If you are a graduate looking for structured workplace experience in engineering, manufacturing, logistics, ICT, HR, finance, communications, or project management, the merSETA Internship Programme 2026 is one of the strongest public-sector internship opportunities available this year.
This is not a typical short-term placement. It is a 24-month structured skills development programme designed to help unemployed graduates move into professional roles in sectors where skilled people are genuinely needed. Placements are available at the Head Office in Parktown, Johannesburg as well as regional offices across multiple provinces — making this accessible to graduates from all over the country.
merSETA is looking for 42 interns across several departments nationwide.
Quick Overview
Programme: merSETA Internship Programme 2026 Duration: 24 months Locations: Parktown, Johannesburg + Regional Offices nationwide Total Posts Available: 42 Age Requirement: 18–35 years Work Experience Requirement: Must not have done a previous internship Monthly Stipend:
- NQF Level 6 (National Diploma): R10,000/month
- NQF Level 7 (Degree/BTech): R11,000/month
- NQF Level 8 (Honours/Postgrad): R12,000/month
Closing Date: 20 April 2026 How to Apply: Email, WhatsApp, PNet, or LinkedIn
How Many Posts Are Available and Where?
Head Office — Parktown, Johannesburg (32 posts)
- Learning Programmes & Quality Assurance — 4
- Grant Management — 4
- Legal and Compliance — 1
- Human Resources — 2
- Finance — 3
- Assets — 2
- Travel — 1
- Marketing and Communications — 2
- Project Management — 1
- Monitoring & Reporting — 1
- Sector Skills Planning / Research & Innovation / Chambers — 3
- Quality Management — 1
- ICT Networks — 1
- ICT Development — 1
- ICT Library / Information Science — 1
- Supply Chain — 2
- Company Secretariat — 2
Regional Offices — Nationwide (16 posts)
Client Services — 2 posts per region across:
- Gauteng South A & B
- Gauteng North
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Western Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Mpumalanga & Limpopo
- Free State & Northern Cape
Total: 42 posts
Who Can Apply?
This programme is for unemployed graduates who need real workplace exposure that matches their qualification.
You must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Have never participated in an internship programme before
- Hold a National Diploma, Bachelor’s degree, or postgraduate qualification relevant to one of the available internship streams
Preference may be given to:
- Affirmative Action candidates
- Persons living with disabilities
Which Fields of Study Qualify?
Graduates from a wide range of fields are encouraged to apply, including:
- Business Administration
- Finance Management and Accounting
- Human Resource Management and Industrial Psychology
- Labour Law and Public Administration
- Project Management and Operations Management
- Marketing, Public Relations, and Communications
- Journalism and Social Sciences
- Quality Systems and Engineering
- Computer Science, System Development, and ICT Networks
- Library and Information Science
- Supply Chain Management and Logistics
- Tourism and Commerce
- Training and Skills Development
This broad eligibility means graduates from both TVET colleges and universities can apply.
How Much Will You Earn?
Unlike many internships that pay a flat amount regardless of your qualification, merSETA adjusts the stipend based on your level of study:
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6): R10,000 per month
- Bachelor’s or BTech Degree (NQF Level 7): R11,000 per month
- Honours or Postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8+): R12,000 per month
This is a meaningful financial commitment that supports graduates throughout the full 24 months.
Where Will You Be Placed?
Placements are available at:
- Head Office in Parktown, Johannesburg
- Regional offices in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State, and Northern Cape
If you are not based in Johannesburg, there is still a strong chance of being placed closer to where you live.
How to Apply
You can submit your application through any of the following channels:
Option 1 — Email your CV to: recruit@rapidrecruiting.co.za shanelle@rapidrecruiting.co.za
Option 2 — WhatsApp your CV to: 033 880 0263
Option 3 — Apply on PNet: Search for: Rapid Recruiting
Option 4 — Apply via LinkedIn Search for the merSETA internship listing
Tip: Apply through at least two channels to increase the chances of your application being seen.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying
Make sure you have the following ready:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copies of your qualification certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of residence
- A motivation letter (strongly recommended even if not listed as compulsory)
How to Put Together a Strong Application
This is a competitive programme — here’s how to give yourself the best chance:
- Apply as early as possible, well before the deadline
- Tailor your CV to the specific department you are applying for
- Highlight coursework and projects that involved research, report writing, data analysis, administration, or technical systems
- If applying for a regional Client Services post, emphasise any community engagement, facilitation, or public-sector interest you have
- Keep your CV clean, professional, and relevant
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent job? No. This is a fixed-term 24-month internship. It does not guarantee permanent employment, but it does give you substantial, structured experience that makes your CV far more competitive.
Can TVET college graduates apply? Yes. National Diploma holders at NQF Level 6 qualify.
Can I apply if I’ve done an internship before? No. Applicants must not have previously participated in any internship programme.
Will I need to relocate? Possibly, depending on which department and region you are placed in. Be prepared to consider this when applying.
What if I don’t hear back after applying? If you have not received any response within two weeks of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
CLOSING DATE: 20 APRIL 2026