The DHET Internship Programme is a graduate and work-integrated learning (WIL) initiative run by the South African Department of Higher Education and Training. It’s designed to give unemployed graduates and WIL students valuable workplace experience within the public sector. work in mzansi+2StudentRoom.co.za+2
Key features:
- 24-month fixed-term contracts. StudentRoom.co.za+1
- Workplace exposure in different DHET branches (policy, finance, HR, Community Education & Training, etc.). EduStudent+1
- Monthly stipend: about R7,860.40 for graduate interns and R6,659.40 for WIL students (based on the 2025–2027 programme). StudentRoom.co.za+2StudentRoom.co.za+2
- Commitment to employment equity (race, gender, disability) in selection. Government of South Africa
Who Is Eligible?
To apply for the DHET Internship / WIL Programme, you typically need to meet these criteria:
- Be a South African citizen. Careers Portal+1
- Be unemployed at the time of application and must not have previously participated in a public service internship programme. Government of South Africa
- Age between 18 and 35 years in most cases. StudentRoom.co.za
- Hold a relevant qualification: National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree, depending on the internship field. EduStudent
- Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. Government of South Africa
- Willingness to sign a 24-month internship agreement. EduStudent+1
What Fields / Departments Can You Intern In?
The DHET Internship Programme offers roles across a wide variety of fields, including:
- Human Resource Management / Development EduStudent
- Information Technology / Systems EduStudent
- Finance / Accounting EduStudent
- Project Management EduStudent
- Supply Chain Management / Logistics EduStudent
- Public Management / Administration EduStudent
- Risk Management / Internal Audit EduStudent
- Legal / Legislative Services EduStudent
- Communications / Media / Policy Research EduStudent+1
- Monitoring & Evaluation, Planning & Institutional Support, Social Inclusion / Equity in Education. EduStudent
Locations include Pretoria Head Office, CET (Community Education & Training) regional offices, and other DHET branches. StudentRoom.co.za
How to Apply: Step‑by‑Step
- Get the Z83 Form
- Download the new Z83 application form (public service form) from any government department website. StudentRoom.co.za+1
- Prepare Your Documents
- Comprehensive CV (resume) StudentRoom.co.za
- Certified ID and qualification copies (only needed later if shortlisted) EduStudent
- Indicate the Reference Number of the post you’re applying to on the form. StudentRoom.co.za
- If applying to more than one field, submit a separate Z83 + CV for each. Careers Portal
- Submit Your Application
You can apply via:- Email: Send to
Internship@dhet.gov.za, quoting the correct Reference Number. StudentRoom.co.za+1 - Post: Address to The Director-General, DHET, Private Bag X174, Pretoria, 0001 (Attention: Training & Development Unit). StudentRoom.co.za
- Hand Deliver: 123 Francis Baard St (corner Sophie de Bruyn/Streets), Pretoria. Government of South Africa
- Email: Send to
- After Submission
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. StudentRoom.co.za
- If shortlisted, you may be asked for certified documents, references, and potentially security vetting. Government of South Africa
Important Dates & Deadlines
- For the 2025–2027 programme, the closing date was 29 August 2025 at 15:00. work in mzansi
- Another public service circular shows a closing date of 12 September 2025 at 15:00 for some posts. Government of South Africa
Benefits of the DHET Internship Programme
- Gain real work experience in government, which can boost your employability significantly. work in mzansi
- Earn a monthly stipend while learning (R7,860.40 for graduates; R6,659.40 for WIL students). StudentRoom.co.za
- Work in important government areas such as policy development, finance, HR, and education. EduStudent
- Develop professional networks and understand how the public service operates.
- Potential stepping stone toward a permanent government role (after completing the internship).
Risks & Considerations
- The internship is fixed-term for 24 months — not permanent. StudentRoom.co.za
- There’s strong competition — be sure to submit a strong CV and correctly filled Z83 form.
- Foreign qualifications must be validated by SAQA, which takes time. Government of South Africa
- Only shortlisted candidates are contacted, so many applicants won’t receive follow-up.
- Interns are paid a stipend, not a full salary — consider your financial needs.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Fill out the Z83 form carefully and make sure to include the correct reference number.
- Write a solid, tailored CV that highlights both academic achievements and any relevant experience.
- Apply for more than one field if you’re qualified — but remember to submit separate applications for each.
- Make sure all your documents (ID, qualifications) are ready / can be certified if shortlisted.
- Be ready for the application to take time — don’t rely on a quick hiring decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I apply if I previously did an internship in government?
A: No — the DHET programme requires applicants who have not previously participated in a public-service internship. Government of South Africa
Q: What if I apply for multiple fields?
A: You need to submit a separate Z83 application form and CV for each field of study. Careers Portal
Q: Do they check foreign qualifications?
A: Yes — foreign degrees must be evaluated by SAQA. Government of South Africa
Q: Will I get a permanent job after the internship?
A: Not guaranteed — the programme is a fixed 24-month internship, but it’s excellent experience for future opportunities.
Conclusion
The DHET Internship Program is a strong opportunity for unemployed South African graduates and WIL students who want to gain real workplace exposure in government. With a 24-month contract, a competitive stipend, and placements across important public service areas, it can help you build your skills, network, and future career path
