CIPC E‑Communications Graduate Internship Programme 2026 – Your Chance to Start a Career in Public Service
If you just finished university and still haven’t found a job, this could be the perfect place to begin. The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, is looking for South African graduates to join its E‑Communications Graduate Internship Programme for 2026. The internship runs for two years and will give you hands‑on experience in a real government office. The office is in Sunnyside, Pretoria, and you’ll earn a monthly stipend of R12 000 while you learn how to work in a public‑sector environment.
Why This Internship is Great for New Graduates
The CIPC wants to help young people build useful skills that will help them find good jobs later. If you meet the basics, you could be one of the interns who gets to learn about company registrations, trademarks, and other important business records that keep the economy running. The programme lasts 24 months, which is long enough for you to see a lot of projects and grow your confidence in a professional setting.
You do not need to re‑apply if you already applied before – this is a new round, but previous applicants are still in the running. So keep your eye on the deadline, which is 4 December 2025. Anything after that will be too late.
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens who have finished a degree or diploma.
- Anyone who is currently unemployed and looking for a job.
- Fresh graduates with no prior work experience – this is a chance to start a career.
- Students who have never done an internship before.
- Youth aged 18 to 35.
- TVET college students are especially encouraged to apply because the programme matches well with TVET training.
What You’ll Earn and What the Agreement Means
You’ll receive R12 000 every month, and the company will sign a formal Graduate Internship Programme Agreement with you. This agreement sets out your responsibilities, the training you’ll receive, and how the internship will help you build a solid resume.
Minimum Requirements
- A National N Diploma in Management Assistant (a TVET qualification).
- You must be a South African citizen.
- All of the documents below must be ready to upload.
What You Need to Submit
- An updated CV that shows your education, any volunteer work, and the skills you have.
- A certified copy of your South African ID.
- A certified copy of your qualification certificate.
All documents have to be uploaded in the correct sections of the online form. If you submit something in the wrong place, you will be automatically removed from the selection, so double‑check everything before you hit “submit”.
Extra Things to Keep in Mind
- CIPC will verify your citizenship and your qualification.
- If you have a foreign qualification, it will be assessed by SAQA (the South African Qualifications Authority).
- Only people who are shortlisted will be called for an interview.
- The company follows an Employment Equity Plan, so the selection is fair and inclusive.
- Only shortlisted applicants will receive feedback.
- You can’t send paper copies, emails, or fax – everything must go through the online system.
- The company can choose not to fill a position if needed.
If you run into trouble with the online application, you can call the CIPC Recruitment Office at 087 743 7074, 087 743 7075, 087 743 7197, or 087 260 1554. They’re ready to help you get your application ready.
How to Apply
Ready to take the first step? Click the link below to start your application. Make sure you have all your documents ready before you start.
Apply for the CIPC E‑Communications Graduate Internship Programme 2026
A Final Thought
This internship is more than just a paycheck; it’s a real chance to learn how a major government agency runs, how it manages records, and how it keeps businesses and inventions protected. For a recent graduate who hasn’t had any work experience yet, it offers a clear path into a stable career and a chance to build skills that will last a lifetime. If you fit the profile and the deadline is approaching, get your documents ready and apply before 4 December 2025. Good luck!