South African graduates who are currently unemployed have a chance to start a paid career path with the Office of the Chief Justice. The deadline is fast approaching, so act now if you want to be part of the 2027‑2029 Graduate Internship Programme.
What the opportunity is
The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) is offering a 24‑month paid internship that will run from 01 April 2027 to 31 March 2029. A total of 29 positions are available across Finance, Human Resources, Law, Risk Management, Public Administration, Business Administration and related fields.
Interns will work in the OCJ headquarters, provincial service centres and several high courts located in Midrand, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, the Free State, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape.
The monthly stipend for every role is R8 174.75.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- South African citizen.
- Unemployed graduate – you must not have previously taken part in an internship programme.
- Relevant qualification:
- Most posts require a National Diploma (NQF Level 6, 360 credits) in a related field.
- Legal posts require an LLB (NQF Level 8, 480 credits).
- Applicants with foreign qualifications must have them assessed by SAQA.
- Preference will be given to persons with disabilities, in line with the Department’s Employment‑Equity goals.
What you will gain
- Hands‑on experience in a national judicial institution.
- Exposure to court administration, public service management and legal processes.
- Professional networking with senior officials and judges.
- Development of transferable skills such as risk analysis, HR management, finance reporting and strategic planning.
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Download the latest new Z83 Application for Employment form from the DPSA website.
- Complete the form accurately and sign it.
- Prepare an up‑to‑date CV that highlights your qualification and any relevant work experience.
- Identify the reference number for the position you want (see the table below).
- Send an email with the completed Z83 form and your CV to the specific email address listed for that reference number. Use a separate email for each position.
- Quote the correct reference number in the subject line of each email.
Available OCJ internship positions
| Ref | Internship / Centre | Qualification | Posts | Application Email |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33/77 | Finance – National Office, Midrand | National Diploma in Financial Accounting / Management Accounting (NQF 6) | 1 | 2026/F01/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/78 | Asset Management – Midrand | National Diploma in Financial Accounting, Cost & Management Accounting or Accounting | 1 | 2026/AM02/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/79 | Human Resource Management & Development – Midrand | National Diploma in HR Management, HR Development or Industrial Psychology | 1 | 2026/HRUD03/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/80 | Employee Health & Wellness – Midrand | National Diploma in Industrial Psychology, Social Science or Psychology | 1 | 2026/EHW04/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/81 | Risk Management – National Office | National Diploma in Risk Management | 1 | 2026/RM05/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/82 | Risk Management – National Office | National Diploma in Public Management | 1 | 2026/RM06/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/83 | Strategy & Service Delivery – National Office | National Diploma in Public Administration, Developmental Studies or Social Science | 1 | 2026/SSD07/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/84 | Strategy & Service Delivery – Midrand | National Diploma in Public Administration, Office Management or Business Administration | 1 | 2026/SSD08/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/85 | Institutional Secretariat Services – Midrand | National Diploma in Public Administration, Office Management or Business Administration | 1 | 2026/ISS09/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/86 | Court Administration – Midrand | National Diploma/Degree in Public Management or Office Management | 2 | 2026/CA10/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/87 | Western Cape Provincial Service Centre – Cape Town | National Diploma/Degree in Human Resource Management | 1 | 2026/WCPSC11/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/88 | Western Cape Provincial Service Centre | National Diploma in Public Administration, Office Management or Business Administration | 1 | 2026/WCPSC12/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/89 | Constitutional Court – Braamfontein | National Diploma in Public Administration, Office Management or Business Administration | 1 | 2026/CC13/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/90 | Constitutional Court – Braamfontein (Legal) | LLB Degree, NQF 8 with 480 credits | 1 | 2026/CC14/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/91 | Constitutional Court – Braamfontein (HR) | National Diploma/Degree in Human Resource Management | 2 | 2026/CC15/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/92 | Court Administration Services (Legal) – Pretoria High Court | LLB Degree, NQF 8 with 480 credits | 1 | 2026/CAS16/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/92 | Court Administration Services (Legal) – Johannesburg High Court | LLB Degree, NQF 8 with 480 credits | 1 | 2026/CAS17/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/92 | Court Administration Services (Legal) – Labour & Labour Appeals Court, Johannesburg | LLB Degree, NQF 8 with 480 credits | 1 | 2026/CAS18/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/93 | Gauteng Provincial Service Centre | National Diploma in Public Administration, Office Management or Business Administration | 1 | 2026/GPSC19/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/94 | Free State High Court | National Diploma/Degree in Public Management or Public Administration | 1 | 2026/FS20/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/95 | Free State High Court (HR) | National Diploma in Human Resource Management or Industrial Psychology | 1 | 2026/FS21/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/96 | Mpumalanga Provincial Service Centre | National Diploma/Degree in Public Management, Office Management or Public Management & Governance | 1 | 2026/MPSC22/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/97 | Mpumalanga Provincial Service Centre (HR) | National Diploma in Human Resources or Industrial Psychology | 2 | 2026/MPSCM23/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/98 | Mpumalanga High Court – Middelburg | National Diploma in Public Management or Office Management | 1 | 2026/MPSCM24/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/99 | Northern Cape Provincial Service Centre | National Diploma in Human Resource Management or Industrial Psychology | 1 | 2026/NCPSC25/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
| 33/100 | Northern Cape High Court | National Diploma in Public Management or Office Management | 1 | 2026/NCDHC26/OCJ@judiciary.org.za |
Total internship opportunities: 29
Important date clarification
The advert states the programme runs from 01 April 2027 to 31 March 2029. A reference to the “2025/2027 financial year” is an error. Use the dates above and, if you need confirmation, consult the official DPSA Circular 33 of 2026.
Documents you need
- New Z83 Application for Employment form (signed).
- Current CV.
- Certified copies are only required if you are shortlisted (Matric, transcripts, qualification certificates, ID).
Assessment and selection
- Shortlisted candidates will complete a pre‑entry practical exercise.
- Interviews will be scheduled at the OCJ’s discretion.
- All appointments are subject to verification and pre‑screening.
Applying outside your province
You may apply for a position in a province different from where you live, but you will need to arrange your own transport and accommodation. The OCJ does not provide housing.
Tips to improve your chances
- Check that you are using the new Z83 form; older versions are rejected.
- Tailor your CV to the specific role – highlight relevant coursework and any internship or volunteer work.
- Proofread your email and attachment names; include the exact reference number in the subject line.
- If you are applying for the Risk Management position (ref 2026/RM05/OCJ), double‑check the email address because the advert may contain a typo.
- Keep a copy of every email you send for your records.
Next steps
Gather your documents, fill out the Z83 form, and email your application before the deadline.
Application closing date: 28 September 2026.
For the full official vacancy circular, visit the DPSA Circular 33 of 2026. Good luck!
