South African graduates who studied with UNISA now have a powerful opportunity to gain real workplace experience in 2026. The University of South Africa has officially announced 10 internship positions for unemployed UNISA graduates, offering a 12-month fixed internship with a stipend of R127,576 per year and placement starting 1 May 2026.
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This programme is especially important for graduates struggling to secure their first job after completing a qualification, because it specifically targets candidates with no prior work experience.
If you studied at UNISA and completed a qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher, this could be one of the most realistic entry-level career stepping stones available right now.
Quick Overview
Programme: UNISA Internship Programme 2026
Number of positions: 10
Duration: 12 months (non-renewable)
Start date: 1 May 2026
Stipend: R127,576 per year
Closing date: 3 April 2026
Eligibility: UNISA graduates (NQF Level 6+) with no work experience
Age requirement: Not older than 35 years
Location: Pretoria (Muckleneuk Campus)
Priority groups: Persons living with disabilities encouraged to apply
Application platform: UNISA internal application portal only
Fields Available in This Internship Programme
The internship opportunities fall under the Facilities Management: Maintenance Directorate.
Eligible qualifications include:
- Degree in Civil Engineering
- National Diploma in Civil Engineering
- Degree in Building Studies
- National Diploma in Building Studies
These are valuable technical support roles that expose graduates to real infrastructure management environments.
Minimum Requirements to Apply
To qualify for this internship programme, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be unemployed
- Be 35 years old or younger
- Have completed a UNISA qualification (NQF Level 6 or higher)
- Have no previous work experience
- Not previously participated in a UNISA internship
- Apply using the correct reference number
- Submit separate applications if applying for multiple posts
Applicants who were previously employed by UNISA or another organisation will not be considered, because the programme is designed specifically for first-time workplace exposure.
Required Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Computer literacy (Microsoft Office 365)
- Strong communication skills
- Good interpersonal behaviour
- Telephone etiquette
- Ability to work under supervision
- Initiative and accountability
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Confidentiality awareness
- Problem-solving skills
These are foundational workplace skills expected from entry-level professionals.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants must upload the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae
- One-page motivational letter
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified Matric certificate
- Academic record
- Proof of completed UNISA qualification
Important document rules:
- Documents must be certified within 6 months
- Only PDF files are accepted
- No password-protected files allowed
- No image uploads accepted
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Internship Stipend and Duration
- Selected candidates will receive: R127,576 per year stipend
- This equals approximately: R10,631 per month (before deductions)
- The internship runs for: 12 months only (non-renewable)
Although it does not guarantee permanent employment, the experience gained significantly improves job prospects afterward.
Location of Internship Placement
- All positions are based at: Pretoria (Muckleneuk Campus)
- Candidates must note: Relocation costs are their own responsibility.
This is important for applicants living outside Gauteng.
Important Application Instructions
Applicants must:
Apply through the official UNISA internship portal
- Use the correct reference number
- Include their UNISA student number
- Submit before midnight on 3 April 2026
- Late applications will not be accepted.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Job Preparedness Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Internship / Learnership Eligibility Checker
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
If you want to increase your chances of being shortlisted:
Write a strong motivational letter explaining:
why you studied your qualification
your career goals
your interest in infrastructure environments
your willingness to learn
Also:
Use a professional CV format
Highlight technical modules completed
Mention computer literacy skills
Include teamwork experience from assignments
Career Growth Path After Completing This Internship
After completing the programme, candidates often move into roles such as:
Facilities Officer
Maintenance Coordinator
Technical Administrator
Infrastructure Assistant
Municipal Technical Support Officer
Construction Project Support Assistant
With additional experience, graduates can later progress into:
Facilities Manager roles
Project coordination roles
Engineering technician pathways
Public infrastructure planning careers
This internship acts as a stepping stone toward those professional tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can students from other universities apply?
No. Only UNISA graduates qualify.
- Can I apply if I already worked before?
No. Applicants must have no prior work experience.
- Can I apply if I am older than 35?
No. The programme is limited to candidates aged 35 or younger.
- Is this internship permanent employment?
No. It is a 12-month fixed internship.
- Will relocation be paid for?
No. Candidates must cover relocation costs themselves.
- What happens if I am not contacted after applying?
If you are not contacted within 30 days after the closing date, your application was unsuccessful.
CLOSING DATE: 03 APRIL 2026
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Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)
No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.
Have you applied for this opportunity?
Disclaimers
This internship:
- Does not guarantee permanent employment
- Requires relocation at your own expense
- Requires certified documentation submission
- Is limited to UNISA graduates only
- Accepts applications only through the official UNISA portal
Always apply through the official institutional platform.
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