UNISA Opens Multiple 2026 Internships Available Across SA

The University of South Africa (UNISA) has released a major Call for Internships for 2026, inviting unemployed South African graduates to apply for a range of 12-month internship placements across multiple campuses and regions.

What makes this opportunity stand out is that UNISA internships are not limited to one field. The adverts include administration, finance, ICT, engineering, project management, psychology/counselling, marketing/communication, library/information science, horticulture/agriculture, and more.

These internships are designed for graduates who are trying to break into the job market and need the one thing employers keep asking for: work experience.

Quick Overview

Organisation: University of South Africa (UNISA)
Programme Type: Internship Programme (12 months)
Duration: 12 months (non-renewable / internship agreement – not an employment contract)
Assumption of Duty: 01 March 2026
Stipend: R127 576.00 per annum
Who Can Apply: Unemployed South African citizens who completed a UNISA qualification (NQF 6+)
Age Limit: Not older than 35 years
Experience Required: No experience (graduates)
Disability Inclusion: Applicants with disabilities encouraged; preference may apply
Closing Dates:

06 February 2026
09 February 2026

Application Method: Online (UNISA internship application form link in advert)
Important Notes:

Apply separately for each post
Relocation is at your own expense
Background checks will be conducted

Minimum Requirements (Who Qualifies)

According to the adverts, applicants must meet the following:

You must be an unemployed South African citizen
You must have completed a UNISA qualification (NQF level 6 and above)
You must be 35 years or younger
You must have no work experience in the field of application
If you were previously appointed at UNISA or any other organisation for internships, you may not be considered
You must apply correctly using the reference number and your UNISA student number
Applications for multiple positions must be submitted individually

Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and preference may be given in line with employment equity.

List of ALL UNISA Internships (2026)

Below is a full breakdown of the internships:

A) Student Administration & Regional / Library / Communications Internships (Multiple Regions)

1) Student Administration and System Integration – Academic & Technology Support Unit

Ref: ECR/ATS/SASI/MM/3/2026
Contact: Mulanga Munyaradzi / Nomsa Mahlangu
Location: Eastern Cape
Qualification: National Diploma or Degree in ICT or Computer Science

2) Student Administration and System Integration (Administration stream)

Ref: ECR/SASI/MM/1/2026
Contact: Mulanga Munyaradzi / Nomsa Mahlangu
Location: East London
Qualification: Admin Management / Office Admin / Business Management / Public Admin / Bachelor of Administration

3) CAES (Labs) – Microbiology / Molecular Biology

Ref: FL/CAES-D/MM/2/2026
Location: Florida
Qualification: BSc Life Sciences in Microbiology or Molecular Biology

4) CAES (Labs) – Physiology / Molecular Biology (Honours)

Ref: FL/CAES-H/MM/2/2026
Location: Florida
Qualification: BSc Life Sciences Honours in Physiology and Molecular Biology

5) Library and Information Services

Ref: GQ/LS/IS/MM/1/2026
Location: Eastern Cape (Gqeberha)
Qualification: Bachelor of Information Science or National Diploma in Information Science

6) Deputy Registrar: Student Administration & System Integration (Finance/Supply Chain)

Ref: ECR/DR/SASI/MM/2/2026
Location: Eastern Cape (East London)
Qualification: Diploma/Degree in Finance or Accounting or Supply Chain Management

7) Deputy Registrar: Student Admin & System Integration (Administration)

Ref: WC/DR/SASI-A/MM/2/2026
Location: Western Cape (Cape Town)
Qualification: Admin Management / Office Management / Business Management / Public Admin / Bachelor in Administration

8) Library and Information Services (East London)

Ref: EC/LS/SASI/KH/2/2026
Location: Eastern Cape (East London)
Qualification: Bachelor of Information Science or National Diploma in Information Science

9) Communication Science Internship (Parow)

Ref: WC/DR/SASI-C/KH/1/2026
Location: Western Cape (Cape Town / Parow)
Qualification: BA in Communication Science

10) Deputy Registrar – Regional Service Centre Admin

Ref: GQ/DR/RSC/KH/1/2026
Location: Eastern Cape (Gqeberha Regional Service Centre)
Qualification: Admin Management / Office Management / Business Management (and similar admin qualifications)

11) Library and Information Services – Cataloguing Division

Ref: GPM/LS/CD/KH/3/2026
Location: Gauteng (Muckleneuk, Pretoria)
Qualification: Library & Information Science and/or postgraduate archival programme

12) Institutional Advancement: Unisa Foundations & Alumni Relations

Ref: GPM/IA/AR/KH/3/2026
Location: Gauteng (Muckleneuk, Pretoria)
Qualification: Communication Studies / PR / Marketing / Admin / Accounting

13) Unisa Foundation & Alumni Relations – Institutional Advancement

Ref: GPM/UF/AR/KH/2/2026
Location: Gauteng (Muckleneuk, Pretoria)
Qualification: Communication Studies or Marketing

B) KwaZulu-Natal Region Internships (Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay, Newcastle)

14) Regional Service: KZN Director’s Office

Ref: REF/KZN/DRO/KM
Location: Durban
Qualification: Diploma in Administrative Management / Public Administration and Management / Bachelor of Administration
Posts: 1

15) Student Admin and Financial Aid (SAFA)

Ref: REF/KZN/SAFA/KM
Locations: 8 Durban, 4 Pietermaritzburg, 4 Richards Bay, 2 Newcastle
Qualification: Admin Management/Public Admin/ Bachelor of Administration
Posts: 18

16) Facilitation of Learning Registrar

Ref: REF/KZN/FLR/KM
Locations: 1 Pietermaritzburg, 1 Durban, 1 Richards Bay
Qualification: Admin Management/Public Admin/ Bachelor of Administration
Posts: 3

17) Registrar

Ref: REF/KZN/RGS/KM
Location: Pietermaritzburg
Qualification: Admin Management/Public Admin/ Bachelor of Administration
Posts: 2

18) Finance and Operations

Ref: REF/KZN/FNOP/KM
Location: Durban
Qualification: Diploma in Accounting Sciences / BCom Finance/Accounting
Posts: 1

19) Library Unit

Ref: REF/KZN/LBU/KM
Locations: 1 Durban, 2 Pietermaritzburg
Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Information Science
Posts: 3

20) Student Administration and Systems Integration (Engineering)

Ref: REF/KZN/SASI/KM
Location: Durban
Qualification: Diploma in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering
Posts: 1

21) Corporate Communication and Marketing

Ref: REF/KZN/CCM/KM
Location: Durban
Qualification: BCom Marketing / Diploma PR / BA Communication Sciences
Posts: 2

22) Counselling and Career Development

Ref: REF/KZN/DCCD/KM
Locations: 2 Durban, 2 Pietermaritzburg
Qualification: BA Honours in Psychology
Posts: 4

23) Finance: Expenditure and Asset Management

Ref: REF/FIN/EAM/KM
Location: Pretoria (Muckleneuk)
Qualification: Diploma/BCom Accounting Science (Financial Accounting major)
Posts: 4

24) Finance: Financial Governance & Compliance

Ref: REF/FIN/FGC/KM
Location: Pretoria (Muckleneuk)
Qualification: BCom Accounting Science (Financial Accounting major)
Posts: 2

25) Finance: Salary Administration

Ref: REF/FIN/SADM/KM
Location: Pretoria (Muckleneuk)
Qualification: Diploma/BCom Accounting / Accounting Science
Posts: 4

26) Finance: Funds Administration

Ref: REF/FIN/FADM/KM
Location: Pretoria (Muckleneuk)
Qualification: Diploma/BCom Accounting Science (Financial Accounting major)
Posts: 2

27) Finance: Expenditure Management – Creditors

Ref: REF/FIN/EMC/KM
Location: Pretoria (Muckleneuk)
Qualification: Diploma/BCom Accounting / Accounting Science
Posts: 6

C) Gauteng / Western Cape / National Specialised Internships

28) Counselling and Career Development (Sunnyside Campus)

Ref: BD/CD/04/2026
Location: Sunnyside Campus
Qualification: Honours Psychology / Honours Industrial & Organisational Psychology
Posts: 4

29) Gauteng Region – Ekurhuleni Campus (Admin/Accounting)

Ref: GR/EC/03/2026
Location: Ekurhuleni Campus
Qualification: Accounting Sciences / Business Administration / Administrative Management
Posts: 3

30) Gauteng Region – Sunnyside Campus (Admin/Business)

