The Free State Office of the Premier is inviting unemployed graduates residing in the Free State Province to apply for its Graduate Internship Programme 2026.
According to the official recruitment advert, 1,000 unemployed graduates will be placed across the province through a 24-month Graduate Internship Programme funded by Services SETA.
The programme is intended to give graduates structured workplace exposure, practical experience and an opportunity to improve their employability.
Applications close on 25 September 2026.
Free State Graduate Internship Programme 2026: Quick Overview
| Programme | Details |
| Organisation | Free State Office of the Premier |
| Opportunity | Graduate Internship Programme |
| Number of opportunities | 1,000 |
| Province | Free State |
| Duration | 24 months |
| Target group | Unemployed graduates residing in the Free State |
| Qualification levels | NQF Levels 4–7+ |
| Funding | Services SETA |
| Application method | Online |
| Closing date | 25 September 2026 |
| Disability inclusion | People with disabilities are encouraged to apply |
This is a particularly broad graduate opportunity because the advertised qualification requirements extend from NQF Level 4 through to NQF Level 7 and above, rather than being limited exclusively to university degree holders.
About the Free State Office of the Premier Graduate Internship Programme
The Office of the Premier describes the initiative as a 24-month Graduate Internship Programme aimed at providing unemployed graduates with valuable workplace experience.
A total of 1,000 opportunities have been allocated across districts and the Mangaung Metro.
The programme is funded by Services SETA, and its stated objective is to improve participants’ employability through structured experiential learning.
For young people who have completed a qualification but are struggling to secure their first substantial workplace opportunity, this programme may provide an important bridge between education and employment.
Who Can Apply?
The programme targets unemployed graduates residing in the Free State Province.
The official advert lists eligible qualifications across several National Qualifications Framework levels.
NQF Level 4
Applicants may have completed qualifications such as:
- Completed Learnership at NQF Level 4
- NQF Level 4 Occupational Certificates
- QCTO/trade-tested artisan qualifications
- National Senior Certificate (Matric)
NQF Level 5
Eligible qualifications include:
- Public or private Higher Certificate
- Public TVET NATED/Report 191 National Certificate that has been awarded
- Qualifications from accredited private Skills Development Providers
- NQF Level 5 Occupational Certificates
NQF Level 6
Applicants may hold:
- Advanced Certificate
- TVET N6 with Diploma awarded
- Completed Learnership at NQF Level 6
- Trade-tested artisan qualification
NQF Level 7 and Above
The advert also accepts qualifications including:
- Advanced Diploma
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Candidacy-track professional qualifications
Applicants should ensure that their qualification meets the advertised criteria before submitting an application.
TVET College Graduates Are Included
One important feature of this opportunity is the inclusion of TVET graduates.
The advert specifically identifies Public TVET NATED/Report 191 National Certificates under NQF Level 5 and TVET N6 with a Diploma awarded under NQF Level 6.
Applicants should pay close attention to the wording. Simply having completed N6 subjects is not necessarily the same as having been awarded the National N Diploma where the advert specifically requires the diploma.
Prospective students and graduates can also use the Edupstairs TVET Colleges platform to explore South Africa’s public TVET colleges, programmes and related study information.
Explore South African TVET Colleges on Edupstairs
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the application platform specified in the official advert.
Free State Graduate Internship Online Application Portal
Applicants should carefully complete all required sections of the online application.
-
Personal details
You will be required to provide information including:
- Full name and surname as they appear on your ID
- South African ID number
- Contact details
- Municipality
- Home language
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
-
Qualification details
Provide accurate information about your qualification, including:
- Qualification name
- Institution
- Completion status/year
Do not claim a qualification that has not been completed or awarded where the application specifically asks for a completed qualification.
-
Preferences
Applicants must indicate:
- Willingness to relocate; and
- One preferred province, as stated in the advert.
Because this programme specifically targets Free State residents and placements are allocated across Free State districts, applicants should carefully check the options presented on the application system.
-
Declarations
Applicants will need to complete:
- POPIA consent; and
- An accuracy declaration.
The advert explicitly states that an Expression of Interest (EOI) is not a guarantee of placement.
Documents Required
Applicants must upload their documents in PDF format only, with the uploaded documentation being under 8MB as stipulated in the advert.
The required documents are:
- CV
- Certified copy of Matric Certificate — certification must be less than six months old. The advert specifies the certificate rather than a statement of results.
- Certified copy of your highest qualification certificate — certification must be less than six months old.
Applicants should scan their documents clearly before uploading them.
The Office of the Premier warns that failure to upload all requested documents will result in the application not being considered.
How the 1,000 Internship Opportunities Are Allocated
The 1,000 opportunities are distributed across Mangaung Metro and four Free State districts.
| Area | Allocation |
| Mangaung Metro | 100 |
| Lejweleputswa District | 200 |
| Xhariep District | 150 |
| Thabo Mofutsanyana District | 300 |
| Fezile Dabi District | 250 |
| Total | 1,000 |
This geographical distribution means applicants from several parts of the Free State have access to programme placements.
