Every year, thousands of unemployed youth across South Africa apply for government learnerships and internships to gain practical experience, earn monthly stipends and build a foundation for stable employment. These programmes are fully funded and designed to help young people build careers inside government departments, municipalities and state-owned enterprises.
This guide provides a complete list of government departments and state-owned institutions that offer learnerships and internships, along with requirements and step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
What Are Government Learnerships & Internships?
Government learnerships and internships are structured programmes that combine:
- Classroom-based training
- Practical workplace experience
- Monthly stipends (R4 000–R10 000 depending on department)
- Accredited NQF qualifications (for learnerships)
- Direct exposure to public service careers
These programmes are funded by government departments and are available to unemployed youth aged 18–35.
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Government Departments Offering Learnerships & Internships (2026)
Below is the full list of national and provincial departments with youth development programmes.
-
Department of Public Works & Infrastructure (DPWI)
Learnerships:
- Construction
- Plumbing
- Carpentry
- Electrical
- Civil Engineering
Internships:
- HR
- Supply Chain
- Finance
- Public Administration
- Civil Engineering
Browse for DPWI Internships here
-
Department of Health
Internships:
- HR
- Admin
- Finance
- Supply Chain
- ICT
- Environmental Health
Learnerships:
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Nursing Learnerships (via HWSETA)
- Community Health Worker
-
Department of Home Affairs
Internships:
- Civic Services
- Immigration
- Admin/Clerical
Learnerships:
- Front Office Learnership
- Security Learnership (Grade C–A)
-
Department of Education (DBE & Provincial)
Internships:
- HR Interns
- Finance Interns
- Admin/Clerks
- IT Interns
Learnerships:
- ECD Learnerships
- AET Practitioner
- Teaching Assistant Programmes
-
Department of Transport
Learnerships & Internships:
- Freight Handling
- Rail Operations
- Aviation Ground Operations
- Administration
- Civil Engineering
- Logistics
Also Check: TETA Funded Employment and Job Opportunities here
-
Department of Environmental Affairs (DFFE)
Internships:
- Environmental Management
- Marine Science
- Biodiversity Projects
- Admin & HR
- Legal Services
-
Department of Social Development
Internships:
- Social Work Graduates
- Community Development
- HR & Admin
- Finance
- Monitoring & Evaluation
-
Department of Correctional Services (DCS)
Learnerships:
Corrections Learnership (NQF Level 4)
Highly popular, includes:
- Offender Rehabilitation
- Security & Safety
- Operations Management
Internships:
- HR
- Admin
- Legal
- IT
-
South African Police Service (SAPS)
Learnerships:
- Police Trainee Programme (Most popular)
- Crime Prevention
- Community Safety
Internships:
- HR
- Finance
- Admin
- Forensic Internships (Limited)
-
Municipal Government (Local Municipalities)
Municipalities offer both internships and learnerships through:
- Finance
- HR
- Engineering
- Water & Sanitation
- Community Services
- EPWP Office Internships
Browse for Municipality Vacancies here
-
State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs)
These organisations provide some of the best-paying internships in South Africa.
- Engineering
- Finance
- IT
- Safety
Transnet Learnerships/Internships
- Train Assistant
- Port Operations
- Engineering
- Transport Logistics
- Administration
- Media
- Production
- Journalism
- Engineering
- Finance
- HR
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Eligibility Requirements (2026)
For Learnerships:
- Grade 12 / NQF Level 4
- Some roles accept Grade 11 or 10
- Unemployed
- Ages 18–35
- South African citizen
For Internships:
- Diploma/Degree/N6 Certificate
- No previous work experience
- Ages 18–35
- South African citizen
Stipends (2025 Estimated)
- Learnerships: R3 000 – R5 500 per month
- Internships: R5 000 – R10 000 per month
- Technical internships may pay higher
How to Apply for Government Learnerships & Internships
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
- Certified ID
- Certified Matric Certificate
- CV (Use Edupstairs CV Builder)
- Proof of residence
- Academic transcripts (for internships)
Step 2: Fill Out the New Z83 Form
This is required for all government applications.
Step 3: Submit Before Closing Date
Government departments do NOT accept late applications.
Step 4: Follow Up on Email or Recruitment Portal
Most departments will send:
- Reference numbers
- Interview invitations
- Shortlisting announcements
Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Apply early
- Use a clean, simple CV
- Attach ALL required documents
- Use correct reference numbers
- Avoid spelling errors on the Z83
- Apply for multiple departments
- Follow Edupstairs daily updates
Best Government Learnerships for Grade 12 (2025)
- Correctional Services Learnership
- SAPS Trainee Programme
- Home Affairs Front Office Learnership
- Health Care Worker Learnership (HWSETA)
- Traffic Trainee Learnerships
- Municipal General Worker Learnerships
Best Government Internships for Graduates (2025)
- DPWI Internships
- Department of Health Graduate Internships
- CIPC Internships
- Mintek Internships
- NNR Internships
- Eskom / Transnet / Prasa
- Municipal Finance Internships
- Environmental Affairs Internships
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which government learnerships are available with Grade 12?
Correctional Services, SAPS, Home Affairs, Traffic Officer traineeship, Health Worker learnerships.
- What is the age requirement for government internships?
Most require applicants to be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Do government internships require experience?
No — they are designed for unemployed graduates.
- How much do government internships pay?
Between R5 000 and R10 000 per month depending on department.
- Can I apply for more than one government internship?
Yes. You can apply for as many as you qualify for.
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Conclusion
Government learnerships and internships offer young people real opportunities to gain skills, earn an income and build long-term careers in the public sector. Whether you have Grade 12 or a qualification, there is a programme for you.
Keep checking Edupstairs daily for verified postings across all government departments and municipalities.
Disclaimer
Edupstairs does not recruit on behalf of any government department or SOE.
We only publish official and verified opportunities. Always apply directly using the instructions provided in each advert.
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. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE
