MerSETA Internship Opportunities 2026 – 24-Month Graduate Internship Programme
MerSETA is inviting suitably qualified South African graduates to apply for its 2026 Internship Programme. This is a valuable 24-month fixed-term internship opportunity designed for unemployed graduates who are looking to gain practical workplace experience, improve professional skills, and build a strong foundation for future employment.
The programme is available across various departments at Head Office and Regional Offices nationwide, offering young graduates the chance to work in a professional environment while receiving a monthly stipend.
This internship is ideal for graduates who have completed a National Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, BTech, Honours, or Postgraduate qualification and have not yet gained formal work experience.
Internship Stipend
Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend based on their qualification level:
- 3-Year National Diploma (NQF Level 6): R10,000 per month
- Bachelor’s Degree / BTech (NQF Level 7): R11,000 per month
- Honours Degree / Postgraduate Qualification (NQF Level 8 and above): R12,000 per month
This financial support helps graduates focus on gaining workplace exposure while developing their careers.
Who Can Apply
To qualify for the MerSETA Internship Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old
- Must be unemployed
- Must have no formal work experience
- Must not have previously participated in an internship programme
- Must not currently be participating in any internship programme
- Must hold a relevant National Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, BTech, Honours, or Postgraduate qualification
- Applicants who meet these requirements are encouraged to apply before the closing date.
Available Internship Opportunities
MerSETA offers internship placements in multiple departments. Applicants should apply according to their field of study.
1. Learning Programmes and QA Unit
Qualifications required:
- Business Administration
- Office Administration
- Project Management
- Training
- Related fields
2. Grant Management Unit
Qualifications required:
- Business Administration
- Finance Management
- Accounting
- Related fields
3. Human Resources Unit
Qualifications required:
- Labour Law
- Human Resources
- Labour Relations
- Industrial Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Related fields
4. Finance Unit
Qualifications required:
- Accounting
- Financial Management
5. Assets Unit
Qualifications required:
- Business Administration
- Financial Management
- Accounting
- Related fields
6. Travel Unit
Qualifications required:
- Travel
- Tourism
- Related fields
7. Marketing and Communications Unit
Qualifications required:
- Journalism
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Communications
8. Project Management Unit
Qualifications required:
- Commerce
- Business Administration
- Office Administration
- Project Management
- Development
- Training
9. Monitoring and Reporting Unit
Qualifications required:
- Business Administration
- Management
- Project Management
- Commerce
- Social Sciences
- Skills Development
- Training
10. Sector Skills Planning, Research and Innovation, Chambers Unit
Qualifications required:
- Business Administration
- Management
- Project Management
- Commerce
- Social Sciences
- Skills Development
- Training
11. Quality Management Unit
Qualifications required:
- Quality Systems
- Operations Management
- Engineering
- Related fields
12. ICT (Networks) Unit
Qualifications required:
- Communications Networks
- Support Services
13. ICT (Development) Unit
Qualifications required:
- System Development
- Computer Science
14. Supply Chain Unit
Qualifications required:
- Public Administration
- Logistics Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Finance
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Related fields
15. Company Secretariat Unit
Qualifications required:
- Law
- Related fields
16. Client Services Unit
Available in Regional Offices:
- Gauteng South A and B
- Gauteng North
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Western Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Mpumalanga and Limpopo
- Free State and Northern Cape
Qualifications required:
- Business Administration
- Management
- Project Management
- Commerce
- Social Sciences
- Skills Development
- Training
This internship gives graduates the opportunity to:
- Gain practical workplace experience
- Improve professional and technical skills
- Build a strong CV
- Work with experienced professionals
- Increase employability in the public and private sectors
- Receive a monthly stipend while learning
- Expand professional networks and career opportunities
For many graduates, internship programmes like this serve as the first step toward permanent employment.
How to Apply
Applicants must apply online through the official MerSETA application process by selecting the “Click Here to Apply” option provided on the vacancy listing.
Before applying, ensure you have the following supporting documents ready:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Academic transcript
- Matric certificate
- Proof of residence (if required)
It is important to ensure that all documents are clear, updated, and correctly certified where necessary.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Application Closing Date: 20 April 2026
Late applications may not be accepted, so applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Important Notice
- Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements should apply.
- If you do not receive feedback within a reasonable period after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
- Applicants are also advised to be cautious of unofficial recruitment channels and to apply through the correct application platform for better security and transparency.
Final Thoughts
The MerSETA Internship Opportunities 2026 offer an excellent opportunity for unemployed graduates across South Africa to gain meaningful work experience and professional development.
With placements available in finance, human resources, ICT, project management, supply chain, communications, law, and many other departments, graduates from different academic backgrounds have a strong chance of finding a suitable opportunity.
If you are a young South African graduate looking for your first professional opportunity, this 24-month internship programme could be the ideal start to your career journey.
How to Apply
Email Your CV to: recruit@rapidrecruiting.co.za or shanelle@rapidrecruiting.co.za
Or 👇
Please note: Should you not receive feedback within 2 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.