Mangaung Metro – 100 Opportunities
Coordinator: Ms Lintle Thamae
Telephone: 060 533 0059
Email: lintle.nkemele@fspremier.gov.za
Physical location:
Provincial Skills Development Offices
No. 124 Brahman Building
Nelson Mandela Drive
Bloemfontein
Lejweleputswa District – 200 Opportunities
Coordinator: Mr Thabo Maropela
Telephone: 079 506 7081
Email: thabo.maropela@fspremier.gov.za
Physical location:
Boitumelo Mall
Operation Hlasela Centre
Office No. 42
Nkoane Road
Oppenheimer Park
Welkom
Xhariep District – 150 Opportunities
Coordinator: Ms Thandi Solitswayi
Telephone: 060 533 1141
Email: thandi.solitswayi@fspremier.gov.za
Physical location:
Kopanong Thusong Centre
398 Booysen Street
Trompsburg
Thabo Mofutsanyana District – 300 Opportunities
Coordinator: Mr Liphapang Liphapang
Telephone: 078 458 8291
Email: Liphapang.liphapang@fspremier.gov.za
Physical location:
No. 1 Motebang Road
Old Government Building
Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and Department of Agriculture offices
Block J, Office Number J1
Phuthaditjhaba
Fezile Dabi District – 250 Opportunities
Coordinator: Mr Sifiso Mokoena
Telephone: 083 650 4257
Email: sifiso.mokoena@fspremier.gov.za
Physical location:
24 Frichardt Street
Mora Building
Department of Human Settlements
Services SETA and the Internship Programme
The advert states that the programme is funded by Services SETA.
SETAs play an important role in South Africa’s skills-development system by supporting initiatives such as learnerships, internships, workplace learning, skills programmes and other occupational-development opportunities.
Applicants who want to understand SETA programmes and explore additional skills-development pathways can use the Edupstairs SETA Platform.
Explore the Edupstairs SETA Platform
This can be useful even for applicants who are unsuccessful in this particular intake, as SETA-supported opportunities are advertised by employers and training organisations throughout the year.
Why This Programme Is Important for Unemployed Graduates
A common obstacle facing newly qualified South Africans is the requirement for previous workplace experience when applying for entry-level positions.
Graduate internship programmes attempt to address this gap by placing participants in structured workplace environments where they can develop practical competencies.
Over the programme’s 24-month duration, successful applicants may have an opportunity to develop workplace skills such as:
- Professional communication
- Administration
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Reporting
- Workplace professionalism
- Practical application of academic or occupational knowledge
Applicants should remember, however, that participation in an internship does not automatically guarantee permanent employment.
People With Disabilities Are Encouraged to Apply
The Office of the Premier specifically states: People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Eligible applicants with disabilities should therefore not exclude themselves from consideration provided they meet the programme’s other requirements.
Important Application Tips
With 1,000 placements advertised, the programme is substantial, but applicants should still expect competition.
Before clicking submit, check that your name and ID information match your official documents, your contact number and email address are correct, your qualification information is accurate, and every required document has been uploaded in the correct format.
Pay particular attention to certification dates. Both the Matric certificate and highest qualification certificate must, according to the advert, have certification less than six months old.
Applicants should also avoid waiting until the closing date. Technical problems, poor internet connectivity or incorrectly prepared documents can make last-minute applications difficult.
Application Closing Date
The closing date is: 25 September 2026
Applications should be completed before the deadline.
The department further states that applicants who do not hear from it within three weeks after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
The department also reserves the right not to make an appointment.
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 to Applicants
This is a noteworthy opportunity for Free State job seekers because of its scale: 1,000 placements across five geographical allocations and a 24-month programme duration.
Do not assume, however, that the large intake makes document compliance less important. Missing documents, outdated certification or incorrect qualification information could prevent an otherwise eligible application from being considered.
Prepare your PDF documents first, check that they are readable, and then complete the application carefully.
Closing date: 25 September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How many Free State Graduate Internship opportunities are available?
The Office of the Premier is advertising 1,000 opportunities.
-
How long is the programme?
The Graduate Internship Programme runs for 24 months.
-
Who funds the programme?
According to the recruitment advert, the programme is funded by Services SETA.
-
Can someone with Matric apply?
The advert includes National Certificates (Matric) under its NQF Level 4 category. Applicants should still check the application portal for any placement-specific requirements.
-
Can TVET College graduates apply?
Yes. The advert specifically includes eligible NATED/Report 191 qualifications as well as TVET N6 with Diploma awarded under the relevant NQF categories.
-
Can university graduates apply?
Yes. Eligible qualifications include Advanced Diplomas, Bachelor’s Degrees, Postgraduate Certificates and other listed qualifications.
-
Do I need to live in the Free State?
Yes. The opportunity is advertised for unemployed graduates residing in the Free State Province.
-
What documents must I upload?
Applicants need a CV, a certified Matric certificate and a certified copy of their highest qualification certificate. The certification for the certificates must be less than six months old.
-
What happens if I forget to upload one of the documents?
The advert warns that failure to upload all requested documents will result in the application not being considered.
-
Can people with disabilities apply?
Yes. The Office of the Premier specifically encourages people with disabilities to apply.
-
Does submitting an application guarantee placement?
No. The advert states that an Expression of Interest is not a guarantee of placement.
-
When will unsuccessful applicants know?
The advert says that applicants who have not received communication within three weeks after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
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
Edupstairs is not the Free State Office of the Premier, Services SETA or the organisation operating the application portal. This article is an independent opportunity explainer based on the recruitment information supplied in the official advertisement. Applicants should verify application requirements and instructions on the official application platform before submitting personal information.
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
