Get ready for a 2‑year paid internship that could launch your career – the CIPC Self Service Centres Graduate Internship Programme 2026
If you just finished university or a diploma and are looking for a real job, this is a chance to jump straight into a government job that pays well and teaches you valuable skills. The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is opening a 24‑month internship that gives you hands‑on experience in customer service, office work, and business support. It’s based in Pretoria’s National Treasury building and other city sites. The program will pay you R12 000 every month, so you won’t have to worry about bills while you learn.
Quick facts about the internship
| What you’ll learn | Where it happens | How long | Pay | When to apply | Who can join | What you need to bring |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real customer service, admin work, and public‑sector systems | CIPC Self Service Centres in Durban, Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town | 24 months | R12 000/month | Before 12 January 2026 | Unemployed South Africans 18‑35 years old | Updated CV, ID copy, qualification copy |
You must be a South African citizen, have a National Diploma or degree in Public Management, Business Management, or Customer Service, and you must not already have work experience that matches your qualification. If your diploma or degree was earned overseas, you’ll need to have it checked by SAQA at your own cost.
Where will you be working?
You’ll get placed at a Self Service Centre (SSC) – a front‑line office where people go to register companies, file trademarks, or ask for help with business compliance. The SSCs you could work at are:
- Durban Kiosk – KwaZulu‑Natal
- Pretoria – 2 Centres
- Johannesburg – 2 Centres
- Cape Town – 1 Centre
In these centres you’ll see real clients, real software, and the everyday challenges of delivering public services. It’s a chance to see how government actually works and to build a network of colleagues.
What is CIPC and why it matters
CIPC is part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. They handle company registrations, patents, trademarks and help small businesses keep up with rules. The SSCs are the first point of contact for the public, so working there gives you a front‑line view of government work. You’ll learn about:
- How businesses are registered and managed
- How intellectual property is protected
- How small businesses get support and stay compliant
The experience you gain is useful whether you want a future job in government, a state‑owned company, or the private sector.
Who should consider this internship?
- First‑time job seekers with a finished diploma or degree
- Unemployed South African graduates aged 18‑35
- People who want real, hands‑on work instead of a theory‑only classroom
- Anyone willing to work in a customer‑facing setting
If you’re looking for a steady paycheck while learning practical skills, this program is for you.
Stipend and contract details
- Monthly stipend: R12 000 – this covers your living costs and lets you focus on learning.
- Contract: 24‑month graduate internship.
- Agreement: You’ll sign a Graduate Internship Programme Agreement that explains your rights and responsibilities.
Because you’ll get paid, the internship lets you grow your skills without the stress of having to find another part‑time job.
What documents do you need to submit?
The application is online only. Upload the following:
- A fresh CV that shows your education and any volunteer work.
- A certified copy of your South African ID.
- A certified copy of your qualification (diploma or degree).
Put the qualification documents under “Supporting Documents.” Missing or misfiled documents will automatically remove you from consideration, so double‑check everything before you hit submit.
How to apply
- Go to the CIPC e‑Recruitment Platform online.
- Fill in the application form.
- Attach your CV, ID copy, and qualification copy in the correct sections.
- Review your application carefully.
- Click “Submit.”
Apply before 12 January 2026 – after that date the portal will close and you’ll no longer be able to join.
Why this internship is a smart choice
- Two full years of real work experience that’s recognized by employers.
- Learn public‑sector operations and how government services are delivered.
- Build strong customer service and office skills that are useful anywhere.
- Earn a competitive monthly stipend while you learn.
- Open doors to future jobs in government, state‑owned enterprises, or the private sector.
If you’re a fresh graduate who wants to start a career without the stress of finding your first job, this internship is an excellent stepping stone. It gives you a clear path, a steady paycheck, and a chance to see how real work in public service looks.
Ready to start? Go to the CIPC e‑Recruitment Platform and apply today – you won’t regret it.