South African graduates interested in information technology, software development, business systems, digital media, marketing and communication careers can apply for the CSIR & MICT SETA Internship Programme 2026, a one-year workplace-experience initiative offered by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in partnership with the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA).
The programme is designed to help graduates bridge the difficult gap between completing a tertiary qualification and obtaining meaningful professional workplace experience.
The internship is listed under CSIR Job ID 315097 and is based at the CSIR Scientia Campus in Pretoria, Gauteng, with a hybrid working arrangement.
Graduates looking for opportunities should continue reading because Edupstairs has several recent internships and graduate opportunities published during the past four days, which are listed further below.
CSIR & MICT SETA Internship Programme 2026: Quick Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
| Organisation | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) |
| Funding/Skills Partner | MICT SETA |
| Programme | CSIR/MICT SETA Internship |
| Job ID | 315097 |
| Programme Type | Graduate Internship |
| Duration | One year |
| Location | CSIR Scientia Campus, Pretoria, Gauteng |
| Working Arrangement | Hybrid |
| Target Group | South African graduates |
| Minimum Qualification | National Diploma, Degree or equivalent |
| Application Method | Online through the CSIR recruitment portal |
What Is the CSIR & MICT SETA Internship Programme?
The programme brings together one of South Africa’s major science, technology and innovation organisations and the SETA responsible for skills development across the media, information, communication and technology sectors.
The purpose is straightforward: to give qualifying graduates an opportunity to convert academic knowledge into practical workplace capability.
For many graduates, obtaining a Diploma or Degree is only the beginning.
Entry-level vacancies frequently ask applicants for practical experience, yet new graduates may have had little opportunity to obtain that experience while studying.
A structured internship can help graduates build evidence of their ability to work in a professional environment, participate in projects, collaborate with colleagues, solve workplace problems and use the knowledge gained during their qualification.
Applicants who want to understand how MICT SETA-funded workplace programmes generally work can explore the MICT SETA Graduate Internship Programme on the Edupstairs SETA Platform.
Fields of Study Accepted for the CSIR & MICT SETA Internship
The programme covers a broad combination of technology, business, design, marketing and communications qualifications.
These include:
Information Technology and Digital Fields
- Informatics and related career pathways
- Computer Science careers and qualifications
- Software Engineering careers and qualifications
- Business Information Systems careers and qualifications
- Systems Analysis careers and qualifications
- Business Analysis careers and qualifications
- ICT Infrastructure careers and qualifications
- Cloud Computing careers and qualifications
These areas are particularly relevant to MICT SETA because the SETA supports skills development across information technology, telecommunications, electronics, advertising, film and electronic media.
Graduates interested in this sector should explore the wider MICT SETA programme catalogue on Edupstairs, which includes pathways such as software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, Internet of Things and other digital-skills programmes.
Business and Administration
The CSIR internship also recognises qualifications connected to:
These qualifications can potentially lead into roles involving business systems, process analysis, project support, administration, technology implementation and organisational improvement.
Use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer to search more than simply a qualification name. Applicants can use the platform to investigate South African careers, SAQA qualifications, NQF levels and career-to-qualification connections.
Design and Creative Fields
Relevant areas also include:
This is worth noting because MICT SETA does not deal only with conventional IT occupations. Its sector also extends into media, content production, communication and related creative industries.
Marketing, Communication and Media Fields
Graduates with qualifications in areas including the following are also relevant:
- Marketing
- Event Management
- Marketing and Communications
- Communication
- Public Relations
- Journalism
- Digital Media
Instead of assuming that the name printed on your qualification determines only one career, search your field through the Career & Qualification Explorer and investigate related occupations.
Official Requirements for the CSIR Internship
Applicants for the programme are required to:
- be South African citizens;
- have completed a National Diploma, Degree or equivalent qualification;
- hold a qualification relevant to one of the listed fields; and
- be seeking practical workplace experience.
Applicants also need to provide the supporting documentation required through the recruitment process.
Documents Applicants Need
Applicants should prepare documents including:
- South African identity document;
- updated Curriculum Vitae;
- qualification certificate or official confirmation of completion; and
- the required learner affidavit.
The learner affidavit is particularly important because candidates are required to confirm that they are not already enrolled in an MICT SETA-funded programme or another SETA-funded programme.
Applicants should never assume that requirements used in one SETA-funded programme automatically apply to every other programme. Each intake can have different funding, age, qualification, employment-status and previous-participation conditions.
Why MICT SETA Is Important for Technology Graduates
MICT SETA is one of South Africa’s 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities.
Its skills-development scope covers sectors connected to advertising, film and electronic media, electronics, information technology and telecommunications.
The CSIR partnership therefore makes sense because many of the listed study areas sit directly within South Africa’s growing digital and technology skills ecosystem.
Edupstairs has developed a searchable SETA Platform covering all 21 SETAs to help applicants move beyond simply waiting for individual vacancies.
For technology applicants specifically, explore the MICT SETA programme catalogue.
The catalogue includes pathways related to:
- graduate internships;
- Work Integrated Learning;
- software development;
- cloud computing;
- cybersecurity;
- data science;
- Internet of Things;
- digital content;
- 4IR skills;
- bursaries;
- workplace experience; and
- other ICT-related development programmes.
Understanding the SETA connected to your career can make opportunity searching much more systematic.
MICT SETA Internships vs Work Integrated Learning
Applicants should also understand the difference between a graduate internship and Work Integrated Learning.
The CSIR programme is primarily aimed at graduates who have completed their qualifications and want workplace experience.
WIL can serve a different purpose.
Some university, university of technology and TVET students need practical workplace exposure as part of completing their qualification.
University and university-of-technology students can read the MICT SETA University Work-Integrated Learning Placement guide.
TVET students who need practical workplace experience should also explore South Africa’s public colleges through the Edupstairs TVET Colleges Explorer.
The TVET Explorer helps students investigate colleges, programmes, campuses, admission requirements, application resources, NSFAS information and available past examination-paper resources.
If you are still deciding what or where to study before pursuing an ICT career, this can help you connect:
qualification → institution → workplace learning → SETA pathway → career.
University Students Can Also Explore Study Pathways
Graduates considering further studies can use the Edupstairs University Explorer to investigate university programmes, admission requirements and application information.
This is useful if your longer-term goal requires an advanced qualification, honours programme, professional specialisation or postgraduate study.
However, do not study further simply because you have not secured your first internship.
First determine whether the career you want actually requires additional study.
Use the Career & Qualification Explorer to investigate the field, then assess whether an internship, certification, occupational programme or additional academic qualification is the strongest next step.
Potential Careers Connected to the Programme
Depending on a graduate’s qualification and actual experience gained, fields represented in the CSIR internship can lead towards careers such as:
- Software Developer
- Systems Analyst
- Business Analyst
- ICT Specialist
- Graphic Designer
- Marketing Professional
- Public Relations Professional
- Journalist
- Communications Professional
These are potential career directions rather than guaranteed jobs resulting from completing the internship.
What Successful Interns Can Gain
A structured workplace programme of this nature can help graduates develop:
- practical workplace experience;
- exposure to professional projects;
- technical and digital skills;
- problem-solving ability;
- communication skills;
- teamwork;
- workplace discipline;
- project-management exposure;
- professional networks; and
- evidence of practical capabilities for future CVs and interviews.
The most important part of an internship is not simply adding the employer’s name to your CV.
Throughout a workplace programme, participants should keep track of projects completed, systems used, responsibilities assigned, problems solved and measurable outcomes achieved.
Those details later become strong CV achievements and interview examples.
How to Apply for the CSIR & MICT SETA Internship Programme 2026
Applications for Job ID 315097 are submitted online through the official CSIR recruitment system.
Applicants can access the official CSIR recruitment listing for Job ID 315097.
Before submitting an application, applicants should ensure that their CV and supporting documents are complete and that the qualification information entered on the application matches their official academic documents.
Latest Internships and Graduate Opportunities Published on Edupstairs
Edupstairs has published several new internship and workplace-experience opportunities during the past four days.
