The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) has opened applications for its Graduate Internship Programme 2026, offering unemployed South African graduates an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience over 24 months.
For many graduates, finding that first job can be the biggest challenge after completing university. Employers often expect experience, but graduates need an opportunity to gain that experience first. Internship programmes like this one help bridge that gap by providing structured workplace learning, exposure to government operations, mentorship, and practical skills that can strengthen future employment prospects.
The 2026 ITAC Graduate Internship Programme includes opportunities in several specialist departments covering Import & Export Control, Trade Remedies, Tariff Investigations, and the Office of the Chief Economist. Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend of R8,174.75 while developing practical knowledge in international trade, economics, commerce, law, and public administration.
If you recently completed your degree and want to begin a career in trade policy, economics, regulation, or government administration, this internship is worth serious consideration.
Quick Overview
- Organisation: International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC)
- Programme: Graduate Internship Programme 2026
- Duration: 24 months
- Monthly Stipend: R8,174.75
- Closing Date: 05 August 2026 (12:00 PM)
- Age Requirement: 18–35 years
- Employment Type: Internship
Number of Opportunities
- Import & Export Control: 1
- Trade Remedies: 2
- Tariff Investigations I: 2
- Office of the Chief Economist: 1
Total Posts: 6 internship positions
About the Organisation
The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) is a South African government institution responsible for administering international trade in a manner that supports economic development while protecting local industries where appropriate.
Its work includes:
- Administering import and export controls
- Investigating unfair trade practices
- Recommending tariff amendments
- Conducting economic and trade research
- Supporting industrial development
- Promoting fair international trade
ITAC works closely with government departments, manufacturers, exporters, importers, economists and trade specialists to ensure South Africa’s trade policies support sustainable economic growth.
Because of this, graduates joining ITAC gain exposure to real policy work rather than routine administrative tasks alone.
Internship Opportunities Available
-
Import & Export Control
Number of Posts: 1
Required Qualification
Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree in:
- Commerce
- Law
- Public Administration
Graduates in these fields may assist with understanding import permits, export regulations, compliance matters and administrative processes relating to South African trade.
-
Trade Remedies
Number of Posts: 2
Required Qualification
Bachelor’s degree majoring in:
- Accounting
- Economics
Trade Remedies focuses on investigations involving anti-dumping measures, safeguards and protecting local industries against unfair international competition.
Graduates interested in economics, finance and analytical work may find this department particularly rewarding.
-
Tariff Investigations I
Number of Posts: 2
Required Qualification
Bachelor’s degree majoring in:
- Economics
- Business Economics
- Financial Accounting
- Agricultural Economics
Interns may gain experience in analysing tariff applications, economic data and industry information that informs government decisions.
-
Office of the Chief Economist
Number of Posts: 1
Required Qualification
Bachelor’s degree in Economics with majors in:
- International Trade
- Macroeconomics
- Statistics
This opportunity may appeal to graduates who enjoy research, quantitative analysis and economic modelling.
Official Requirements
The following information comes directly from the official ITAC internship advertisement.
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be unemployed.
- Hold the relevant Bachelor’s qualification for the advertised department.
- Have no previous work experience.
- Have never participated in a previous internship.
- Be willing to sign an internship agreement if appointed.
Applicants with foreign qualifications are responsible for obtaining SAQA evaluation before appointment.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Salary and Internship Duration
Successful candidates will receive:
- Monthly stipend: R8,174.75
- Internship duration: 24 months
A two-year internship provides substantially more workplace exposure than shorter programmes and gives graduates more time to develop practical skills.
Skills You Can Expect to Develop
Although the official advert does not list detailed workplace duties, graduates in these departments can generally expect to strengthen professional skills such as:
- Research
- Analytical thinking
- Report writing
- Microsoft Office
- Professional communication
- Teamwork
- Policy interpretation
- Data analysis
- Administrative processes
- Problem-solving
- Time management
These are widely valued skills across many industries.
Edupstairs Application Guidance
The following guidance is provided by Edupstairs to help applicants submit stronger applications. It does not form part of the official ITAC advertisement.
