Unemployed graduates often need a first government workplace to turn a diploma or degree into real skill. The Centre for Public Service Innovation Internship Programme for 2026 / 2027 is open in Pretoria. Applications close on 05 October 2026 at 23:59. If Internal Audit or Legal Services matches your qualification, you should prepare now.
What the CPSI internship is
The Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) invites unemployed South African graduates to apply for a 24-month internship in Pretoria, Gauteng. The salary is R98 097 per annum.
The programme gives practical workplace experience that can sit next to your studies and help you build professional habits. There are two advertised intern posts: Internal Audit and Legal Services.
Intern: Internal Audit
Reference Number: 0003/2026
Contract: 24 months
Salary: R98 097 per annum
Location: Pretoria
You must have a Senior Certificate/Grade 12, a recognised National Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6/7 in Internal Audit, and you must be unemployed. Membership of the Siyakhula Student Membership Programme or the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIASA) is an added advantage.
The intern can gain exposure to:
- Development of internal audit plans
- Planning of audit projects
- Execution of audit engagements
- Preparation of audit reports
- Supporting audit committees
- Following up on audit findings
- Professional development activities for internal auditors
You should have computer literacy, office-management ability, interpersonal and teamwork skills, good written and verbal communication, client orientation, and an understanding of confidentiality.
Enquiries: James Agenbag – 012 336 1420
Intern: Legal Services
Reference Number: 0004/2026
Contract: 24 months
Salary: R98 097 per annum
Location: Pretoria
You must have a Senior Certificate/Grade 12, a recognised Law Degree at NQF Level 7, and you must be unemployed. Practical Legal Training is an added advantage.
The intern can gain exposure to:
- Drafting legal opinions
- Litigation matters
- Contracts and service-level agreements
- Drafting, processing and interpreting legislation relating to public administration
- Providing support on legislative matters
- Supporting work relating to the Public Administration Management Amendment Act, Public Service Act and Regulations
- Assisting with drafting regulations
- Supporting legislative reform processes
- Assisting with determinations, directives and related legal documentation
You should show good computer, interpersonal, teamwork, communication and office-management skills. Integrity, professionalism, client orientation and the ability to keep information confidential also matter.
Enquiries: Peter Mashala – 012 336 1000 / 1176
Who can apply
You must be an unemployed South African graduate who meets the Grade 12 plus qualification rules for the post you choose. If you have already done an internship in any government department, you will not be considered.
If your qualification is foreign, including O and A Level certificates, you must have it evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Only shortlisted candidates will be asked for certified documents on or before the interview. Shortlisted candidates may face a practical exercise, an integrity and ethical-conduct assessment, criminal-record checks, citizenship or permanent-residency checks, financial-record checks, qualification and study verification, and reference checks.
Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates. If you are not contacted within three months after the closing date, treat the application as unsuccessful.
What you can gain
You receive 24 months of paid workplace experience at R98 097 per annum. You can practise audit or legal work inside a public-service setting and learn how plans, reports, contracts and legislation are handled.
Posts are limited. Many graduates apply. Getting an interview or finishing the internship does not guarantee a permanent job.
How to apply
Apply only online through the CPSI eRecruitment system. Use the official apply option for CPSI Internships 2026 / 2027 on that system.
You do not upload a completed and signed Z83. The system captures the Z83 information and then generates the form. Complete every required field. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Email, hand-delivered, posted or couriered applications will not be accepted. Submit by 05 October 2026 at 23:59. Late applications will not be considered.
Tips that can improve your application
Many applicants struggle because they leave online fields empty or apply after they have already done a government internship. Check both points before you start the form.
Choose only the post that matches your qualification. Write clearly about your studies, any practical legal or audit work, and your computer skills. Keep answers honest.
Do not send a Z83 by email. Use the eRecruitment system only. Save a copy of what you submit and note the closing time of 23:59 on 05 October 2026.
What you should do next
Decide between Internal Audit (0003/2026) and Legal Services (0004/2026). Open the CPSI eRecruitment system, complete every field, and submit before 05 October 2026 at 23:59.
If you have a question about a post, call James Agenbag on 012 336 1420 for Internal Audit or Peter Mashala on 012 336 1000 / 1176 for Legal Services. A complete online application, sent on time, is the next useful step.