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NW-Inhouse Model EPWP Youth Environmental Services & Youth Graduate Projects 2026
Young graduates in the JB Marks Local Municipality area can consider the NW-Inhouse Model EPWP Youth Environmental Services & Youth Graduate Projects 2026.
The six-month programme particularly targets graduates with environmental-related qualifications.
-
uMzinyathi District Municipality Internship and In-Service Training Database 2026
Students and graduates living in the uMzinyathi District Municipal Area can register for the uMzinyathi District Municipality Internship and In-Service Training Database 2026.
The database covers a wide range of qualifications, including Public Management, Financial Management, Human Resources, Business Management, Engineering and Information Technology.
Registration on the database does not automatically guarantee placement.
-
National Credit Regulator Internship Programme 2026 – X20 Opportunities
The National Credit Regulator Internship Programme 2026 provides 20 internship opportunities for young unemployed South African graduates.
The programme covers areas including Legal Services, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Research, Statistics, Project Management, Administration, Journalism, Public Relations, Internal Audit and Business Management.
The programme runs for 18 months.
-
Free State Provincial Treasury Graduate Internship Programme 2026 – X15
The Free State Provincial Treasury Graduate Internship Programme 2026 offers 15 opportunities across fields including Accounting, Internal Auditing, Finance, Economics, Information Technology, Data Science, Construction Project Management, Compliance, Risk Management and Law.
The internship runs for 24 months, with an advertised stipend of R8,174.75 per month.
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Jozini Local Municipality LGSETA Internship Programme 2026 – X15
KwaZulu-Natal graduates should also consider the Jozini Local Municipality LGSETA Internship Programme 2026.
There are 15 opportunities, comprising five Office Management placements and ten Human Resources Management placements.
Applicants must meet the municipality’s local-residency requirement.
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SASSA Mpumalanga Internships and TVET WIL Programme 2026
The SASSA Mpumalanga Internships and TVET Work Integrated Learning Programme 2026 is particularly useful because it includes both graduate internships and TVET workplace-learning opportunities.
Graduate internships run for 24 months, while qualifying TVET candidates can access WIL placements of up to 18 months.
-
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027 – X35
Graduates in environmental and conservation-related fields can read about the MTPA Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027.
The intake provides 35 graduate internships in areas including Nature Conservation, Wildlife Management, Geology and Botany.
The internship runs for 12 months and offers an advertised stipend of R5,000 per month.
Do Not Depend on One Internship Application
One of the biggest mistakes unemployed graduates make is applying for one major graduate programme and then waiting several weeks or months for an outcome before applying elsewhere.
A better strategy is to build an active opportunity pipeline.
For example:
Application 1: ICT internship
Application 2: SETA-funded graduate programme
Application 3: government internship
Application 4: private-sector graduate programme
Application 5: relevant junior entry-level position
As long as you genuinely meet the requirements, multiple applications increase your exposure to potential employers.
Build Your Opportunity Pathway Through Edupstairs
Instead of using Edupstairs only when you see a vacancy on social media, use the platform to research the complete pathway around your career.
Start with the Career & Qualification Explorer to identify careers and qualifications.
If you need further study or want to compare institutions, use the TVET Colleges Explorer or University Explorer.
Then explore workplace-development opportunities through the MICT SETA programme catalogue and the wider Edupstairs SETA resources.
This creates a much stronger pathway:
Career → Qualification → Institution → SETA → Workplace Experience → Employment
Rather than searching randomly for vacancies, you begin looking for opportunities that deliberately move you towards a particular occupation.
Tools you may find useful:
- SETA Platform
- RDP / BNG Housing Eligibility Checker
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SA Bursary & NSFAS Eligibility Checker
- UIF Benefits Eligibility Checker and Payment Estimator
View Other Employment Opportunities here
Need Help?
Edupstairs Advice
If your qualification is in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Business Information Systems, Multimedia, Graphic Design, Marketing, Journalism, Communication or another MICT-related field, create a reusable application pack now.
