You spent years working towards your qualification.
You attended lectures, completed assignments, wrote examinations and made sacrifices because you believed your education would eventually help you secure employment.
But now you face one of the most frustrating challenges confronting unemployed South African graduates: employers want experience, yet finding an opportunity to gain that experience is difficult.
For TVET College students, the situation can be even more frustrating. You may have completed your N6 studies but still need practical workplace experience before you can obtain your National Diploma.
What if the next 24 months could become the beginning of your professional career?
The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has officially announced 54 Graduate and Student Internship opportunities for 2026–2028, offering eligible South African youth an opportunity to gain workplace experience while receiving a monthly stipend.
The opportunities cover several professional fields, including Financial Management, Internal Auditing, Business Administration, Human Resources, Marketing, Project Management, Legal Services, Public Management and Monitoring and Evaluation.
Placements are available at the NLC Head Office in Pretoria and provincial offices across South Africa.
However, there is one important warning.
Applications close on 28 October 2026, before the end of business.
The NLC explicitly warns that failure to comply with its application requirements will result in disqualification.
Your qualification may help you meet the academic requirements, but your application must also be complete.
Quick Overview: NLC Graduate and Student Internship Programme 2026–2028
| Programme Details | Information |
| Organisation | National Lotteries Commission (NLC) |
| Programme | Graduate and Student Interns Programme 2026/28 |
| Total Opportunities | 54 |
| Duration | 24 months |
| Monthly Stipend | Yes – amount not specified |
| Age Requirement | 18–35 years |
| Target Applicants | Qualifying graduates and TVET students requiring experiential training |
| Qualifications | Relevant Diploma, Degree, Postgraduate qualification or N6, depending on placement |
| Main Location | Pretoria Head Office and provincial offices |
| Previous Internship | Applicants must not have previously participated in an internship |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Criminal Record | No criminal record |
| Application Method | Online form followed by supporting-document submission |
| Closing Date | 28 October 2026, before close of business |
Official Recruitment Documents: Download the NLC Graduate and Student Internship Programme 2026–2028 Advertisement.
Official Application: Complete the NLC Graduate and Student Internship Application Form.
What Is the National Lotteries Commission?
The National Lotteries Commission is a statutory organisation established under South Africa’s Lotteries Act.
Its responsibilities include regulating lotteries and administering funds allocated towards qualifying public-benefit initiatives.
Although the organisation is widely associated with the National Lottery, its operations require professionals working in several fields.
These include financial administration, regulatory compliance, internal auditing, legal services, human resource management, stakeholder relations, marketing, project management and provincial administration.
For an unemployed graduate, an internship within this environment could provide exposure to professional workplace systems, organisational governance, administration and public accountability.
This experience may help participants develop skills relevant to future employment, although the programme does not guarantee permanent employment.
NLC Internship Opportunities at Head Office in Pretoria – 22 Posts
The NLC has advertised 22 internship placements across its Head Office divisions in Pretoria.
| Division / Internship Field | Posts |
| Internal Auditing | 3 |
| Forensic Investigations | 1 |
| Financial Management | 3 |
| Facilities Management | 2 |
| Legal Services | 1 |
| Regulatory Compliance – Legal Services | 1 |
| Business Development | 2 |
| Stakeholder Management | 3 |
| Marketing | 1 |
| Communications | 1 |
| Multimedia | 1 |
| Human Capital Management | 3 |
| Total | 22 |
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Internal Audit and Forensic Investigations – 4 Posts
These opportunities are relevant to applicants with qualifications in Internal Auditing and Forensic Investigations.
The NLC has allocated three positions to Internal Auditing and one to Forensic Investigations.
Successful candidates may gain exposure to audit procedures, compliance reviews, financial controls and investigative administration.
Applicants interested in these fields can investigate related occupational pathways using the Edupstairs Career and Qualification Explorer.
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Finance and Facilities Management – 5 Posts
The Finance division offers three Financial Management internship positions.
The advertisement identifies qualifications related to Financial Management and Financial Accounting.
Another two positions are available in Facilities Management, with qualifications related to Building Management at NQF Levels 6 or 7 specified.
These positions may appeal to graduates interested in accounting, budgeting, organisational resource management and facilities operations.
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Legal Services and Regulatory Compliance – 2 Posts
The NLC has advertised one placement in Legal Services and another within Regulatory Compliance.
Both positions specify a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) qualification.