Ref: GR/SC/01/2026
Location: Sunnyside Campus
Qualification: Business Administration / Administrative Management
Posts: 1

31) Counselling and Career Development – Western Cape Region (Parow)

Ref: WC/PS/02/2026
Location: Western Cape (Parow)
Qualification: Honours Psychology / BCom Honours Industrial & Organisational Psychology
Posts: 2

32) Counselling & Career Development – Gauteng Region (Multiple Campuses)

Ref: GR/VC/08/2026
Locations: Vaal x2, Sunnyside x2, Ekurhuleni x2, Florida x2
Qualification: Honours Psychology / Honours Industrial & Organisational Psychology
Posts: 8

33) Directorate: Privacy and Record Governance – Records Governance

Ref: PR/MC/04/2026
Location: Muckleneuk Campus
Qualification: Information Sciences / Archives & Record Management
Posts: 4

34) Privacy Governance (Robert Sobukwe)

Ref: PR/RS/032026
Location: Robert Sobukwe
Qualification: Privacy Governance / Archives & Records / Internal Audit / LLB / Risk & Compliance / IT & Computer Sciences
Posts: 3

35) Unisa Art Gallery & Department of Arts and Music

Ref: AG/MC/05/2026
Locations: Muckleneuk x4, Sunnyside x1
Qualification: BA Art History / Visual Multimedia Arts / Communication / History / related + admin skills
Posts: 5

36) Department of Institutional Intelligence

Ref: II/MC/02/2026
Location: Muckleneuk Campus
Qualification: Degree in Social Sciences (with statistics major/minor preferred)
Posts: 2

37) Institute for Social and Health Sciences – Lenasia Campus

Ref: HS/GR/02/2026
Location: Gauteng (Lenasia Campus)
Qualification: Accounting Sciences / Business Administration / Administrative Management
Posts: 2

38) Institute for Social and Health Sciences – Western Cape (Parow)

Ref: HS/WC/01/2026
Location: Western Cape (Parow)
Qualification: Business Administration / Administrative Management
Posts: 1

39) CSET Electrical and Smart Systems Engineering – Florida Campus

Ref: CS/FC/02/2026
Location: Florida Campus
Qualification: Diploma/National Diploma in Electrical Engineering OR BTech/Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering
Posts: 3

D) ICT, Digital Security, Supply Chain + NER Region Internships

40) ICT / Services Delivery Management

Ref: REF/ICT/SDM/RJM
Contact: Mr R Mavasa
Location: Muckleneuk
Qualification: ND / BSc Information Technology / Informatics / Computer Sciences
Posts: 6

41) SBL ICT & Logistics (Midrand)

Ref: REF/SBL/ICTL/RJM
Location: Midrand
Qualification: IT / Supply Chain / Operations Management
Posts: 2

42) ICT Governance

Ref: REF/ICT/GOVN/SMT
Location: Muckleneuk
Qualification: ND/BSc IT / IT Management / Information Systems / Computer Science / Informatics
Posts: 2

43) ICT Risk and Compliance

Ref: REF/ICT/RISCOM/SMT
Location: Muckleneuk
Qualification: ND/Advanced Diploma or BCom Internal Audit/Accounting/Risk/Compliance
Posts: 3

44) ICT Project Management and Business Analysis

Ref: REF/ICT/PROMBANA/SMT
Location: Muckleneuk
Qualification: BCom Informatics / ND IT (Project Management qualification advantage)
Posts: 3

45) ICT Multimedia Centre

Ref: REF/ICT/MULMEDCE/SMT
Location: Muckleneuk
Qualification: ND Film & Television / BA Communications / Public Relations
Posts: 7

46) ICT Budget, Procurement and Contract Management

Ref: REF/ICT/BPCM/SMT
Location: Muckleneuk
Qualification: Supply Chain / Finance / Logistics / Accounting / Procurement (multiple accepted)
Posts: 5

47) ICT Asset Management

Ref: REF/ICT/ASSTMANA/SMT
Location: Muckleneuk
Qualification: Supply Chain / Logistics / Finance / Information Systems (Asset focus) / Public Admin etc.
Posts: 5

48) ICT Academy of Applied Technologies and Innovation

Ref: REF/ICT/AATI/SMT
Location: Muckleneuk
Qualification: Computer Science / Data Analytics / Data Science / AI / Statistics / Data Engineering etc.
Posts: 10

