IPID TVET and University Graduate Internship Programme 2026: Paid Public Service Opportunities Across South Africa

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has officially opened applications for its TVET and University Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027, offering structured, paid work experience for unemployed South African youth. This national programme is designed to equip interns with practical skills in public administration, investigation support, compliance, governance, and corporate services while strengthening employability within the public sector.

With placements available at IPID’s National Office in Pretoria and across all provinces, the programme targets young people who hold either an N6 certificate or a tertiary qualification at NQF Level 7, and who have not previously participated in a similar internship.

About the IPID Internship Programme

The IPID Internship Programme forms part of government’s broader youth development strategy, providing real workplace exposure in a constitutional oversight institution responsible for investigating police-related misconduct. Interns are placed in operational and support environments where they gain hands-on experience under supervision while receiving a monthly stipend.

Two internship streams are available, each structured to match the qualification level of applicants.

Internship Streams and Duration

TVET Internship Programme

• Duration: 18 months
• Qualification level: N6 Certificate
• Monthly stipend: R4 950

University Graduate Internship Programme

• Duration: 24 months
• Qualification level: NQF Level 7
• Monthly stipend: R6 050

Who Can Apply

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen
• Be between 18 and 35 years old
• Be unemployed at the time of application
• Have never participated in a similar internship programme
• Hold either an N6 certificate (TVET stream) or an NQF Level 7 qualification (graduate stream)

At application stage, candidates must submit:

• A new Z83 application form only
• A detailed CV
• An affidavit confirming no prior participation in a similar internship

Certified copies of qualifications are not required at application stage and will only be requested from shortlisted candidates.

TVET Internship Opportunities (18 Months)

The TVET stream is open to candidates holding an N6 Certificate in Public Administration. Most placements are for Database Clerk roles, with one Corporate Service Support post in the Northern Cape.

Placements are available at:

• National Office – Pretoria
• Eastern Cape
• Gauteng
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Mpumalanga
• Northern Cape
• Western Cape
• Free State
• Limpopo
• North West

Each province has a dedicated reference number and application email address, and applicants must apply only within their province of residence using the correct reference number.

University Graduate Internship Opportunities (24 Months)

Graduate internships are available in the following areas:

Strategic Management and Planning (National Office)

• Posts: 2
• Qualification: Public Administration, Management, or Business Management

Internal Control and Compliance (National Office)

• Posts: 2
• Qualification: Accounting, Financial Management, Auditing, or Risk Management

Investigation Support (Provincial Offices)

• Qualification: Policing, Law, Criminology, or Criminal Justice
• Provinces: Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Northern Cape, North West

Each post has a specific reference number and application email, which must be used exactly as indicated.

How to Apply

Applicants must follow these instructions carefully:

• Apply only in the province where you reside
• Use the correct post title and reference number
• Combine your Z83 form and CV into one PDF document
• Include the post name and reference number in the email subject line
• Submit applications early to avoid inbox congestion

Failure to follow instructions may result in disqualification.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 28 January 2026.

Conclusion

The IPID TVET and University Graduate Internship Programme 2026 offers a rare opportunity for unemployed youth to gain credible, paid experience within a national oversight institution. With structured mentorship, competitive stipends, and exposure to real public service work, this programme serves as a strong foundation for long-term careers in administration, compliance, investigation support, and governance.

For young South Africans who meet the requirements and are serious about entering the public sector, this internship programme represents a meaningful step forward toward sustainable employment.