For qualifying law graduates who have struggled to secure their first opportunity, these placements could provide valuable exposure to legal and regulatory operations.
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Business Development – 2 Posts
Relevant qualifications listed in the advertisement include Monitoring and Evaluation, Industrial Psychology, Business Administration and Project Management.
Applicants should match their qualifications carefully against the advertised requirements.
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Stakeholder Management, Marketing, Communications and Multimedia – 6 Posts
The NLC has allocated six positions across these functions.
Graduates with relevant Marketing, Communications and Multimedia qualifications may be eligible for particular placements.
These professional areas involve communication, stakeholder engagement, organisational messaging and the management of information.
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Human Capital Management – 3 Posts
Three internship opportunities are available in Human Capital Management.
The advertisement identifies Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development and Industrial Psychology qualifications.
For graduates interested in personnel management, training coordination, employee development and organisational support, this is another field worth examining.
NLC Provincial Internship Opportunities – 32 Posts Across Eight Provinces
Not every successful applicant will be placed at the NLC Head Office.
The advertisement also contains 32 provincial internship opportunities, including placements suitable for applicants with relevant Diploma, Degree and N6 qualifications.
| Province | Placement Location | Posts |
| Limpopo | Polokwane | 7 |
| North West | Mahikeng (Mafikeng) | 4 |
| Gauteng | Pretoria | 6 |
| Eastern Cape | East London | 4 |
| Mpumalanga | Nelspruit (Mbombela) | 2 |
| Free State | Welkom | 3 |
| Northern Cape | Kimberley | 2 |
| Western Cape | Cape Town | 4 |
| Total | 32 |
Limpopo – 7 Opportunities
The Polokwane office has two Public Management, two Business Administration, two Project Management and one Monitoring and Evaluation Administration Assistant positions.
North West – 4 Opportunities
The Mahikeng office has one Public Management, one Human Sciences and two Project Management positions.
Gauteng – 6 Opportunities
The Pretoria provincial allocation includes one Public Management, one Business Administration, two Project Management and two Monitoring and Evaluation Administration Assistant positions.
Eastern Cape – 4 Opportunities
The East London office offers one placement each in Public Management, Business Administration, Project Management and Monitoring and Evaluation Administration Assistance.
Mpumalanga – 2 Opportunities
The Nelspruit office offers one Project Management and one Monitoring and Evaluation Administration Assistant position.
Free State – 3 Opportunities
The Welkom office offers one Public Management, one Project Management and one Monitoring and Evaluation Administration Assistant position.
Northern Cape – 2 Opportunities
The Kimberley office offers two Monitoring and Evaluation Administration Assistant positions.
Important: The advertisement specifies a driver’s licence and one year of driving experience for Northern Cape applicants.
Western Cape – 4 Opportunities
The Cape Town office offers one Public Management, one Business Administration, one Project Management and one Monitoring and Evaluation Administration Assistant position.
Important: A driver’s licence and one year of driving experience are also specified for Western Cape applicants.
Applicants should read the official NLC internship advertisement to compare their qualifications against the precise conditions of their preferred placement.
Who Qualifies for the NLC Internship Programme?
According to the official advertisement, the programme is intended for qualifying South African applicants who meet the relevant academic and general eligibility conditions.
The advertised general requirements include:
- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Applicants must be South African citizens.
- Applicants must have no criminal record.
- Applicants must never have participated in an internship programme.
- The advertisement refers to completed N4, N5 and N6 National Certificates.
- The advertisement also identifies unemployed students requiring 18 months of experiential training.
Important clarification for university graduates: The NLC advertises both graduate and student placements, including positions requiring Degrees and National Diplomas. However, its general requirements section also refers to completed N4–N6 certificates and 18 months of experiential training.
The advertisement does not clearly distinguish whether these student-specific conditions apply to Degree and Diploma graduates as well.
Applicants should not automatically assume that every graduate must possess N4, N5 and N6 qualifications. Contact the NLC for clarification about the requirements applicable to your preferred internship category.
TVET College N6 Students: Your Qualification Is Not the End of the Journey
If you have completed your N6 National Certificate but are still waiting for workplace experience, you already understand how difficult this stage can be.
You have completed the theoretical component of your studies.
But for relevant NATED qualifications, obtaining the National Diploma generally also requires approved practical workplace experience.
This is why the NLC’s advertised student placements deserve attention.
The programme advertises a 24-month duration while referring to students who require 18 months of experiential training.