49) ICT Digital Security Management

Ref: REF/ICT/DISEMA/SMT
Location: Muckleneuk
Qualification: Cybersecurity / Digital Forensics / Information Security / IT
Posts: 2

50) NER Region: Student Administration (Polokwane)

Ref: REF/NER/STUADM/POLO1/CHN
Location: Polokwane
Qualification: Admin Management / Business Admin / Office Admin / Public Management
Posts: 2

51) NER Region: Communication (Polokwane)

Ref: REF/NER/STUADM/POLO2/CHN
Location: Polokwane
Qualification: BA Communication / ND PR Management
Posts: 1

52) NER Region: Student Administration + Library (Mbombela)

Ref: REF/NER/MBOM/CHN
Location: Mbombela
Posts: Student Admin x1 + Library x1
Qualification: Admin + Library & Information Science
Total Posts: 2

53) NER Region: Student Administration (Giyani)

Ref: REF/NER/GIYA/CHN
Location: Giyani
Qualification: Admin Management / Business Admin / Office Admin / Public Management
Posts: 1

54) NER Region: Student Admin + Counselling (Middleburg)

Ref: REF/NER/MIDD/CHN
Location: Middleburg
Posts: Student Admin x1 + Counselling x1
Qualification: Admin + Psychology/Industrial Psychology
Total Posts: 2

E) Eastern Cape Region + Agriculture / Student Development Division

55) Deputy Registrar: Student Admin and Registration (Accounting Sciences)

Ref: REF/ECR/DSAR/NM
Location: East London, Gqeberha, Mthatha
Qualification: Diploma/Degree in Accounting Sciences
Posts: 3

56) Deputy Registrar: Student Admin & System Integration (Admin/Office/Public Admin)

Ref: REF/ECR/DSAR-1/NM
Location: East London, Gqeberha, Mthatha
Qualification: Admin Management / Office Management / Public Administration
Posts: 6

57) CAES Laboratory & Horticulture Centre (Greenhouse/Herbarium)

Ref: REF/CAES/LHC/DM
Location: Florida Campus
Qualification: Undergraduate in Agriculture and Horticulture
Posts: 10

58) Student Development Division – Office of Dean of Students

Ref: REF/DEANS/SDD/BM
Location: Florida Campus
Qualification: Degree in Psychology or Social Work
Posts: 1

59) SASI (Counselling and Career Development) – Recommended graduate with disability

Ref: REF/ECR/SASI/BM
Location: East London
Qualification: Any Degree/Diploma qualification (recommended graduate with disability)
Posts: 1

60) SASI (Counselling and Career Development) – Honours Psychology / Industrial Psychology

Ref: REF/ECR/SASI-1/BM
Location: East London, Gqeberha, Mthatha
Qualification: Honours Psychology / Industrial Psychology
Posts: 6

F) Quality Assurance + Facilities Management + Engineering + Environmental + Project Management

61) Quality Assurance & Enhancement: Sustainability, Monitoring and Evaluation

Ref: QAE1/P/01
Location: Pretoria (Muckleneuk), Florida, Johannesburg
Qualification: Diploma/BCom Internal Auditing / Adv Dip Accounting Science / Bachelor of Accounting Science
Posts: 2

62) Facilities Management – Maintenance (Mechanical/Electrical Engineering)

Ref: FMM1/P/04
Location: Pretoria (Muckleneuk)
Qualification: Diploma/Degree Mechanical/Electrical Engineering
Posts: 4

63) Facilities Management – Maintenance (Mechanical/Electrical Engineering)

Ref: FMM2/P/04
Location: Pretoria (Muckleneuk)
Qualification: Diploma/Degree Mechanical/Electrical Engineering
Posts: 4

64) Facilities Management – Maintenance (Civil/Building)

Ref: FMM3/P/02
Location: Pretoria (Muckleneuk)
Qualification: Degree/National Diploma in Civil/Building
Posts: 2

65) Facilities Support Services – Waste Management and Recycling

Ref: FMSS/P/02
Location: Pretoria (Muckleneuk)
Qualification: Bachelor of Environmental Science / Environmental Management
Posts: 2

66) Facilities Management – Project Management

Ref: FMPM/P/13
Locations: Pretoria (Muckleneuk), Polokwane, Nelspruit
Qualification: Civil/Structural/Construction Management/Electrical/Mechanical/Environmental Management
Posts: 9

How to Apply

UNISA is strict with internship applications. Many people lose opportunities due to small mistakes like missing reference numbers.

