Act now! The Free State Department of Human Settlements is looking for unemployed graduates who live in the Free State. They have 38 graduate internship places for 2026, and the deadline is fast approaching.
What the programme is
The department will run a 24‑month Graduate Internship Programme in 2026. Interns will work in a range of professional and administrative areas across Bloemfontein, Qwaqwa, Sasolburg and Welkom.
Who can apply
You must meet all of the following conditions:
- South African citizen
- Born in, and currently residing in, the Free State
- Unemployed
- At least Grade 12
- Hold the qualification required for the chosen position
- Never have taken part in a public‑service internship before
- Complete the new Z83 application form (the old form is not accepted)
- Sign and initial the form wherever required
- Quote the exact job title, office/district and reference number
- Attach a recent, detailed CV with referee contact details
What you will receive
- A 24‑month contract
- A monthly stipend of R8 174.75
- Experience in a provincial government department
- Opportunity to develop sector‑specific skills
The internship does not guarantee a permanent job after it ends.
Available internship fields
| Field | Reference | Posts | Location(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology – District Services | HS 001/2026 | 2 | Bloemfontein |
| Project Management Unit – District Services | HS 002/2026 to HS 006/2026 | 15 | Qwaqwa, Sasolburg, Welkom, Bloemfontein |
| Office Administration – District Services | HS 007/2026 to HS 011/2026 | 10 | Qwaqwa, Sasolburg, Welkom, Bloemfontein |
| Administrator – Affordable Housing | HS 012/2026 | 1 | Bloemfontein |
| Rental Tribunal | HS 013/2026 | 1 | Bloemfontein |
| Housing Development & Planning | HS 014/2026 | 1 | Bloemfontein |
| Supply Chain Management | HS 015/2026 | 2 | Bloemfontein |
| Financial & Budget Management | HS 016/2026 | 2 | Bloemfontein |
| Internal Audit | HS 017/2026 | 1 | Bloemfontein |
| Human Resources Management | HS 018/2026 | 1 | Bloemfontein |
| Corporate Communication | HS 019/2026 | 1 | Bloemfontein |
| Labour Relations | HS 020/2026 | 1 | Bloemfontein |
Key requirements per field
- IT (HS 001/2026): NQF Level 6 in IT, Computer Systems or Networks; basic knowledge of government principles.
- Project Management (HS 002‑006/2026): NQF Level 6 or 7 in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or related field; basic government knowledge.
- Office Administration (HS 007‑011/2026): NQF Level 6 in Office Administration or Management; basic government knowledge.
- Affordable Housing (HS 012/2026): NQF Level 6 in Public Administration or equivalent; basic government knowledge.
- Rental Tribunal (HS 013/2026): NQF Level 7 in Law or LLB; basic government knowledge.
- Housing Development (HS 014/2026): NQF Level 7 in Urban Planning, Town Planning or Development Studies; basic government knowledge.
- Supply Chain (HS 015/2026): NQF Level 6 in Public Administration, Supply Chain or Financial Management; basic government knowledge.
- Financial & Budget (HS 016/2026): NQF Level 6 in Accounting or Financial Management; basic government knowledge.
- Internal Audit (HS 017/2026): NQF Level 6 in Internal Auditing or Financial Information Systems; basic government knowledge.
- Human Resources (HS 018/2026): NQF Level 6 in HR Management, Public Administration or Management; basic government knowledge.
- Corporate Communication (HS 019/2026): NQF Level 6 in Corporate Communication or Media Studies; basic government knowledge.
- Labour Relations (HS 020/2026): NQF Level 6 in Labour Relations or HR Management; basic government knowledge.
How to apply
- Download the new Z83 application form from the department’s website.
- Fill in every field – do not leave blanks.
- Sign and initial the form where required.
- Write the exact post title, office/district and reference number on the form.
- Attach a recent CV with referee names, phone numbers and email addresses.
- Send your application by one of the following methods before 16:00 on 21 August 2026:
- Email: recruit@fshs.gov.za – put “Graduate Internship Programme – [Post Name] – [Reference Number]” in the subject line.
- Post: Head, Human Resource Management Directorate, Department of Human Settlements, P.O. Box 247, Bloemfontein, 9300.
- Hand‑delivery: Use the address that matches your chosen location (see below).
- Do not fax your application.
Hand‑delivery addresses
- Bloemfontein: Foyer of OR Tambo House, St Andrews Street, Bloemfontein – place the envelope in the security box.
- Qwaqwa (Phuthaditjhaba): Department of Human Settlements Offices, Mampoi Street, Phuthaditjhaba – use the security box.
- Sasolburg: Mora Investments House, Erf 15, Fichard Street, Sasolburg – use the security box.
- Welkom: Department of Human Settlements Offices, Kopano Complex, 312 Long Road, Welkom – use the security box.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that the Z83 form is fully completed, signed and initialed.
- Make sure the post title, district and reference number are exact.
- Tailor your CV to the specific internship – highlight relevant coursework or projects.
- Provide referees who can be reached quickly and will respond positively.
- If you hold a foreign qualification, obtain a SAQA evaluation before the interview.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last‑minute issues.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, gather the required documents and send your application before the cut‑off. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within four months. Remember, this is a chance to gain valuable public‑service experience, but it does not guarantee a permanent role.
Good luck – take the first step toward a career in human settlements today.