TVET applicants should confirm how the workplace-training component will be structured and whether their college will recognise the experience for diploma purposes.
Before applying, consider obtaining a letter from your college confirming your qualification status and workplace-learning requirements.
Edupstairs has developed a TVET College Explorer that allows students to research South Africa’s 50 public TVET colleges, available programmes, campus information and institutional resources.
You can also use the Edupstairs SETA Platform to investigate additional Work Integrated Learning opportunities and sector-specific workplace-training pathways.
How to Apply for the NLC Internship Programme 2026–2028
The NLC has established a specific application process. Applicants should follow every stage and prepare all supporting documents.
Step 1: Complete the Official Online Application Form
Begin by opening the NLC Graduate and Student Interns Programme 2026–2028 application form.
Complete the required information accurately and identify the placement relevant to your qualification.
Step 2: Prepare Your Supporting Documents
After completing the application form, the NLC instructs applicants to submit the following documentation:
- A concise Curriculum Vitae of 3–4 pages.
- A certified copy of your South African ID.
- A certified copy of your Senior Certificate or Matric qualification.
- Certified copies of post-matric qualifications.
- Academic transcripts or records.
- A one-page motivation letter identifying your preferred department, division or provincial office.
The NLC specifically warns that non-compliance with the application requirements will result in disqualification.
Step 3: Prepare a Professional ATS-Friendly CV
Your CV must demonstrate why your qualifications are relevant to your chosen internship.
For example, an applicant pursuing Financial Management should clearly identify their qualification, relevant modules, computer proficiency and any genuine academic or workplace projects.
An applicant targeting Human Capital Management should highlight relevant HR coursework, administration abilities, communication skills and practical experience where applicable.
Edupstairs provides a free career-preparation tool.
Create your ATS-friendly CV and Cover Letter using the Edupstairs Career Assistant.
Important: Although many applicants benefit from a shorter CV, the NLC specifically requests a 3–4-page CV. Follow that requirement rather than submitting a one-page version that does not comply with the advertisement.
Never invent qualifications, employment experience or professional achievements.
Step 4: Write Your One-Page Motivation Letter
Your motivation letter should clearly explain which NLC internship you want and how your educational background connects with that placement.
For example, a Business Administration graduate could explain their interest in organisational processes, office administration, project coordination and professional development.
A TVET N6 student could explain their need for approved experiential training and describe relevant theoretical knowledge acquired during their studies.
Do not forget to identify your preferred department, division or provincial office.
The advertisement also indicates that applicants pursuing multiple placements must submit an application for each preferred department, division or provincial office.
Step 5: Submit Your Supporting Documents
Once you have completed the official application form, submit the required supporting documents through one of the following advertised methods.
Email submission: Email the NLC Human Capital Department.
Postal or hand delivery:
The Human Capital Department
333 Grosvenor Street
Block D, Hatfield Gardens
Hatfield, 0083
Pretoria
For application-related enquiries, applicants can contact the NLC on 012 432 1300.
Step 6: Submit Before 28 October 2026
Applications close on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, before the end of business.
The advertisement does not provide a precise closing hour, so applicants should not assume that submissions will be accepted until midnight.
Do not leave your application until the deadline.
If documentation is incomplete, the internet connection fails or you encounter technical difficulties with the application form, you could lose valuable time.
Discover Other Career Opportunities Through Edupstairs
The NLC internship may be your immediate priority, but it should not become your only career plan.
Your qualification can potentially connect with several occupational pathways beyond one employer.
Discover Careers That Match Your Interests
The Edupstairs Career Discovery Assessment helps South African job seekers investigate careers that align with their interests.
The assessment uses 30 activities to develop an occupational-interest profile.
It may help applicants explore fields connected to finance, human resources, administration, project management, marketing or other professional interests.
It is a career-exploration tool, not an eligibility test for the NLC internship.
Research Your Qualification and Potential Career Pathways
The Edupstairs Career and Qualification Explorer combines South African occupation information with SAQA qualification records.
Applicants can investigate occupational descriptions, NQF levels, qualification pathways and potential career connections.
If you studied Public Management, for example, you can investigate careers connected with administration, public-sector management and organisational support.
If you studied Financial Management, investigate accounting and financial-administration occupations.
Understanding these pathways can help you target internships more strategically.
Investigate University Qualifications and Further Studies
The Edupstairs University Explorer helps students and graduates investigate university programmes, admission requirements, APS information and future study opportunities.
