South Africa’s graduate unemployment crisis remains one of the country’s biggest socio-economic challenges. To help address this issue, the Department of Employment and Labour, through its Compensation Fund, has opened applications for the Department of Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme 2026. This structured 24-month government internship offers unemployed graduates an opportunity to gain professional experience, earn a monthly stipend, and strengthen their career prospects in the public sector.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This internship programme is designed specifically for graduates who have completed a recognised tertiary qualification but have not yet gained workplace experience. With placements available in multiple provinces and labour centres nationwide, this programme represents a significant opportunity for young South Africans to build valuable skills in administration, finance, legal services, human resources, and related fields.
If you are a recent graduate seeking stable career development, this guide explains everything you need to know, including eligibility requirements, stipend details, available fields, locations, and the step-by-step application process.
Overview of the Department of Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme 2026
The Department of Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme 2026 is an official public service training initiative run under the Compensation Fund. The programme is structured to provide practical, workplace-based training to unemployed graduates over a fixed period of 24 months.
Interns will be placed in labour centres and provincial offices across South Africa, where they will gain hands-on experience in real government operational environments.
Key Programme Details
- Programme Name: Department of Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme 2026
- Duration: 24 months (fixed term)
- Monthly Stipend: R7,860.50
- Location: Labour centres and provincial offices nationwide
- Target Group: Unemployed South African graduates
- Programme Type: Government internship (public service training)
The programme does not guarantee permanent employment after completion, but it significantly improves employability by providing relevant work experience and professional exposure.
Monthly Stipend and Financial Benefits
Interns accepted into the programme will receive a monthly stipend of R7,860.50 throughout the 24-month internship period.
This stipend helps graduates cover essential living expenses such as:
- Transport
- Accommodation
- Food and basic living costs
- Job-related expenses
Although this is not a full salary, it provides meaningful financial support while interns gain valuable workplace experience.
Fields and Internship Areas Available
The Department of Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme offers placements across multiple professional areas. These placements are aligned with government operations and Compensation Fund services.
Internship Fields Include:
- Finance and Accounting
- Claims Registration
- Medical Payments Administration
- Medical Services Support
- Human Resource Management
- Legal Services Support
- Administrative Assistance
- Pension Administration
- Customer Care and Quality Assurance
- COID (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases) Services
- Benefits Processing and Adjudication
These placements provide real experience working with government systems, documentation, and service delivery processes.
Internship Locations Across South Africa
Internships are available nationwide, ensuring graduates from different provinces have access to opportunities.
KwaZulu-Natal
- Durban Labour Centre
- Richards Bay Labour Centre
- Pietermaritzburg Labour Centre
- Provincial Office
Gauteng
- Pretoria Labour Centre
- Johannesburg Labour Centre
- Delta Heights Provincial Office
Limpopo
- Polokwane Provincial Office
- Tzaneen Labour Centre
- Modimolle Labour Centre
Mpumalanga
- Secunda Labour Centre
- Mbombela Labour Centre
- Emalahleni Labour Centre
- Provincial Office
North West
- Rustenburg Labour Centre
- Klerksdorp Labour Centre
- Mafikeng Labour Centre
Free State
- Bloemfontein Labour Centre
- Bethlehem Labour Centre
- Welkom Labour Centre
Northern Cape
- Kimberley Labour Centre
- Upington Labour Centre
- Provincial Office
Western Cape
- Cape Town Labour Centre
- Bellville Labour Centre
- George Labour Centre
Eastern Cape
- East London Labour Centre
- Mthatha Labour Centre
- Gqeberha Labour Centre
- Komani Labour Centre
This wide national coverage makes the programme accessible to graduates from urban and rural areas.
Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply
To qualify for the Department of Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme 2026, applicants must meet specific criteria.
Basic Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be unemployed at the time of application
- Have never participated in a government internship programme
- Hold a recognised tertiary qualification (minimum NQF Level 6)
- Have completed studies in a relevant field
Relevant Qualifications Include:
- Public Management
- Business Administration
- Financial Accounting
- Finance
- Accounting
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Human Resource Management
- Nursing
- Legal Studies (LLB or BCom Law)
- Office Management
- Business Management
- Internal Audit
- Operations Management
- Or other related qualifications
Qualifications must be recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Why This Government Internship Is Important for Graduates
This programme offers several career-building advantages.