Here is the correct process:

Step 1: Choose the correct internship reference number

Each post has its own reference number like:

REF/KZN/SAFA/KM
QAE1/P/01
REF/ICT/AATI/SMT
…and more.

Always copy it exactly as shown in the advert.

Step 2: Apply online using the official internship application form link

Step 3: Apply separately for each internship

If you want to apply for 3 internships, you must submit 3 separate applications.

Step 4: Upload the required supporting documents (PDF only)

You must attach:

CV
One-page motivational letter
Certified copies (not older than 6 months) of:
- South African ID
- Matric certificate
- Academic record
- UNISA completed qualification

Only PDF format documents are accepted (no pictures, no password-protected PDFs).

Step 5: Submit before 23:59 on the closing date

Do not wait for the last minute.

Closing Dates You Must Remember

06 February 2026 (main call)
09 February 2026 (facilities/QA call)

How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare

At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.

Recommended Tools:

Edupstairs Advice (How to Increase Your Chances)

Let us give you the truth that helps:

UNISA internships are competitive. People apply in large numbers. So your advantage is not luck—it’s preparation.

Here’s what we recommend:

1) Match your motivational letter to the department

If you apply for ICT Governance, do not write a generic admin letter. Mention governance, compliance, risk, and IT controls.

2) Your CV must reflect the competencies

Use the exact skills UNISA listed like:

Office 365
time management
confidentiality
teamwork

3) Apply for multiple posts (but do it properly)

Applying for 5 posts is fine, as long as each application is submitted individually with the correct reference number.

4) Do not upload pictures of your documents

Convert everything to clean PDF files, properly named:

ID.pdf
Matric.pdf
AcademicRecord.pdf
Qualification.pdf
CV.pdf
MotivationalLetter.pdf

5) Be ready for interviews

Shortlisted candidates must be available for interview dates decided by the university.

Career Growth Path After This Internship

A 12-month UNISA internship can open doors into career tracks such as:

Administrator / Office Coordinator
Student Support Officer / Admissions Officer
Finance Officer / Creditors Clerk / Payroll Administrator
Junior Internal Auditor / Compliance Assistant
ICT Support Technician / Systems Administrator
Data Analyst / Junior BI Assistant
Cybersecurity Analyst (Entry Level)
Project Coordinator / Junior Project Manager
Communication Officer / Marketing Assistant
Counselling Intern → Career Development Practitioner pathway
Facilities Management Officer
Environmental Management Officer
Library Assistant / Information Specialist

Even if your long-term plan is government employment (DPSA) or municipal jobs, a UNISA internship builds credibility because it proves you can work in a regulated environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) Can I apply if I am not a UNISA graduate?

The advert specifies applicants should have completed a UNISA qualification (NQF 6+).

2) Can I apply if I am older than 35?

No. The age restriction is not older than 35 years.

3) Can I apply if I have work experience?

The adverts indicate applicants should have no experience, and those previously appointed may not be considered.

4) Can I apply for more than one internship post?

Yes, but each application must be submitted individually.

5) What is the stipend for the internship?

The stipend is R127 576.00 per annum.

6) When do interns start working?

The assumption of duty is 01 March 2026.

7) Do I need to relocate?

If the post is in another province, relocation is your responsibility. Relocation is at your own expense.

8) What documents are required?

CV, motivational letter, certified ID, Matric, academic record, and completed qualification—PDF only.

CLOSING DATE: 06 FEBRUARY 2026

You can also:

Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)

No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.

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Disclaimers

Edupstairs is sharing this opportunity for educational and informational purposes.
UNISA may contact shortlisted candidates only.
If you are not contacted within 30 days after the closing date, your application was unsuccessful.
Background checks will be conducted for successful candidates.
Late applications may not be accepted—apply before 23:59 on the closing date.

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

Edupstairs TrustScore™

100 /100

Verified / Low Risk This is an evidence-based risk assessment to help applicants verify opportunities.

OrganisationUniversity of South Africa (UNISA)

SourceOfficial website/career portal

Open source link

Apply viaOnline portal

ReferenceECR/SASI/MM/1/2026

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