Graduates considering postgraduate studies, professional development or additional qualifications can use the platform to research potential education pathways.
Explore South Africa’s National Skills Priorities
One question graduates should investigate is whether their qualifications connect with documented occupational priorities in South Africa.
The Edupstairs National Skills Intelligence Explorer allows users to examine officially classified occupations alongside available SETA research and evidence concerning skills gaps, occupational priorities and emerging roles.
The platform can help applicants investigate how their intended career relates to published skills research.
However, historical or unconfirmed research observations must not be interpreted as current job vacancies or guaranteed employment demand.
Explore SETA Internships and Workplace Learning
South Africa has 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities.
Through the Edupstairs SETA Platform, applicants can research skills programmes, qualifications, internships, learnerships, apprenticeships and Work Integrated Learning pathways.
For students who do not qualify for the NLC programme, identifying another legitimate workplace-learning route may be an important next step.
Find QCTO-Accredited Training Providers
Applicants considering additional occupational training can use the Edupstairs QCTO Accredited Provider Database.
The database contains information about accredited Skills Development Providers and Assessment Centres.
Always confirm the current accreditation status, programme availability and delivery arrangements directly with the relevant training provider and accrediting authority.
Latest Internships and Graduate Opportunities Published on Edupstairs
Applying for the NLC programme does not mean you should stop considering other suitable opportunities.
Several other internship and graduate-training opportunities have recently been published on Edupstairs.
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EWSETA Graduate Internship Programme 2026 – 20 Positions
The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority has advertised 20 internship opportunities across skills delivery, monitoring and evaluation, marketing, finance, supply chain management, governance and related fields.
The programme offers 24 months of workplace experience.
Closing date: 22 October 2026 at 16:30.
Read the EWSETA Graduate Internship Programme 2026 application guide.
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CHIETA ICT Internship Programme 2026
The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority has advertised an ICT internship offering a monthly stipend of R7,000 over 24 months.
The ICT opportunity requires a relevant National Diploma, and the advertisement specifies Gauteng residency.
ICT internship closing date: 23 October 2026. The separate HR and Administration opportunities in the same article had earlier closing dates.
Explore the CHIETA Internship Programme 2026.
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National Department of Health Graduate Internships 2026–2028 – 5 Positions
The National Department of Health is offering five internships in Pretoria for graduates with relevant Microbiology or Biotechnology qualifications.
The programme runs for 24 months and offers a monthly stipend of R8,174.75.
Closing date: 26 October 2026.
Read the National Department of Health Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028.
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City of Johannesburg Valuer Internships 2026 – 9 Positions
The City of Johannesburg has advertised nine Valuer Internship positions for qualifying applicants with relevant property valuation qualifications.
The advertised basic remuneration is R12,000 per month, subject to the conditions in the official circular.
Closing date: 27 October 2026.
View the City of Johannesburg Valuer Internship Programme 2026.
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MISA Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028 – 14 Positions
The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent has advertised 14 graduate internships across six professional fields.
Successful applicants will receive R8,174.75 per month, with placements at the organisation’s Head Office in Centurion.
Closing date: 2 November 2026.
Read the MISA Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028.
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Datacentrix ICT Graduate Trainee Programme 2027/2028
Datacentrix is inviting unemployed ICT graduates to apply for its 12-month graduate trainee programme.
Opportunities are available in Midrand, Cape Town and Durban.
Applicants must meet the advertised qualification, age and previous-programme participation requirements.
Closing date: 30 November 2026.
Explore the Datacentrix ICT Graduate Trainee Programme 2027/2028.
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Services SETA PowerX² Internship Programme 2026
The Services SETA PowerX² initiative aims to facilitate up to 20,000 paid internship placements over 24 months through participating employers.
Registration and eligibility do not guarantee placement, as candidates must still be matched with approved employers and available positions.
Read the Services SETA PowerX² Internship Programme guide.
For additional opportunities, visit the Edupstairs Latest Internships and Graduate Programmes section.
Build Your Career Beyond One Internship
Continue exploring the following connected educational and employment resources:
Career Planning: Career Discovery Assessment | Career and Qualification Explorer | National Skills Intelligence Explorer
Education and Qualifications: University Explorer | TVET College Explorer | QCTO Accredited Provider Database
Workplace Training: SETA Platform | Latest Internships | Services SETA PowerX² Internship Programme
Application Preparation: Create an ATS CV and Cover Letter | Explore Entry-Level Government Jobs
Tools you may find useful:
- Money Finder
- 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: Two Years From Now, Where Do You Want to Be?
