UNISA and ETDP SETA Internship Programme 2026: How to Apply for the 24-Month Graduate Internship Opportunities

Finding meaningful workplace experience after graduation can be challenging, especially for graduates who have little or no formal work experience. To help address this challenge, the University of South Africa (UNISA), in partnership with the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA), has opened applications for its 2026 Internship Programme.

This initiative offers qualifying UNISA graduates an opportunity to gain 24 months of practical workplace experience while earning a stipend and developing professional skills in various departments at UNISA.

If you recently completed your qualification through UNISA and are looking for your first professional opportunity, this internship could provide valuable experience that strengthens your CV and improves your future employment prospects.

Quick Overview

• Programme: UNISA and ETDP SETA Internship Programme 2026
• Organisation: University of South Africa (UNISA) and ETDP SETA
• Duration: 24 Months
• Stipend: R127 576.00 per annum
• Assumption of Duty: 03 August 2026
• Closing Date: 04 August 2026

Who Can Apply?

• South African citizens
• UNISA graduates
• Applicants younger than 35 years
• Unemployed graduates
• Applicants with no formal work experience in the field
• Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply

Official Requirements

The following information comes directly from the official UNISA internship advertisement.

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Be unemployed
• Have completed a UNISA qualification
• Hold a qualification equivalent to NQF Level 6 or higher
• Be 35 years old or younger
• Have no formal work experience in the field of application
• Be graduates in the required field of study
• Submit separate applications for each position if applying for multiple vacancies
• Correctly indicate the position reference number and UNISA student number during application

The advert also states:

• Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Preference will be given to persons with disabilities.
• Appointments will be made in line with UNISA’s Employment Equity Plan.

Internship Opportunities Available

From the official advert, available internship opportunities include:

1. Human Resource Development

• Location: Muckleneuk
• Department: Human Resources: Human Resource Development
• Positions: 4
• Minimum Qualification: NQF Level 6 or higher in Human Resource Management

2. Employee Relations and Wellness

• Location: Muckleneuk
• Department: Human Resources: Employee Relations and Wellness Directorate
• Positions: 2

Qualification Required

• Diploma or Degree in:
  • Human Resource Management
  • Labour Relations
  • Labour Law

3. Supply Chain Management

• Locations: Muckleneuk & Florida
• Positions: 3

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants should possess one of the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma in Operations Management
• Bachelor of Commerce in Public Procurement
• Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain and Operations Management
• Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management
• Bachelor of Commerce in Transport and Logistics

Competencies Required

According to the official advert, successful applicants should demonstrate:

• Computer literacy (Microsoft Office 365 and internet)
• Good communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Initiative
• Attention to detail
• Ability to prioritise work
• Commitment
• Responsibility
• Punctuality
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Good written and verbal English
• Confidentiality
• Problem-solving skills
• Time management
• Ability to multitask

Stipend and Contract

Official information states:

• Duration: 24 months
• Annual stipend: R127,576.00
• Starting date: 03 August 2026

Interns receive structured workplace experience for the duration of the contract.

The advert does not specify employee benefits such as medical aid, pension or leave provisions.

Documents Required

According to the official advertisement, applicants must upload:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified South African ID copy (not older than six months)
• Certified Matric Certificate
• Certified Academic Record
• Certified UNISA qualification

Important:

• All documents must be scanned into one PDF document.
• Pictures are not accepted.
• Password-protected documents are not accepted.

How to Apply

The official advert instructs applicants to:

• Complete the online SETA Internship Programme 2026 application form
• Ensure the correct position reference number is entered
• Include your UNISA student number
• Submit separate applications for different positions

The advert specifically notes that the application portal is accessible only to UNISA students and graduates.

Applications close on: 04 August 2026

Late applications are unlikely to be considered.

Edupstairs Application Guidance

The following advice is provided by Edupstairs to help applicants prepare stronger applications. It is not part of the official UNISA advert.

