PowerX² 2025–2027: A Huge Internship Chance for South African Graduates
If you’re a fresh graduate who still needs real work experience, the PowerX² 20,000 Internships Programme could be exactly what you’re looking for. Run by the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA), this program is the biggest internship launch in South Africa’s history. It offers 24 months of paid placement in a wide range of industries, from government and municipalities to private companies and NGOs. The aim is to give 20,000 unemployed graduates a chance to jump straight into a professional environment and build a solid career foundation.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme name | PowerX² – Services SETA 20,000 Internships |
| Duration | 24 months (two years) |
| Who can apply? | Unemployed graduates with an NQF Level 4–7 degree or diploma |
| Where can you work? | Any part of South Africa – the program matches you to available spots |
| Application start | 21 November 2025 |
| Application end | 11 December 2025 at 16:00 |
| Contact | powerx@serviceseta.org.za |
What is the PowerX² Program?
PowerX² is a national placement program that tackles a key challenge: many graduates are qualified but have no on‑the‑job experience. The program is built on South Africa’s National Skills Development Plan and the National Skills Development Strategy, and it is part of Services SETA’s duty to give more students real work learning.
All types of degrees are welcome, whether you studied IT, HR, Business Management, Marketing, Finance, Law, Engineering, Admin, or any other field. Once you apply, the program will pair you with an organization that needs interns and has space for you. You could end up working in a large corporation, a small business, a public office, or a non‑profit.
Who Can Apply – Graduate Requirements
To be eligible you need to meet these simple criteria:
- Degree or diploma at NQF Level 4–7 from a public university or a public TVET college.
- Unemployed when you submit your application.
- Ready to commit to 24 months of internship work.
- Open to being placed anywhere in South Africa.
- Submit a Graduate Expression of Interest (EOI) online.
Even if you were already funded by Services SETA in the past, you can still apply again.
Documents You’ll Need After Submitting the EOI
After you send in your online expression of interest, you will get a secure upload link. Prepare these items to upload before the deadline:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copy of your qualification or a statement of results
- Updated CV
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
- Bank confirmation letter
Who Can Host Interns?
Organizations looking to host interns must be one of the following:
- Private companies
- Public entities
- Government departments
- Municipalities
- Non‑profit organisations
- TVET colleges and universities (acting as host sites)
Employer Requirements
- Registered with COIDA
- Workplace must be OHS (Occupational Health & Safety) compliant
- Must agree to host interns for 24 months
- Submit an Employer Expression of Interest (EOI) with workplace details
- Pass the Workplace Approval Process
- Participate in monitoring and reporting
Documents Employers Must Submit After EOI
- CIPC documents
- SARS Tax Compliance PIN
- CSD summary
- COIDA / Letter of Good Standing
- OHS compliance evidence
- Physical addresses of all workplace sites
- List of all workplace sites
- ID of authorized company representative
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Applying
Go to the official site
Visit www.servicesseta.org.za/powerx2.Pick your category
Choose whether you’re a graduate or an employer.Fill out the online Expression of Interest (EOI)
Provide your personal or company information as requested.Check your email
You’ll receive a confirmation email that includes a reference number, a secure upload link, the list of required documents, and a reminder of the deadline.Upload your documents
Make sure you complete this step before 11 December 2025 at 16:00.Wait for the next steps
The Programme Management Unit (PMU) will contact selected applicants. If you’re chosen, you’ll receive further details about your placement.
Why You Should Apply – Benefits for Graduates
- 24 months of real workplace experience – you’ll learn skills you can’t get from a classroom.
- Higher chances of getting a job – employers love seeing hands‑on experience on a CV.
- Build a professional network – meet colleagues, managers, and mentors.
- Confidence in a work setting – learn how to handle tasks, deadlines, and teamwork.
- Set a strong foundation for your career – the experience is backed by Services SETA, so it carries weight.
- See different industries – you might discover a new passion or a career path you hadn’t considered.
- Possible permanent job offer – many interns are offered full‑time roles after their placement.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you meet the criteria and want to start a professional journey that lasts two years, head over to the official application page now. The link is easy to find on the main Services SETA site, and you can apply with a single click.
Apply for PowerX² today and turn your degree into a career.