CIPC Self‑Service Centres Internship – 2026
If you’ve just finished university and are looking for a real job that pays and gives you hands‑on experience, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is offering a 24‑month paid internship. The program is called the CIPC Self‑Service Centres Graduate Internship Programme 2026 and will start in early 2026 at the National Treasury in Pretoria.
What the Internship Looks Like
- Duration: 24 months
- Pay: R12 000 a month
- Where: CIPC Self‑Service Centres in Durban, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town
- What You’ll Do: Work directly with customers, help with company registrations, trademarks and other public‑service tasks, and learn to use the government’s information systems.
- Why It Matters: It gives you two full years of real work experience, a steady paycheck, and a chance to see how a government agency runs.
Who Should Apply
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You have to be between 18 and 35 years old.
- You must be unemployed and have no job experience that matches your field of study.
- You need a National Diploma or a Degree in one of the following:
- Public Management
- Business Management
- Customer Service
If your qualifications were earned abroad, you’ll need to have them checked by SAQA – you’ll pay for that part.
Application Details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Closing date | 12 January 2026 |
| Application method | Online only, through the CIPC e‑Recruitment Platform |
| Minimum documents | Updated CV, certified copy of your South African ID, certified copy of your diploma or degree |
| How to avoid being cut | Upload each document in the right section; missing or misplaced files automatically remove you from the pool |
To apply, click the link below and follow the steps:
Apply on the CIPC e‑Recruitment Platform
What CIPC Does
CIPC is part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. It handles:
- Registration of companies and close corporations
- Management of intellectual property such as trademarks and patents
- Business compliance and disclosure
- Support for new entrepreneurs and small businesses
The Self‑Service Centres are the front lines where people come to get help with registrations and other services. Working there means you’ll see real customers and real problems, giving you a taste of public service delivery.
The Internship in Detail
You’ll start in one of the four centre locations:
- Durban Kiosk – KwaZulu‑Natal
- Pretoria – two centres
- Johannesburg – two centres
- Cape Town – one centre
You’ll work side by side with experienced staff, learning both the customer‑facing side of government work and the back‑end systems that keep everything running. Over two years you’ll build solid skills in administration, customer service, and using IT tools common in the public sector.
Why You Should Consider It
- Real Work Experience: Unlike short‑term gigs, this internship lasts two years and gives you a real résumé entry.
- Steady Income: A monthly stipend frees you from having to chase odd jobs.
- Career Foundation: Whether you want to stay in government, join a state‑owned enterprise, or move to the private sector, the skills you learn here are widely useful.
Quick Checklist Before You Submit
- Age: 18–35
- Citizenship: South African only
- Education: National Diploma or Degree in the listed subjects
- Unemployment: Must not hold a job that matches your qualification
- Documents: CV, ID copy, qualification copy – all in the correct sections
Missing any of these will drop you from consideration.
Final Note
The application window closes on 7 January 2026. After that, no late entries will be accepted. If you meet the requirements, don’t wait. Submit your application on the CIPC e‑Recruitment Platform today and start a two‑year journey that could shape your future.