1. Real Workplace Experience
Graduates gain practical skills that employers require, such as:
- Administrative procedures
- Professional communication
- Financial systems exposure
- Public service operations knowledge
2. Improved Employability
Government internship experience strengthens your CV, making you more competitive in both public and private sector job markets.
3. Career Exposure in Government
Interns gain insight into government operations, policies, and systems.
4. Professional Networking
Interns build relationships with experienced professionals and mentors.
5. Financial Support
The monthly stipend helps graduates support themselves while gaining experience.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply
Applying correctly is critical. Failure to follow instructions may result in disqualification.
Step 1: Find the Correct Internship Post
Visit the official Department of Employment and Labour website and review available posts.
Each post includes:
- Reference number
- Location
- Qualification requirements
- Application instructions
Ensure the position matches your qualification.
Step 2: Complete the Z83 Application Form
The Z83 form is the official government job application form.
Important requirements:
- Use the new Z83 form (old versions are not accepted)
- Complete sections A, B, C, and D fully
- Sign and initial the form
- Submit a separate Z83 form for each post
Incomplete forms will be disqualified.
Step 3: Prepare Your CV
Your CV must be:
- Updated and detailed
- Clearly structured
- Include education and qualifications
- Include contact details
- Include any work experience (if applicable)
You do not need to attach certified documents at the application stage.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Submit your application according to instructions in the job listing.
Email applications:
- Combine Z83 form and CV into one PDF
- Include reference number in subject line
- Submit before the deadline
Physical applications:
Submit at the relevant labour centre or provincial office.
Application Deadline
Applicants must submit applications before the official closing date.
- Physical submissions deadline: 27 February 2026 at 16:30
- Email submissions deadline: 27 February 2026 at 23:59
Late applications will not be accepted.
Selection and Recruitment Process
Shortlisted candidates will undergo several verification checks.
These include:
- Qualification verification
- Identity verification
- Background checks
- Criminal record checks
- Credit checks
- Reference checks
Candidates may also be required to:
- Provide certified documents
- Submit SAQA verification (if applicable)
- Attend interviews
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Important Conditions Applicants Must Know
Applicants must declare:
- Any criminal charges
- Disciplinary proceedings
- Conflicts of interest
- Directorships or board memberships
Failure to disclose accurate information may result in disqualification.
The Department reserves the right not to fill advertised positions.
How This Internship Improves Long-Term Career Opportunities
Government internships are highly respected by employers because they demonstrate:
- Professional discipline
- Work readiness
- Public service experience
- Administrative competence
Many former government interns go on to secure permanent jobs in:
- Government departments
- Municipalities
- Private companies
- Financial institutions
- Legal firms
This internship can serve as a stepping stone to permanent employment.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Selection
Follow these expert tips:
- Submit your application early
- Ensure your Z83 form is complete
- Use a professional CV format
- Apply for positions matching your qualifications
- Double-check reference numbers
- Submit correctly formatted documents
Attention to detail improves your chances significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who qualifies for the Department of Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme 2026?
Unemployed South African graduates with an NQF Level 6 qualification or higher who have not previously participated in a government internship programme.
2. How much is the monthly stipend?
Interns receive R7,860.50 per month for the full 24-month duration.
3. How long is the internship programme?
The programme runs for 24 months.
4. Do I need work experience to apply?
No. This programme is designed for graduates with little or no work experience.
5. Can I apply for more than one position?
Yes, but you must submit a separate Z83 form for each position.
6. Do I need certified documents when applying?
No. Certified documents are only required if you are shortlisted.
7. Is permanent employment guaranteed after the internship?
No, but the experience improves employability significantly.
8. Where can I get the Z83 form?
You can download it from the official government website or obtain it from public service offices.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Apply
The Department of Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme 2026 is one of the most valuable government internship opportunities currently available to South African graduates. With structured workplace training, financial support, and nationwide placements, this programme offers a powerful foundation for building a successful career.
Graduates struggling to enter the workforce should strongly consider applying before the closing date. This opportunity provides professional development, career exposure, and practical experience that can open doors to future employment.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your Z83 form, update your CV, and submit your application as soon as possible.
Amina Sechaba is a passionate career writer and employment researcher dedicated to helping South Africans find better job opportunities and prepare for successful careers. With years of experience in content writing and career development, Amina creates informative articles, application guides, and interview tips that empower job seekers to reach their full potential. Through her work with Submit Your CV, she aims to simplify the job application process and provide reliable information on learnerships, internships, and career advice for both students and professionals.