If you’re a South African graduate or student looking for a real‑world job experience in 2026, you’ll want to know about the biggest internship and trainee spots that open up this year. A lot of schools, state bodies, and private companies will close their application windows between January 9 and 12, 2026. That means you need to act fast and fill out the papers before those dates. Below you’ll find a clear, no‑frills rundown of each opportunity, where it’s located, when the deadline is, and a handy link to apply.
1. ICT Intern at Northern Cape Rural TVET College (NCR TVET)
- What it is: A full‑time, temporary role that lets you work with the college’s IT team. You’ll learn the ins and outs of running a college’s computer system while helping keep everything smooth and up to date.
- When to apply: Friday, 9 January 2026
- Where to work: Central Office in Upington, Northern Cape
- Apply here: Apply for NCR TVET College ICT Internships 2026
2. Trade & Services Graduate Training at Agrimark Operations
- What it is: A program that moves you through different parts of an agricultural retail company. You’ll get to see how a big market works from the ground up and learn what it takes to keep food and services running well.
- When to apply: 9 January 2026
- Where to work: Cape Town, Upington, and Howick, South Africa
- Apply here: Apply for Agrimark Operations Graduate Traineeships 2026
3. P1 and P2 Internships at Rand Refinery
- What it is: Designed for engineering students who want hands‑on work to finish their degrees. You’ll be part of a large refinery that turns raw oil into useful products.
- When to apply: 9 January 2026
- Where to work: Johannesburg East Rand, Gauteng
- Apply here: Apply for Rand Refinery P1 and P2 Internships 2026
4. Human Resources Internship at Life Healthcare
- What it is: A full‑year stint in the HR department of a major healthcare company. You’ll see how a big company handles hiring, training, and employee support.
- When to apply: Friday, 9 January 2026
- Where to work: Life Healthcare Head Office, Dunkeld, Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Apply here: Apply for Life Healthcare HR Internships 2026
5. HR and IT Internship at Optimi Holdings
- What it is: A mix of HR and IT work that lets you learn how both sides of a business stay connected. Great for students who enjoy people and tech.
- When to apply: 10 January 2026
- Where to work: Centurion, Gauteng
- Apply here: Apply for Optimi Holdings HR and IT Internships 2026
6. Science Communication & Advocacy Internship at Grain SA
- What it is: An opportunity to talk about science and farming with the public. You’ll help explain how grain production impacts our food and environment.
- When to apply: 10 January 2026
- Where to work: Various locations in South Africa
- Apply here: Apply for Grain SA Science Communication & Advocacy Internships 2026
7. Internship at the National Treasury
- What it is: A 24‑month program that introduces you to public finance. You’ll see how money flows through the country’s biggest government department.
- When to apply: 12 January 2026
- Where to work: Pretoria, Gauteng
- Apply here: Apply for National Treasury Internships 2026
8. Self Service Centres Internship at CIPC
- What it is: Work inside the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission’s service centers. You’ll help people register and manage business information.
- When to apply: 12 January 2026
- Where to work: Pretoria, Gauteng
- Apply here: Apply for CIPC Self Service Centres Internships 2026
Quick Checklist Before You Send Your Application
- Get your documents ready – Make sure you have certificates and IDs that the employer will ask for.
- Apply early – Don’t wait until the last minute. The earlier you send it, the more time you’ll have to sort any issues.
- Apply to several places – If you qualify for more than one, send in multiple applications. That gives you a better chance to land a spot.
These openings close between January 9 and 12, 2026, so if you’re interested, act now. Good luck!