Imagine looking back at October 2026 two years from now.
You could be reflecting on the professional skills you developed, the workplace experience you gained and the progress you made towards your career goals.
Or you could still be wondering whether an opportunity you overlooked might have helped you move forward.
The difference is not always your qualification.
Sometimes, the difference begins with identifying an opportunity that genuinely matches your studies and submitting a complete application before the deadline.
The NLC has announced 54 internship positions.
That does not mean every applicant will be selected. Competition is likely, and no legitimate publisher can promise you an appointment.
But if your qualifications and circumstances satisfy the requirements, this is an opportunity worth investigating.
Do not allow a missing academic transcript, incomplete motivation letter or forgotten application form to prevent your application from being considered.
- Check the requirements.
- Prepare your documents.
- Identify your preferred placement.
- Complete the official application.
And continue exploring other suitable internships while your application is being considered.
Your qualification represents what you have already achieved.
Relevant workplace experience could help you demonstrate what you are capable of achieving next.
NLC Internship Applications Close: 28 October 2026.
APPLY FOR THE NLC GRADUATE AND STUDENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME 2026–2028 HERE.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL NLC 54 INTERNSHIP POSITIONS ADVERTISEMENT HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NLC Internship Programme 2026–2028
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How many internship positions are available?
The NLC has advertised 54 Graduate and Student Internship opportunities.
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How long is the internship programme?
The advertised duration is 24 months.
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Will successful applicants receive a stipend?
Yes. The NLC confirms that interns will receive a monthly stipend, but the advertisement does not disclose the amount.
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Can TVET College N6 students apply?
Yes. Relevant provincial placements expressly include N6 qualifications, and the advertisement refers to students requiring experiential training. Applicants must still satisfy the specific conditions of their selected placement.
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Can university graduates apply?
Yes. The programme advertises positions requiring relevant National Diplomas, Degrees and postgraduate qualifications. Graduates should seek clarification from the NLC concerning the general N4–N6 and experiential-training wording.
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Can I apply with Matric only?
No. Matric alone is not listed as sufficient. Applicants must also meet the relevant post-school qualification requirements.
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What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
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Can applicants with disabilities apply?
Yes. The NLC expressly welcomes applications from persons with disabilities.
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Can I apply for more than one internship?
The advertisement permits multiple applications but requires applicants to submit an application for each preferred department, division or provincial office.
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Do I need a driver’s licence?
A driver’s licence and one year of driving experience are specifically required for the Northern Cape and Western Cape provincial placements.
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What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a 3–4-page CV, certified ID, Matric certificate, post-matric qualifications, academic records and a one-page motivation letter identifying their preferred placement.
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Do I need to complete an online form?
Yes. Applicants must complete the official online application form before submitting their supporting documents according to the advertised instructions.
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When will applicants receive feedback?
The NLC states that applicants who have not heard from the organisation within three months after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.
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Does completing the internship guarantee permanent employment?
No. The advertisement does not promise permanent employment after the programme.
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When is the closing date?
28 October 2026, before the end of business.
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 an independent educational and employment-opportunities information platform and is not affiliated with the National Lotteries Commission recruitment process.
This article is intended to help eligible South Africans understand the advertised internship programme, prepare their applications and discover additional education and career-development resources.
Applicants must confirm qualification requirements, application instructions, supporting documentation, stipend information and placement conditions directly with the NLC.
Edupstairs does not receive internship applications, conduct shortlisting or guarantee employment.
Never pay anyone who claims that they can guarantee an internship placement.
Editorial Integrity
The number of positions, programme duration, departmental allocations, provincial placements, qualifications, advertised eligibility conditions, application instructions and closing date in this article are based on the official National Lotteries Commission Graduate and Student Interns Programme 2026/28 advertisement.
The programme is also listed on the official NLC Vacancies page.
The general requirements concerning N4–N6 certificates and experiential training have been reported with an explicit clarification warning because the advertisement does not clearly distinguish those conditions from the separate graduate eligibility categories.
Career preparation, occupation research, CV guidance, skills intelligence, university and TVET information, SETA resources and other internship opportunities are additional Edupstairs editorial guidance. They do not represent additional NLC recruitment requirements.
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