Tailor Your CV
Don’t simply submit the same CV used for every internship.
Highlight:
- Relevant university modules
- Academic projects
- Research assignments
- Leadership roles
- Volunteer work
- Student organisations
- Computer skills
- Report-writing experience
Even without work experience, university achievements can demonstrate your potential.
Create a Job Specific ATS CV and a Cover Letter Here
Match Your Qualification Carefully
Apply only for the department that matches your degree.
For example:
Commerce graduates should focus on Import & Export Control.
Economics graduates may be more suited to:
- Trade Remedies
- Tariff Investigations
- Office of the Chief Economist
Submitting applications for departments unrelated to your qualification may reduce your chances.
What Employers Look for in Internship Candidates in South Africa
Prepare Supporting Documents
Before applying, ensure you have:
- South African ID
- Updated CV
- Academic transcript (if requested)
- Degree certificate or statement of results
- SAQA evaluation (for foreign qualifications)
Having these documents ready helps avoid last-minute delays.
Proofread Everything
Many applications are rejected because of simple mistakes.
Before submitting:
- Check spelling.
- Verify contact details.
- Ensure all pages are included.
- Save documents in the correct format.
- Confirm your qualification information is accurate.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make
Avoid these common errors:
- Applying after the deadline.
- Using an outdated CV.
- Leaving unexplained employment gaps.
- Applying for departments unrelated to your qualification.
- Forgetting supporting documents.
- Providing incorrect contact details.
- Using unprofessional email addresses.
- Ignoring application instructions.
Attention to detail demonstrates professionalism.
How to Apply
Apply for the ITAC Graduate Internship Programme 2026 here
- Apply for the internship that matches your qualification.
- Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
- Submit your application before 05 August 2026 at 12:00 PM.
- Late applications will not be considered.
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 often attract thousands of applications, making competition strong. Rather than relying only on your qualification, focus on presenting a professional application that clearly demonstrates your academic strengths, attention to detail, and genuine interest in the department you are applying for.
Take time to research ITAC before your interview. Understanding the organisation’s role in South Africa’s international trade system can help you answer interview questions more confidently and show genuine interest in the opportunity.
Remember that even if this internship does not lead directly to permanent employment, the experience gained over two years can significantly strengthen your CV and improve your prospects in government, regulatory agencies, consulting firms, financial institutions, and the broader trade and economics sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Who can apply?
South African unemployed graduates aged between 18 and 35 who meet the qualification requirements.
-
How long is the internship?
The internship runs for 24 months.
-
What is the monthly stipend?
Successful interns will receive R8,174.75 per month.
-
Can graduates with previous internship experience apply?
No. The official advertisement states applicants should have no previous internship or work experience.
-
Can graduates with foreign qualifications apply?
Yes, provided their qualifications have been evaluated by SAQA.
-
Is this a permanent job?
No. This is a fixed-term graduate internship lasting 24 months.
-
Can final-year students apply?
The official advertisement requires applicants to possess the relevant qualification. It does not state that final-year students awaiting completion are eligible.
-
When do applications close?
Applications close on 05 August 2026 at 12:00 PM.
-
Can persons with disabilities apply?
Yes. The official advertisement specifically includes persons with disabilities within its Employment Equity considerations.
-
Is there more than one internship available?
Yes. The advertisement includes opportunities across four departments, with a total of six internship positions.
You can also:
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimer
This article has been prepared by Edupstairs to explain the ITAC Graduate Internship Programme using information contained in the official vacancy advertisement. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, applicants should always consult the official ITAC advertisement and application platform for the most up-to-date information, application instructions, and any changes issued by the organisation.
Editorial Integrity
Edupstairs independently explains jobs, internships, learnerships, bursaries and other career opportunities using official information released by employers and government institutions. Our articles are written to help applicants better understand opportunities by providing practical guidance, career context, and application tips. Where information is not included in the official advertisement, we clearly state that it was not specified and do not invent or exaggerate facts or unsupported claims.
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