Unemployment among recent graduates is a pressing issue, and the University of South Africa together with the ETDP‑SETA has opened a limited 24‑month internship that could be your first step into the professional world. The deadline is fast approaching – you have until 04 August 2026, 23:59 to apply.
What the internship offers
UNISA and the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP‑SETA) are looking for nine unemployed graduates to join a 24‑month internship programme. The roles are based at UNISA’s Muckleneuk and Florida campuses in Gauteng and cover three functional areas:
- Human Resource Development (4 places)
- Employee Relations & Wellness (2 places)
- Supply Chain Management (3 places)
The placement starts on 17 August 2026 and includes an annual stipend of R127 576 (about R10 631,33 per month before deductions). The internship provides hands‑on experience but does not guarantee a permanent job afterwards.
Who can apply – eligibility checklist
- South African citizen, unemployed, and aged 35 or younger.
- Completed a UNISA qualification at NQF Level 6 or above.
- Qualification must match the chosen department (see details below).
- No formal work experience in the selected field.
- Never been appointed by UNISA or any other organisation in a similar role.
- Preferably a person with a disability, as per UNISA’s Employment Equity Plan.
What you will gain
During the two‑year period you will develop skills that are valued across South Africa’s job market, such as:
- Professional use of Microsoft Office 365 and internet research.
- Effective written and verbal communication.
- Team collaboration, problem‑solving and time‑management.
- Understanding of HR processes, labour relations or supply‑chain operations, depending on the track you choose.
- Workplace discipline – punctuality, confidentiality and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
Available positions and required qualifications
Human Resource Development (4 slots – Muckleneuk)
- Required: NQF Level 6 or higher qualification in Human Resource Management.
- Contact: Mr Khanyisa Hobololo, 012 433 9543 or Mulanga Munyaradzi, 012 433 9542.
Employee Relations & Wellness (2 slots – Muckleneuk)
- Required: Diploma or degree in Human Resource Management, Labour Relations or Labour Law.
- Contact: Xoliswa Magqazana, 012 429 8280.
Supply Chain Management (3 slots – Muckleneuk & Florida)
- Required: One of the following UNISA qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or National Diploma in Operations Management
- BCom in Public Procurement
- BCom in Supply Chain and Operations Management
- BCom in Financial Management
- BCom in Transport and Logistics
- Contact: Kagiso Maphoto, 012 429 3446.
How to apply – step‑by‑step guide
- Open the official application form: UNISA & ETDP‑SETA Internship Application.
- Log in with your UNISA student credentials.
- Select the exact internship you want.
- Enter the correct position reference and your UNISA student number.
- Complete every required field – leave no question blank.
- Prepare a single PDF that includes:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Certified copy of academic transcript
- Certified copy of the UNISA qualification
All documents must be certified less than six months ago, scanned, and combined into one PDF. Do not password‑protect the file.
- Upload the PDF, review all information, and click Submit before 23:59 on 04 August 2026.
- If you want to apply for more than one role, repeat the process with a separate application for each.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that the position reference and student number are entered correctly; a typo can disqualify you.
- Tailor your CV to highlight coursework or projects related to the chosen department.
- Ensure the combined PDF opens cleanly and all pages are readable before uploading.
- Apply early – technical glitches are common in the final minutes.
- Be ready for a short interview if you are shortlisted; keep your phone handy.
- If you have a disability, mention it in your application to benefit from the equity preference.
Next steps
If you meet the eligibility criteria, gather the required documents and submit your application before the deadline. Remember, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. If you do not hear back within 30 days after 04 August, consider the application unsuccessful and keep looking for other opportunities.
Good luck – taking this step now could launch the career you’ve been preparing for.