Keep the following ready:
- updated CV;
- certified or clearly scanned ID;
- qualification certificate;
- academic record;
- proof of qualification completion where relevant;
- short professional profile;
- list of university or college projects;
- portfolio or GitHub profile if relevant;
- references where appropriate; and
- copies of supporting SETA affidavits when required.
For technology graduates, practical evidence matters enormously.
A Computer Science graduate should not rely exclusively on the qualification title. Build projects, maintain a GitHub portfolio where appropriate, document systems you have developed and be ready to explain what you personally contributed.
Similarly, Graphic Design, Multimedia and Digital Media graduates should maintain portfolios that demonstrate actual work.
Marketing and Communication graduates can retain examples of campaigns, writing, research, social-media projects, event planning, university assignments and measurable outcomes where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the CSIR & MICT SETA Internship Programme 2026?
It is a one-year workplace-experience programme offered by CSIR in partnership with MICT SETA for qualifying graduates across technology, business, design, marketing and communications fields.
-
What is the CSIR internship Job ID?
The programme is listed under Job ID 315097.
-
Where is the programme based?
The programme is based at the CSIR Scientia Campus in Pretoria, Gauteng, with a hybrid working arrangement.
-
How long is the internship?
The programme runs for one year.
-
What qualification is required?
Applicants need a completed National Diploma, Degree or equivalent qualification in one of the relevant fields.
-
Can Computer Science graduates apply?
Yes. Computer Science is among the relevant technology-related study areas.
Applicants can research related occupations through the Career & Qualification Explorer.
-
Can marketing or communication graduates apply?
Yes. Relevant fields include Marketing, Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Digital Media and related disciplines.
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What is MICT SETA?
MICT SETA is the Sector Education and Training Authority responsible for skills development in sectors including advertising, film and electronic media, electronics, information technology and telecommunications.
Applicants can explore its programmes through the Edupstairs MICT SETA catalogue.
-
Does an MICT SETA internship guarantee permanent employment?
No. An internship provides workplace experience and skills development but should not be interpreted as a guarantee of permanent employment.
-
Can TVET graduates find similar opportunities?
Yes. Depending on the qualification, TVET graduates may qualify for internships, WIL placements, learnerships, apprenticeships and other skills programmes.
Use the Edupstairs TVET Colleges Explorer and SETA resources to investigate suitable pathways.
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Where can I find other internships?
Use Edupstairs’ regularly updated internship coverage and consider the newer opportunities linked above, including the NCR, Free State Provincial Treasury, Jozini Municipality, SASSA, MTPA and uMzinyathi programmes.
Final Reminder
The CSIR & MICT SETA Internship Programme 2026 provides a structured graduate workplace-experience opportunity for South Africans entering ICT, software, business systems, communications, marketing and creative-digital careers.
Use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer to understand where your qualification can lead, explore the MICT SETA graduate internship pathway, investigate all relevant MICT SETA programmes and continue applying for relevant internships.
The strongest job-search strategy is knowing your career direction, understanding the qualifications and SETAs linked to it, preparing your documents before vacancies appear, and applying consistently whenever a suitable opportunity opens.
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimer
This article is an Edupstairs Opportunity Explainer based on information associated with the official CSIR recruitment advertisement for Job ID 315097, supplemented by current Edupstairs career, qualification, SETA, TVET, university and internship resources.
Edupstairs does not recruit applicants on behalf of CSIR or MICT SETA, determine eligibility, guarantee placement or guarantee employment.
Applicants should rely on the official employer advertisement for the requirements of the opportunity and should never pay anyone who promises an internship or employment opportunity.
Editorial Integrity
Edupstairs distinguishes between requirements stated in the relevant recruitment advertisement and additional career guidance supplied to help readers understand their options.
Potential career outcomes, application strategies and progression pathways discussed in this article are guidance and should not be interpreted as guarantees of employment.
Where the source information does not provide a confirmed amount — such as a stipend for the CSIR Job ID 315097 programme — Edupstairs does not publish an unverified amount as an official figure.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY
