The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has opened applications for its Internship Programme 2025, designed to empower unemployed South African graduates with valuable workplace exposure. This initiative is a bridge between academic study and professional employment, giving young people the chance to apply their knowledge, gain confidence, and prepare for long-term careers.
About the Internship Programme
The DHET Internship Programme is structured to provide graduates with hands-on work experience in key areas of the department. Interns are placed in different branches that play a crucial role in the higher education sector, including:
- Human Resources
- Finance and Supply Chain Management
- Policy Development
- Student Support Services
- ICT and Communication
- Corporate Administration
This structured approach ensures that graduates not only develop technical skills but also learn the values, culture, and working systems of the public service.
Duration and Stipend
The internship runs for a 24-month fixed-term contract, offering participants enough time to fully immerse themselves in workplace learning. Successful applicants will receive:
- Graduate Intern stipend: R7 860.40 per month
- Work Integrated Learning (WIL) student stipend: R6 659.40 per month
Available Internship Opportunities
The DHET Internship Programme offers a variety of placements across provinces and offices. Below is a breakdown of available opportunities and requirements:
Free State CET Curriculum & Institutional Support (Regional Office)
- Reference: DHET/CETC/2025/08
- Fields of study: IT, Office Administration, HR Management, Financial Management, Marketing.
- N6 qualifications: Marketing Management, HR Management, Financial Management, Management Assistant.
Limpopo CET College
- Reference: DHET/CETC/2025/10
- Fields of study: IT, Public Management, HR Management, Financial Management, Marketing, Project Management, Psychology.
- N6 qualifications: Marketing, HR Management, Financial Management, Management Assistant.
Gauteng CET Curriculum & Institutional Support
- Reference: DHET/CET/2025/11
- Fields of study: Public Management, Office Management.
GITO (Pretoria Head Office)
- Reference: DHET/CS/2025/12
- Fields of study: IT, including N6 certificate in Information Technology.
GITO – Information & Knowledge Management
- Reference: DHET/CS/2025/13
- Fields of study: Bachelor/BA in Information Science or Library and Information Science.
GITO – Services Desk
- Reference: DHET/CS/2025/14
- Fields of study: IT (National Diploma or Degree).
GITO – Application Development Management
- Reference: DHET/CS/2025/15
- Fields of study: IT or Computer Sciences.
Information, Knowledge & Records Management
- Reference: DHET/CS/2025/16
- Fields of study: Public Administration, Archives & Records Management.
- N6 qualification: Management Assistant.
Information, Knowledge & Records Management (Records Assistant)
- Reference: DHET/CS/2025/17
- Fields of study: Management Assistant or Records Management.
Corporate Communications (Pretoria Head Office)
- Reference: DHET/CS/2025/18
- Fields of study: Media Studies, Business Communication, Communication Science, International Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Local Government, Graphic Design, Marketing.
Who Can Apply?
To be considered, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Hold a relevant National Diploma, Degree, or N6 certificate depending on the field.
- Must be unemployed and available for the full 24-month programme.
- Applicants should not have previously participated in any internship programme in the public service.
- Candidates with foreign qualifications must provide a SAQA evaluation when required.
Application Process
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:
- A completed Z83 form (new version, initialled and signed).
- A comprehensive CV with accurate contact details and qualifications.
📌 Certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents will only be requested from shortlisted candidates.
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Submission Methods
Applications can be submitted in the following ways:
- Post: The Director-General, Department of Higher Education and Training, Private Bag X174, Pretoria, 0001 (Attention: Training and Development Unit).
- Hand Delivery: 123 Francis Baard Street (Cnr Sophie De Bruyn & Francis Baard Streets), Pretoria – Reception area.
- Email: Internship@Dhet.gov.za (quote the correct Reference Number in the subject line).
Benefits of Joining the DHET Internship
The programme provides far more than a stipend. Participants gain:
- Practical workplace skills in line with their studies.
- Career development support, including mentorship.
- Networking opportunities with professionals and institutions in higher education.
- A strong foundation for permanent employment in government or the private sector.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 12 September 2025 at 15:00. Late submissions or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Enquiries
For enquiries, applicants may contact:
Ms L. Tshetlanyane – (012) 312 5125