If you are a graduate looking for credible government workplace experience that strengthens your chances of long-term employment, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) Internship Programme 2026–2028 is one of the strongest entry-level opportunities currently available in South Africa’s public sector pipeline.
This 24-month structured internship programme offers graduates exposure to national economic policy implementation, industrial development programmes, trade support initiatives, and regulatory frameworks that shape South Africa’s economic growth strategy.
Even more importantly, this internship is designed for graduates who want to position themselves for careers in:
- Government administration
- Economic policy
- Supply chain and procurement
- HR and communication
- Finance and auditing
- Engineering and science sectors linked to industrial development
- International trade and diplomacy support roles
Applications close 06 May 2026, and placements will be based in Sunnyside, Pretoria.
Quick Overview
Programme: the dtic Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028
Department: Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
Duration: 24 months (01 July 2026 – 30 June 2028)
Location: Sunnyside, Pretoria
Closing Date: 06 May 2026
Stipend: R7 860.50 per month
Eligibility: South African graduates (NQF Level 6+)
Application Method: Email / Post / Hand delivery
Reference format: Intern2026 – Field of Study
Employment Equity: Preference to African males and persons with disabilities
Fields of Study Eligible for the dtic Internship Programme
Applications are open to unemployed graduates with NQF Level 6 or higher qualifications in the following fields:
Public administration and governance
- Public Management
- Public Administration
Business and management
- Business Management
- Business Administration
Human resources
- Human Resource Management
- Human Resource Development
Communication
- Communication
- Public Relations
Legal and compliance
- Law
Information technology
- Software Development
Economic sciences
- Economics
- Statistics
- Econometrics
- Development Studies
Agriculture and forestry economics
- Agricultural Economics
- Forestry Science
Finance and auditing
- Accounting
- Financial Management
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Internal Auditing
- Auditing
- Risk Management
Natural sciences
Major subjects including:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Bioengineering
Engineering and industrial sectors
- Mining Engineering
- Metallurgy Commerce
Workplace safety
- Occupational Health and Safety
Procurement and logistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Procurement
International relations
- International Politics
These qualifications align directly with the dtic’s industrial development mandate.
Internship Duration and Stipend Details
Successful applicants will participate in a 24-month internship programme running from: 01 July 2026 to 30 June 2028
Participants receive: R7 860.50 per month stipend
The stipend level aligns with national public-service internship frameworks.
This programme is intended as workplace exposure rather than permanent employment, but it significantly strengthens employability.
Key Competencies Required from Applicants
Applicants must demonstrate:
- professionalism
- integrity
- interpersonal communication skills
- ability to meet deadlines
- attention to detail
- analytical thinking
- understanding of government systems (advantageous)
- willingness to learn
- ability to work under pressure
These competencies are standard across national government internships and help prepare candidates for future public-service recruitment processes.
Who Should Apply for This Internship
You should strongly consider applying if you are:
- unemployed
- a South African citizen
- holding an NQF Level 6 qualification or higher
- interested in government careers
- interested in economic policy environments
- planning a long-term public-sector career path
- seeking structured workplace exposure
Graduates aiming to enter Treasury, municipalities, provincial departments, or national departments later benefit significantly from dtic experience.
Where the Internship Will Take Place
All placements will be based at:
the dtic Campus
Corner of Meintjies and Robert Sobukwe Streets
Sunnyside
Pretoria
Candidates relocating should begin planning early.
Government internships often require relocation readiness.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted using three official methods:
Option 1: Email application
Send to: intern2026@thedtic.gov.za
Subject line format: Intern2026 – Field of Study
Example: Intern2026 – Public Management
Option 2: Postal application
Send to:
The Director: Human Resources Management
Private Bag X84
Pretoria
0001
Option 3: Hand-delivered applications
Deliver to:
the dtic Campus
Corner of Meintjies and Robert Sobukwe Streets
Sunnyside
Pretoria
Important Application Requirement: Form Z83
Applications must include:
Completed and signed new Form Z83 only
Do NOT attach:
- CV
- certificates
- transcripts
Unless requested later.
Many applicants are disqualified each year for submitting extra documents unnecessarily.
Enquiries About the Internship Programme
For application-related questions contact:
Donald Mathavha
012 394 3864 / 064 850 9379
Teaman Nghunyule
012 394 1563 / 060 998 0775
Ursula Pitse
012 394 1852
Vusi Mazibuko
012 394 5608
Documents You Should Prepare Before Applying
Although only the Z83 is required initially, prepare:
- certified ID copy
- qualification certificates
- academic transcripts
- updated CV
These may be requested later.
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
Government internships like the dtic programme are stepping-stone opportunities into long-term careers.
To improve selection chances:
Apply early
Use correct subject line format
Complete Z83 carefully
Choose correct qualification category
Prepare supporting documents in advance
Also apply simultaneously to:
- municipal internships
- SETA programmes
- provincial internships
- SOE graduate programmes
Strong candidates apply through multiple pipelines at once.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is this internship permanent employment?
No. It is a 24-month workplace exposure programme.
- Can TVET graduates apply?
Only graduates with NQF Level 6 and above qualifications qualify.
- Is relocation required?
Yes. The internship is based in Pretoria.
- Can I apply if I previously completed another internship?
Yes, if still unemployed.
- Is work experience required?
No prior experience is required.
- Will shortlisted candidates be interviewed?
Yes. Departments normally shortlist before appointment.
CLOSING DATE: 06 MAY 2026
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs publishes opportunity explainers to help young South Africans access verified training and employment pathways. Applicants must always confirm application details through the official dtic contact channels before submission. Edupstairs is not responsible for recruitment outcomes. Always submit your application before the closing date. This internship requires submission of the new Form Z83 only unless additional documents are requested later.
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