The Free State Legislature invites unemployed South African graduates to apply for its 18-month paid internship programme based in Bloemfontein.
Introduction
The Free State Legislature has opened applications for its 18-month paid Internship Programme for the 2025/26 intake. This opportunity is aimed at unemployed South African graduates who are seeking meaningful workplace experience within a key provincial legislative institution.
The programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic qualification and professional employment by offering structured training, mentorship, and real exposure to legislative, administrative, financial, ICT, communications, and labour relations environments.
For graduates struggling to enter the job market, this internship provides a credible and practical pathway into public-sector careers.
About the Free State Legislature
The Free State Legislature is the official law-making authority of the Free State Province. Its mandate includes passing provincial legislation, overseeing provincial government departments, facilitating public participation, and promoting accountability and good governance.
Based in Bloemfontein, the Legislature plays a critical role in ensuring democratic oversight and service delivery. Interns placed within the institution are exposed to real legislative processes and contribute directly to the work that supports provincial democracy.
Overview of the Internship Programme
This is a graduate internship programme with the following structure:
- Programme type: Graduate Internship
- Duration: 18 months
- Stipend: R90,000 per annum
- Location: Bloemfontein
- Target group: Unemployed South African graduates
The programme provides structured workplace exposure that strengthens employability and professional development within government and public administration environments.
Internship Fields and Available Positions
The Free State Legislature offers several specialised internship streams aligned with critical skills needs.
Public Participation and Education Intern
Preferred qualifications:
- Matric plus National Diploma or Degree in:
- Public Management or Administration
- Political Science
- Social Sciences
Key responsibilities:
- Supporting public education initiatives
- Assisting with legislative awareness programmes
- Facilitating community engagement
- Supporting oversight and accountability activities
This role is suited to graduates interested in governance, democracy, and public engagement.
Marketing and Communications Intern
Preferred qualifications:
- Media Studies
- Communication Science
- Graphic Design
- Public Relations
Key responsibilities:
- Developing and publishing content
- Media monitoring and reporting
- Managing digital engagement and analytics
- Supporting stakeholder communication
This stream is ideal for graduates pursuing careers in public-sector communications.
Labour Relations Intern
Required qualifications:
- National Diploma or Degree in:
- Labour Law
- LLB with labour or industrial law modules
Key responsibilities:
- Assisting with disciplinary and grievance processes
- Supporting labour relations meetings
- Researching labour legislation and CCMA case law
- Providing administrative support in employee relations
This internship suits law graduates seeking practical exposure to workplace labour relations.
Finance Intern
Required qualifications:
- Degree in:
- Commerce
- Public Administration with Financial Management
Key responsibilities:
- Supporting financial reporting processes
- Assisting with budgeting and accounting
- Preparing for audits
- Supporting daily finance operations
This role is suitable for graduates aiming to build careers in public finance or accounting.
Legislation and Oversight Intern
Preferred qualifications:
- Public Management or Administration
- Political Science
- Social Sciences
Key responsibilities:
- Preparing committee meetings
- Minute-taking and report compilation
- Records and document management
- Supporting legislative oversight functions
This stream is ideal for graduates interested in policy development and parliamentary processes.
ICT Audio-Visual and Livestreaming Technician Intern
Required qualifications:
- Degree in:
- Audio-Visual Technology
- Information Technology
- Film and Television Production
- Media Studies or Broadcast Journalism
Key responsibilities:
- Operating and maintaining audio-visual systems
- Supporting live streaming of legislative sessions
- Managing virtual and hybrid meetings
- Archiving audio-visual records
This role suits technically skilled graduates with an interest in digital broadcasting and public access to information.
General Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Must be South African citizens
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old
- Must be unemployed
- Must not have participated in any internship programme before
- Must not have been employed in the field applied for
- Must hold a relevant Diploma or Degree
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office
Required Application Documents
Applications must include the following:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Academic transcript
- Certified copy of South African ID
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
All application documents must be submitted by email to:
fslinternapplication@fsl.gov.za
Applicants are advised to clearly indicate the internship field in the email subject line.
Closing Date
Applications must be submitted by 22 December 2025.
Conclusion
The Free State Legislature 18-Month Paid Internship Programme 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for unemployed graduates to gain structured, credible workplace experience within a provincial legislative environment. By combining mentorship, hands-on exposure, and professional development, the programme equips participants with skills that significantly enhance employability in government and related sectors.
Graduates who meet the requirements and are eager to build careers in public service, finance, ICT, communications, or labour relations are encouraged to submit a complete application within the stipulated timeframe.
