How to Apply for Government Internships

How to Apply for Government Internships – Requirements

Government internships are one of the most accessible entry points into South Africa's public service. Every year, national and provincial departments offer thousands of internship positions to unemployed graduates, providing structured workplace experience, a monthly stipend, and a pathway into permanent public service employment . Internships typically run for 12 to 24 months and are advertised through the DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular, which is published every Friday . Stipends range from R7,860 to R8,300 per month, depending on qualifications . This guide covers the requirements, application process, and everything you need to know to secure a government internship.

What Government Internships Involve – Programme Overview

Government internships are structured development programmes designed to give unemployed graduates practical work experience in the public sector. Interns are placed in government departments and expected to actively participate in workplace activities, projects, and capacity-building initiatives under the supervision of experienced professionals .

Key features of government internships:

Duration: Typically 12 to 24 months

Stipend: Monthly stipend ranging from R7,860 to R8,300, depending on qualifications

Placement: National or provincial government departments across all nine provinces

Fields: Administration, Finance, HR, IT, Law, Communications, Economics, Engineering, and many more

What interns do:

Interns receive structured work exposure and training relevant to their field of study, in line with the placement area. Duties typically include general office duties, research, data entry, filing, and general coordination . Interns are expected to actively participate in workplace activities, projects, and capacity-building initiatives .

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programmes:

Some government departments also offer Work Integrated Learning opportunities for students who require experiential training as part of their qualification. These are typically 18-month programmes for candidates holding N6 certificates or those who need practical experience to complete their studies .

Salary Guide – Government Internship Stipends

Government internship stipends vary by qualification level and department. The following are standard rates:

Matric / Diploma / Degree / Honours: R7,860.50 per month

Master's Degree: R9,482.00 per month

Some departments (e.g., NRCS): R8,300.00 per month

Other departments (e.g., UIF, DOT): R8,174.75 per month

Note: The higher your qualification, the higher your stipend. Some departments state that a stipend will be paid according to proof of relevant qualification, and it will vary as per qualification (Diploma/Degree/Honours R7,860.50 and Master's R9,482.00 per month) .

Requirements for Government Internships

General Requirements

Citizenship: South African citizen

Employment status: Currently unemployed

Age: Youth focus, typically up to 34 or 35 years old

Previous internships: Must NOT have participated in any government internship programme before

Qualification: Relevant tertiary qualification (NQF Level 6 and above for most graduate internships)

Foreign qualifications: Must be evaluated by SAQA

Qualification Requirements

Government internships are available across a wide range of fields. Examples of qualifications required include:

Public Management / Public Administration

Business Management / Business Administration

Human Resource Management / Development

Communication / Public Relations / Journalism

Law / LLB

Economics / Statistics / Econometrics

Accounting / Financial Management / Auditing

Information Technology / Computer Science

Supply Chain Management / Procurement

Engineering (various disciplines)

Important: Each internship advert specifies the exact qualification required. Check the advert carefully before applying.

Documents You Need

✅ Completed and signed NEW Z83 form (2021 version)

✅ Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)

✅ Certified copy of South African ID

✅ Certified copy of Matric certificate

✅ Certified copies of qualifications

✅ Academic record / transcripts

✅ Proof of registration or acceptance (for WIL applicants)

✅ SAQA evaluation certificate (if holding a foreign qualification)

Note: For most government internships, you only submit the Z83 form and CV initially. Certified copies of qualifications are only required if you are shortlisted .

How to Apply for Government Internships – Step by Step

Step 1: Check That You Meet the Requirements

Before applying, confirm you meet the minimum requirements. You must be a South African citizen, currently unemployed, and have NOT participated in a government internship before . You must also have the relevant qualification for the internship you are targeting.

Step 2: Get the NEW Z83 Form (Step 2)

The Z83 form is the official application form for all South African government jobs, including internships. You MUST use the NEW Z83 form (2021 version). The old Z83 form will not be considered .

Where to get the Z83 form:

Download from www.dpsa.gov.za/documents

Download from www.gov.za/documents

Collect from any Public Service Department

How to complete the Z83 form:

Complete ALL sections in Part A, Part C, and Part D

Part E, F, G can be marked "refer to CV" due to limited space

The question related to conditions that prevent re-appointment under Part F must be answered

Initial the form and sign the declaration

Failure to fully complete, sign, and initial the form will result in disqualification

Step 3: Prepare Your CV and Documents

Prepare a detailed Curriculum Vitae that includes:

Personal details and contact information

Educational qualifications (including final year modules/subjects completed and passed)

Work experience (if any)

References with contact details

Combine documents into one PDF: For online applications, Z83 and CV must be scanned as one PDF document .

Step 4: Search for Internship Opportunities

Government internships are advertised through:

DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular: Published every Friday at www.dpsa.gov.za

Individual department websites: Check the careers section of the department you are interested in

JoblySA: Search "government internship" for updated listings

Step 5: Complete the Application Form

Fill in all required fields accurately. Each department may have slightly different requirements, so read the specific advert carefully.

Tips for a strong application:

Quote the correct job title and reference number in the subject line of your email

Indicate the correct post reference number on your application

Ensure your contact details are correct

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Application methods vary by department:

By email:

Submit Z83 and CV as one PDF document

Use the correct email address associated with the post

JPEG or picture format will not be accepted

By post or hand delivery:

Address your application to the correct department and address

Hand delivery addresses are specified in each advert

Important: Applications submitted using the incorrect application form (old Z83) will not be considered. Each advertised post must be accompanied by its own application .

Step 7: Wait for Shortlisting

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to submit certified copies of qualifications and other related documents on or before the day of the interview. These documents should not be older than six months .

Personnel Suitability Checks: Successful candidates will be subjected to checks including criminal record, citizenship, financial/asset record checks, qualification verification, and employment verification .

Step 8: Complete the Programme

Internships typically run for 12 to 24 months. On successful completion, interns gain valuable work experience that positions them for permanent public service employment .

Tips for Getting Selected

Apply early – Do not wait until the closing date

Use the NEW Z83 form – The old form will not be considered

Complete all sections – Incomplete Z83 forms lead to disqualification

Quote the correct reference number – Each internship has its own reference number

Submit as one PDF – For online applications, combine Z83 and CV

Check your email regularly – Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates

Prepare for assessments – Some departments conduct pre-entry assessments

Ensure your documents are certified – When requested, certified copies must be recent

Be aware of the employment equity policy – Preference may be given to designated groups

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using the old Z83 form – Applications using the incorrect form will not be considered

❌ Not completing all sections – Incomplete forms lead to disqualification

❌ Not signing the Z83 form – Unsigned forms are invalid

❌ Submitting separate documents – Combine Z83 and CV as one PDF

❌ Missing the closing date – Late applications are not accepted

❌ Applying if you have participated in a government internship before – This disqualifies you

❌ Not quoting the correct reference number – Each post has its own reference number

❌ Sending JPEG or picture format – Only PDF documents are accepted

❌ Paying for a job application – Government internships are free to apply for

Government Internship Scam Warning – Protect Yourself

Scammers sometimes circulate fake government internship adverts on social media.

Red flags:

🚩 Someone asks for money to help you get a government internship – legitimate applications are FREE

🚩 The "application" is only on WhatsApp with no official website

🚩 They promise a guaranteed internship for a fee – this is a scam

🚩 They ask for your banking password – never share this

🚩 The link does not direct to www.dpsa.gov.za or an official department website

Protect yourself:

Only apply through the DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular at www.dpsa.gov.za

Never pay for a job application

Government departments never charge application fees

Verify the vacancy by checking the official department website

FAQ: Government Internships

Q: What is a government internship?

A: A structured development programme that provides unemployed graduates with practical work experience in the public sector, a monthly stipend, and a pathway into permanent public service employment .

Q: What are the requirements for a government internship?

A: You must be a South African citizen, currently unemployed, have the relevant qualification (NQF Level 6 or above for most graduate internships), and must NOT have participated in a government internship before .

Q: How much does a government internship pay?

A: Stipends range from R7,860.50 to R9,482.00 per month, depending on your qualification. Master's holders earn higher stipends .

Q: How do I apply for a government internship?

A: Download the NEW Z83 form from www.dpsa.gov.za, complete it, attach your CV, and submit it to the department advertising the internship. Applications are usually submitted by email, post, or hand delivery .

Q: What is the Z83 form?

A: The Z83 is the official application form for all South African government jobs. You must use the NEW Z83 form (2021 version) – the old form will not be considered .

Q: Can I apply if I have participated in a government internship before?

A: No. Applicants who have participated in any government internship programme before will not be considered .

Q: What documents do I need to apply?

A: You need a completed and signed NEW Z83 form and a detailed CV. Certified copies of qualifications are only required if you are shortlisted .

Q: How long is a government internship?

A: Most government internships run for 12 to 24 months .

Q: Where can I find government internship listings?

A: The DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular is published every Friday at www.dpsa.gov.za. You can also check individual department websites and JoblySA .

Q: Do I need to have my qualifications evaluated by SAQA?

A: Yes, if you hold a foreign qualification, you must have it evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) .

Q: Can people with disabilities apply?

A: Yes. Government departments encourage applications from people with disabilities, and some departments specifically state that preference will be given to persons with disabilities .

Conclusion

Government internships offer unemployed South African graduates a valuable opportunity to gain practical work experience, earn a monthly stipend, and secure a pathway into permanent public service employment. The programmes are available across all nine provinces and cover a wide range of fields.

Apply through the DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular at www.dpsa.gov.za. Use the NEW Z83 form, attach a detailed CV, and submit before the closing date. Do not pay anyone for an application – government internships are free to apply for.

Do not wait. Government internship intakes fill up quickly and closing dates vary by department.

👉 Check the DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular: www.dpsa.gov.za

👉 Browse more internships on JoblySA – find government and private sector internship opportunities

👉 Join our WhatsApp group – get daily job alerts

Last updated: October 2026