Tailor Your CV

Avoid sending the same CV to every internship.

Instead:

• Highlight modules related to the internship
• Mention projects completed during your studies
• Include leadership positions
• Include volunteer work
• Mention computer skills
• Include Microsoft Office proficiency

Create a Job Specific ATS CV and a Cover Letter Here

Write a Professional Profile

Your CV should begin with a short summary explaining:

• Your qualification
• Career interests
• Skills
• Career goals

Recruiters often spend less than one minute reviewing a CV initially.

Double-Check Certification Dates

Many applicants are rejected because certified copies are older than six months.

Ensure your certified documents are still valid before uploading them.

Combine Documents Properly

The advert requires one PDF file.

Before uploading:

• Arrange documents in order
• Check that every page is readable
• Ensure nothing is missing

Apply Early

Do not wait until the closing date.

Online portals often experience heavy traffic near deadlines.

Submitting early also gives you time to correct any mistakes if necessary.

Career Opportunities After the Internship

Completing this internship can help prepare graduates for careers such as:

• Human Resources Officer
• Recruitment Officer
• Employee Relations Officer
• Labour Relations Practitioner
• HR Administrator
• Procurement Officer
• Supply Chain Practitioner
• Logistics Coordinator
• Operations Officer
• Purchasing Officer
• Public Sector Administrator

While an internship does not guarantee permanent employment, the experience gained is highly valuable when applying for future opportunities.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Many internship applications are unsuccessful because applicants:

• Upload multiple PDFs instead of one document
• Forget to include their UNISA student number
• Apply after the closing date
• Submit unreadable scanned documents
• Apply for the wrong qualification field
• Use outdated certified copies
• Leave sections of the online application incomplete

Avoiding these mistakes can improve your chances of progressing through the selection process.

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

• Government Entry Level Jobs
• Company Entry Level Jobs
• South African Teaching Posts

Need Help?

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• Ask the Edupstairs Community here
• Download the New Z83 form here

Edupstairs Advice

Competition for graduate internships at institutions like UNISA is often strong because they offer structured workplace experience, a competitive stipend and exposure to a respected public university. Focus on submitting a complete, accurate application rather than rushing to apply at the last minute. Take time to tailor your CV to the specific department, proofread all documents, and ensure your qualifications match the advertised field of study. Even if you are not selected, preparing a professional application for opportunities like this will improve your readiness for future graduate programmes across South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply?

Only unemployed South African citizens who have completed a qualifying UNISA qualification in the required field.

2. Can students from other universities apply?

No. The advert specifies that applicants must be UNISA graduates.

3. Is work experience required?

No. The programme is intended for graduates with no formal work experience in the field.

4. What is the age limit?

Applicants should be 35 years old or younger.

5. How long does the internship last?

The internship runs for 24 months.

6. How much is the stipend?

The official advert states an annual stipend of R127,576.00.

7. Can I apply for more than one internship?

Yes. However, separate applications must be submitted for each position.

8. What documents must be uploaded?

Applicants must upload:

• CV
• Certified ID
• Certified Matric Certificate
• Certified Academic Record
• Certified UNISA Qualification

All documents must be combined into one PDF.

9. Are persons with disabilities encouraged to apply?

Yes. The official advert specifically encourages applications from persons with disabilities, and preference may be given in line with UNISA’s Employment Equity Plan.

10. When do applications close?

Applications close on 04 August 2026.

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

Disclaimer

This article is intended to explain the UNISA and ETDP SETA Internship Programme using information contained in the official advertisement. Applicants should always rely on the official UNISA application portal and official communication for the final application process, eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Editorial Integrity

Edupstairs independently explains career opportunities using publicly available official information. Our goal is to make bursaries, internships, learnerships and graduate programmes easier to understand by separating official requirements from editorial guidance. Where the official advertisement does not provide specific details, we clearly state that the information was not specified rather than making assumptions or unsupported claims.

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