Looking for real‑world experience this October? Internships that close between 1 and 9 October 2026 are now open, and they could be your first step into a professional career.
What’s on offer?
South African government departments, municipalities, public entities and private companies are advertising graduate internships. Fields include Finance, Human Resources, IT, Law, Engineering, Supply Chain Management and Administration. Placements are available in many provinces.
Who can apply?
- South African citizens who are unemployed graduates (or TVET graduates for the Discovery HR role).
- Typically aged 18‑35, though some programmes specify a maximum age.
- Must not have previously participated in the same government internship scheme.
- Specific qualifications are listed for each role (e.g., N6 Human Resources for Discovery, or any relevant degree for PwC).
What you will gain
- Paid work experience – stipends range from R5 000 to R8 172 per month, or a full‑time salary of R98 097 per year (CPSI).
- 24‑month graduate programmes that provide mentorship, training and a professional network.
- Hands‑on skills in your chosen field, improving employability after the internship.
How to apply – step by step
- Read each internship description carefully and note the closing date.
- Check that your qualification matches the advertised field.
- Prepare the required documents: certified copies of your qualification, ID, proof of unemployment, Z83 form (if requested), reference number, and any additional forms.
- Submit your application through the official link provided for each vacancy before the deadline.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for future reference.
Internships closing on 2 October 2026
1. KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027 – locations at the Head Office in Pietermaritzburg and various district offices.
Closing date: 2 Oct 2026
Location: KwaZulu‑Natal
Click here to view KZN EDTEA Internships 2026/2027
2. PwC – Procurement Managed Services
Graduate Internship covering Commerce, Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics, Business Management, Economics, Finance, Engineering, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Mathematics, Statistics and related fields.
Closing date: 2 Oct 2026
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Click here to view PwC Graduate Internships 2026/2027
3. Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality – Financial Management
Two posts in the Budget and Treasury Directorate.
Closing date: 2 Oct 2026 before 14:00
Location: Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape
Click here to view Nelson Mandela Bay Financial Management Internships 2026
Internships closing on 5 October 2026
4. Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI)
24‑month internships in Internal Audit and Legal Services.
Closing date: 5 Oct 2026 at 23:59
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Salary: R98 097 per annum
Click here to view CPSI Internships 2026/2027
5. Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) – Human Resources
HR internship for graduates under 35.
Closing date: 5 Oct 2026
Location: Parktown, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Click here to view SHRA HR Internships 2026
Internships closing on 7 October 2026
6. South African State Theatre
Seven posts in Pretoria: Human Resources (3), Artistic Administration (1), Lighting Technician (2) and Videography (1).
Closing date: 7 Oct 2026
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Click here to view State Theatre Internships 2026
Internships closing on 9 October 2026
7. Department of Transport – Graduate Internship Programme
24‑month programme in Administration, Finance, IT, HR, Law, Supply Chain, Engineering, Transport, Aviation, Maritime, Rail, Economics and Town Planning.
Closing date: 9 Oct 2026
Locations: Pretoria and various sites nationwide
Click here to view Dept of Transport Internships 2026/2027
8. KZN Department of Social Development
90 graduate internships across the province.
Closing date: 9 Oct 2026
Location: KwaZulu‑Natal
Stipend: R8 172 per month
Streams: Financial Management, Supply Chain, Public Management, HR, Administration, ICT, Child & Youth Care, Community Development, Communications.
Click here to view KZN Social Development Internships 2026
9. Discovery – HR Work Integrated Learning
Designed for TVET College graduates with an N6 HR qualification.
Closing date: 9 Oct 2026
Location: Sandton, Gauteng
Click here to view Discovery HR TVET Internships 2026
10. Inxuba Yethemba Municipality – IT Internship
Two two‑year posts in Cradock and Middelburg, Eastern Cape.
Closing date: 9 Oct 2026
Stipend: R5 000 per month
Click here to view Inxuba Yethemba IT Internships 2026
Internship closing dates at a glance
| Internship Programme | Closing Date |
|---|---|
| KZN EDTEA Graduate Internships | 2 Oct 2026 |
| PwC Graduate Internships | 2 Oct 2026 |
| Nelson Mandela Bay Financial Management Internships | 2 Oct 2026 (14:00) |
| CPSI Internships | 5 Oct 2026 (23:59) |
| SHRA HR Internships | 5 Oct 2026 |
| State Theatre Internships | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Dept of Transport Graduate Internships | 9 Oct 2026 |
| KZN Social Development Internships | 9 Oct 2026 |
| Discovery HR TVET Internships | 9 Oct 2026 |
| Inxuba Yethemba IT Internships | 9 Oct 2026 |
Tips to improve your chances
- Start your application early – portals can close suddenly.
- Match your qualification exactly to the advertised field.
- Proofread every document; a simple typo can disqualify you.
- If a Z83 form or reference number is required, fill it out precisely.
- Keep proof that you have not previously completed a similar government internship.
Next steps
Visit the StudentRoom internship page for the latest listings and verify each vacancy before you apply. Remember, each programme has its own deadline, so plan ahead and submit your complete application today.
