Dept of Higher Education Opens 2025 / 2026 Internships & Learnerships with Stipend

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is calling on unemployed South African graduates and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students to apply for their Graduate Internship and WIL Programme for 2025/2026 – 2026/2027. This is a golden chance for young people to gain real workplace experience, sharpen their skills, and build a strong career path within one of the country’s most important government departments. Applications will close on 29 August 2025 at 15:00, so those who are interested are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Why You Should Apply

This programme gives graduates and WIL students hands-on training in different branches of DHET. It is not just about getting work exposure—it is about building the right foundation for a career. Successful applicants will get:

A stipend of R7,860.40 per month for graduate interns.
A stipend of R6,659.40 per month for WIL students.
A 24-month contract with consistent mentorship and training.
Opportunities to work in head offices, regional offices, and DHET sites across the country.

For many young South Africans, this is not just a short-term job, but a real steppingstone to future opportunities.

Who Can Apply

To be considered for the internship or learnership, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be unemployed at the time of applying.
Be a South African citizen between the ages of 18 and 35 years.
Never have participated in any internship programme within the Public Service.
Be willing to undergo qualification checks, reference checks, and security vetting.

If you tick all these boxes, then this programme is made for you.

Internship & Learnership Fields Available

The Department of Higher Education and Training has opened a wide range of opportunities across its branches. Here are the main areas where you can apply:

University Education Branch

Teaching Qualifications Policy
International Scholarships
Student Support and Engagement
Governance and Management Support

Human Resource Development Council (HRDC)

Secretariat Support

CFO Branch

Logistics Management
Contract Management & Acquisition
Compliance and Financial Services

Skills Development

Artisan Development
National Artisan Moderation Body
ICT & Engineering Support
Marketing, Psychology & Logistics
Finance, Social Sciences & Legal Studies
SETA Coordination & Support

Corporate Services

Office of the DG
Organisational Development
Internal Communication
Recruitment and HR Support
Training and Performance Management

Planning, Policy & Strategy

International Relations
IT & Information Systems
Policy, Research & Evaluation
Social Inclusion & Transformation
Career Development Services
College System Infrastructure Planning
Labour Market Intelligence

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

Curriculum Development
Monitoring & Evaluation
Lecturer Development Support
Budget Planning & Funding
Regional and National TVET Support

Community Education and Training (CET)

Financial Planning
Institutional Support
Governance Services
Regional CET Offices and Colleges

This long list shows just how wide the opportunities are. Whether your interest is in teaching, finance, IT, policy, or community development, there is a space for you at DHET.

Where Will You Work?

Internship and learnership placements will take place at:

Pretoria Head Office
Olifantsfontein
DHET Regional Offices
Other DHET sites across South Africa

This means that no matter where you are in the country, you could have the chance to join.

How to Apply

If you are ready to apply, follow these steps carefully:

Fill out the new Z83 application form.
Attach a detailed and updated CV.
Send your application using one of the following methods:

By Post
The Director-General
Department of Higher Education and Training
Private Bag X174
Pretoria, 0001
(Attention: Training and Development Unit)

Hand Delivery
123 Francis Baard Street, Corner Sophie De Bruyn & Francis Baard, Pretoria (Reception Area)

Email
Send to: Internship@dhet.gov.za(Make sure to include the correct reference number in the subject line)

Important: No faxed or late applications will be accepted. If you want to apply for more than one position, you must submit a separate Z83 form for each.

Why This Matters

This programme is not just a job—it’s a career launchpad. Many graduates who started here have gone on to secure permanent roles within government and other sectors. The training, mentorship, and exposure you gain will make you a stronger candidate in the job market.

If you are serious about your future, this is an opportunity you should not miss.

Ronald Williams

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