Health and Safety – Ref GP 2026/06/17
• Information Technology – Ref GP 2026/06/18
• Supply Chain Management – Ref GP 2026/06/19
• Agriculture – Ref GP 2026/06/20
• Kitchen / Bakery – Ref GP 2026/06/21
• Artisans – Ref GP 2026/06/22

Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West

• Correctional Service Management – Ref LMN 2026/06/23
• Occupational Health and Safety – Ref LMN 2026/06/24
• Information Technology – Ref LMN 2026/06/25
• Supply Chain Management – Ref LMN 2026/06/26
• Agriculture – Ref LMN 2026/06/27
• Kitchen / Bakery – Ref LMN 2026/06/28
• Artisans – Ref LMN 2026/06/29
• Clothing and Textile – Ref LMN 2026/06/30

Western Cape

• Correctional Service Management – Ref WC 2026/06/31
• Occupational Health and Safety – Ref WC 2026/06/32
• Information Technology – Ref WC 2026/06/33
• Supply Chain Management – Ref WC 2026/06/34
• Agriculture – Ref WC 2026/06/35
• Kitchen / Bakery – Ref WC 2026/06/36
• Artisans – Ref WC 2026/06/37

Eastern Cape

• Correctional Service Management – Ref EC 2026/06/38
• Occupational Health and Safety – Ref EC 2026/06/39
• Information Technology – Ref EC 2026/06/40
• Supply Chain Management – Ref EC 2026/06/41
• Kitchen / Bakery – Ref EC 2026/06/42
• Artisans – Ref EC 2026/06/43

KwaZulu‑Natal

• Correctional Service Management – Ref KZN 2026/06/44
• Occupational Health and Safety – Ref KZN 2026/06/45
• Information Technology – Ref KZN 2026/06/46
• Supply Chain Management – Ref KZN 2026/06/47
• Kitchen / Bakery – Ref KZN 2026/06/48
• Artisans – Ref KZN 2026/06/49

Free State & Northern Cape

• Correctional Service Management – Ref FS/NC 2026/06/50
• Occupational Health and Safety – Ref FS/NC 2026/06/51
• Information Technology – Ref FS/NC 2026/06/52
• Supply Chain Management – Ref FS/NC 2026/06/53
• Kitchen / Bakery – Ref FS/NC 2026/06/54
• Artisans – Ref FS/NC 2026/06/55

What you will gain

• Two years of paid work experience in the public sector.
• Hands‑on training in your field of study.
• Professional networking with senior correctional staff.
• A stipend of R8 174.75 per month to cover living costs.
• Potential for permanent employment after the internship.

How to apply

1. Collect a official Z83 application form from any public‑service office.
2. Complete the form and write the correct reference number for each position you want.
3. Attach a detailed CV. Do NOT attach certificates at this stage.
4. Submit the completed Z83 form and CV to the address or e‑mail that matches the location you are applying for (see the contacts below).
5. If you apply by e‑mail, put the reference number in the subject line.
6. Keep a copy of your submission and note the closing date: 09 July 2026 at 15:45.

Tips to improve your chances

• Double‑check that your qualification matches the listed requirement.
• Use the exact reference number for each post; a wrong number will reject your application.
• Submit a separate application for every post you want.
• Proofread your CV – clear, concise, and free of errors.
• Be ready to present certified copies of your qualifications if you are shortlisted.
• Prepare for security clearance, vetting and criminal‑record checks.

Application contacts

National Head Office
Email: HQHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: 124 WF Nkomo Street, Poyntons Building, Corner WF Nkomo & Sophie De Bruyn St, Pretoria 0001
Postal: Private Bag X136, Pretoria 0001

Gauteng Region
Email: GPHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: 1077 Forum East Building, Arcadia St, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001
Postal: Private Bag X393, Pretoria 0001

Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West
Email: LMNHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: Corner Johannes Ramokhoase & Paul Kruger St, 196 Masada Building, 9th Floor, Pretoria 0001
Postal: Private Bag X142, Pretoria 0001

Western Cape
Email: WCHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: Peninsula Drive, Monte Vista 7460
Postal: Private Bag X14, Goodwood 7459

Eastern Cape
Email: ECHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: Moore St, Block E Ocean Terrace, Quigney, East London 5211
Postal: Private Bag X9013, East London

KwaZulu‑Natal
Email: KZNHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: Correctional Services, Eugene Marais Rd, Napierville, Pietermaritzburg 3201
Postal: Private Bag X9126, Pietermaritzburg 3201

Free State & Northern Cape
Email: FSNCHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: 103 Zastron St, Agrimed Building, Bloemfontein 9300
Postal: Private Bag X20530, Bloemfontein 9300

Final thoughts

This internship gives you a paid entry point into the public sector and real experience in correctional services. If you have a qualification in any of the listed fields, prepare your CV, get the Z83 form and apply before 09 July 2026 at 15:45. Good luck!