For many unemployed graduates, finding the first opportunity to gain meaningful workplace experience is one of the biggest challenges after completing a qualification. Employers often require experience, yet graduates need an employer willing to provide that first opportunity.
The Free State Office of the Premier is addressing this challenge through its Graduate Internship Programme, a structured 24-month internship designed to provide unemployed graduates with practical government experience while helping them build professional skills.
If you are a graduate living in Bloemfontein and looking to start your career in government, communications, information technology, international relations, public relations, marketing, or related fields, this opportunity deserves your attention.
Applications close on 04 August 2026, so prospective applicants should begin preparing their documents as early as possible.
Quick Overview
- Employer: Office of the Premier – Free State Province
- Programme: Graduate Internship Programme
- Internship Duration: 24 Months
- Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
- Closing Date: 04 August 2026
- Employment Type: Government Internship
- Application Method: New Z83 Form with supporting documents
- Target Applicants: Unemployed South African graduates residing in Bloemfontein
- Previous Internship Experience: Applicants must not have participated in an internship programme before
Internship Fields Available
According to the advertisement, opportunities are available in several directorates.
-
Communication
Number of Positions: 8
Relevant qualifications include:
- National Diploma in Graphic Design
- Diploma in Marketing
- Media Studies
- Photography
- Digital Marketing
Graduates in these disciplines may gain experience in:
- Government communication
- Public awareness campaigns
- Graphic design
- Content creation
- Digital communication
- Social media support
- Photography and multimedia
-
Corporate Reform
Number of Positions: 10
Required qualification:
- National Diploma or Diploma in Information Technology
IT graduates may gain practical exposure in areas such as:
- Technical support
- Information systems
- Digital transformation
- Government ICT services
- Network administration
- Software support
- Data management
-
Intergovernmental Relations
Number of Positions: 2
Relevant qualifications include:
- International Relations
- Diplomatic Studies
- Political Studies
- Communication
- Public Relations
- Hospitality
- Events Management
Graduates may gain experience in:
- Stakeholder engagement
- Government partnerships
- Protocol services
- Public participation
- Event coordination
- Strategic communication
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements before applying.
You must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Reside in Bloemfontein
- Be unemployed
- Hold the relevant qualification for the advertised field
- Not have previously participated in an internship programme
- Be willing to attend interviews if shortlisted
- Successfully pass verification processes
Security and Verification Checks
Successful applicants will be subject to several verification processes before appointment.
These include:
- Qualification verification
- Identity verification
- Criminal record checks
- Security clearance where applicable
Providing false information may result in immediate disqualification.
Documents Required
Applications must include:
- Completed New Z83 Form
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of Senior Certificate (Matric)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified academic record
- Certified qualification(s)
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Create a Job Specific ATS CV and a Cover Letter Here
Where to Submit Applications
Applications must be submitted to:
Free State Training & Development Institute
124 Nelson Mandela Drive
Brahman Building
2nd Floor
Submission Deadline: 04 August 2026
Late applications are unlikely to be accepted.
Selection Process
The recruitment process typically includes:
- Screening of applications
- Verification of documents
- Shortlisting
- Interview process
- Security screening
- Final appointment
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
If you do not hear from the department within three months after the closing date, your application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Competition for government internships can be high.
To improve your application:
- Complete every section of the Z83 form carefully.
- Ensure your CV is updated.
- Include all required certified documents.
- Double-check qualification requirements.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
- Make sure your contact details are correct.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Skills You Could Develop
During the 24-month internship, participants may strengthen skills such as:
- Professional communication
- Administrative processes
- Government policy understanding
- Computer literacy
- Report writing
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Project coordination
- Public service ethics
These competencies are valuable across many industries.
Career Opportunities After the Internship
Completing a government internship can strengthen future applications for:
- Government graduate programmes
- Permanent public service vacancies
- Municipal employment
- State-owned entities
- Corporate graduate programmes
- NGO positions
- Consulting firms
- Communication agencies
- Information Technology roles
- Public Relations positions
While permanent employment is not guaranteed, practical experience significantly improves employability.
Tools you may find useful:
- 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
Government internships remain one of the best pathways into long-term employment because they provide structured workplace learning, professional mentoring, and recognised experience. If your qualification matches one of the advertised fields and you meet the eligibility requirements, do not wait until the final days before the closing date.
Take time to prepare a professional CV, complete the latest Z83 application form correctly, certify all required documents, and submit your application well before 04 August 2026. Even if this opportunity does not lead directly to permanent employment, the experience gained over 24 months can significantly improve your chances when applying for future government or private-sector positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
South African unemployed graduates residing in Bloemfontein who meet the qualification requirements.
How long is the internship?
The internship runs for 24 months.
Is previous work experience required?
No previous work experience is mentioned in the advertisement.
Can someone who previously completed another internship apply?
No. Applicants should not have previously participated in an internship programme.
Is the internship only for Free State residents?
The advertisement specifically states applicants should be South African citizens residing in Bloemfontein.
What qualifications are accepted?
Qualifications listed include:
- Graphic Design
- Marketing
- Media Studies
- Photography
- Digital Marketing
- Information Technology
- International Relations
- Diplomatic Studies
- Political Studies
- Communication
- Public Relations
- Hospitality
- Events Management
What happens after submitting my application?
Applications are screened, shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews, and successful applicants undergo verification before appointment.
When is the closing date?
Applications close on 04 August 2026.
Who can I contact for enquiries?
The advertisement lists:
- Ms Pumeza Qokola – 083 440 3383
- Mr Molise Mofokeng – 069 007 1285
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 intended to explain the advertised internship opportunity and help applicants understand the application process. While every effort has been made to present accurate information based on the official advertisement, applicants should always refer to the official Office of the Premier advertisement and application instructions before submitting their applications. Edupstairs is not responsible for recruitment decisions or changes made by the recruiting department.
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