The Water Research Commission (WRC) Internship and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme for 2026/2027 is now open, and you have only a few weeks to apply.
What the programme offers
The WRC is running a 24‑month internship that combines on‑the‑job training with academic credit. It is open to unemployed South African graduates and TVET learners who need practical experience or must complete a National Diploma.
Who can apply
Graduate applicants
You must have at least one of the following:
- National Diploma, degree or higher qualification
- Qualification at NQF Level 6 or above
TVET applicants
You must have:
- An N6 certificate or equivalent
- A letter from your TVET college confirming that WIL is required for your National Diploma
General eligibility
- South African citizen, currently unemployed
- Preferably aged 18‑35 years
- Never taken part in any internship programme before
- Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Available positions
Human Resource Management (Reference WRC/26‑01) – Graduates
- Human Resource Management
- Labour Relations
- Employee Relations
- Industrial Psychology
- Related qualifications
Legal and Auxiliary Services (Graduate WRC/26‑02, TVET WRC/27‑02) – Graduates and TVET learners
- Law
- Records Management
- Information Studies & Archives
- Safety Management
- Public Management / Administration
- Management Assistant
- Related qualifications
Office Administration / Executive Support (Reference WRC/26‑03) – TVET learners
- Management Assistant
- Office Administration
- Office Management
- Related qualifications
Monitoring and Evaluation (Reference WRC/26‑04) – TVET learners
- Business Management
- Business Administration
- Public Management / Administration
- Management Assistant
- Related qualifications
Information Technology (Reference WRC/26‑05) – Graduates
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Related qualifications
Risk Management (Reference WRC/26‑06) – Graduates
- Risk Management
- Auditing
- Fraud & Compliance
- Related qualifications
Finance (Reference WRC/26‑07) – Graduates
- Finance
- Public Finance
- Financial Accounting
- Related qualifications
Supply Chain Management (Reference WRC/26‑08) – Graduates
- Supply Chain Management
- Procurement
- Logistics
- Related qualifications
Stakeholder Relations and Communications (Graduate WRC/27‑09, TVET WRC/26‑10) – Graduates and TVET learners
- International Relations
- Communication
- Public Relations
- Related qualifications
What you will gain
The internship gives you real‑world experience in a professional environment. You will develop practical skills, expand your professional network, and improve your employability after the 24‑month period.
How to apply – step by step
- Gather all required documents:
- Detailed CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID (issued within the last 6 months)
- Certified copies of qualifications and transcripts (issued within the last 6 months)
- Proof of residential address
- Signed affidavit confirming you have never participated in an internship programme
- For TVET applicants only: certified N6 certificate and college letter confirming the WIL requirement
- Choose the position that matches your qualification and note its reference number.
- Compose an email to consultant@heitha.co.za. In the subject line, write the reference number (e.g., “WRC/26‑05”). Attach all the documents listed above.
- Send the email before the closing date.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that you have included every required document; missing files will disqualify you.
- Use the exact reference number for the role you want; a wrong reference means your application will be ignored.
- Proofread your CV and affidavit for spelling or factual errors.
- Make sure your ID copy and certificates are certified and dated within six months.
- Submit well before the 13 July 2026 deadline. Late applications are not considered.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, prepare your paperwork now and send the application email before 13 July 2026. You will be notified of the outcome by 30 September 2026. This could be the first step toward a career in South Africa’s water sector.
