MICT SETA Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programmes 2026: Requirements and How to Apply

Students looking to gain practical workplace experience in South Africa’s media, information and communication technology sectors can explore Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities supported by the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA).

WIL connects what students learn in their qualifications with practical experience in professional environments. It can be particularly important for university and TVET students who need workplace exposure to complete their qualifications.

Quick Overview

Information	Details
Organisation	MICT SETA
Opportunity	Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
Sector	Media, Information and Communication Technologies
Location	South Africa
Target group	University and TVET students, depending on programme
Qualification	Depends on the specific WIL programme
Age	Not specified as a universal requirement
Duration	Depends on the qualification and programme
Stipend	Varies; no universal amount confirmed
Closing date	No single closing date for all MICT SETA WIL programmes
Application method	Through the relevant institution, employer, programme or official MICT SETA process
Funding	May be supported through MICT SETA Discretionary Grants

What Are MICT SETA WIL Programmes?

MICT SETA describes Work Integrated Learning as an educational approach that allows students to integrate knowledge and skills gained through their studies with practical work in professional environments.

The organisation works with universities, TVET colleges and industry partners to support skills development programmes.

For students, this means WIL can provide an opportunity to move beyond classroom theory and experience how their field operates in an actual workplace.

The programmes are particularly relevant to students whose qualifications require practical workplace learning before they can complete their studies.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility depends on the specific WIL programme.

Potential beneficiaries can include students studying at:

• Universities
• Universities of technology
• TVET colleges
• Other eligible higher education or training institutions

The most important consideration is whether the student requires workplace learning as part of their qualification and whether the programme is aligned with their field of study.

MICT SETA WIL Funding Opportunities

MICT SETA uses Discretionary Grant funding to support various skills-development interventions.

For the 2025/26 Discretionary Grant period, the information supplied for this article identifies targets of:

• 1,900 TVET students requiring WIL
• 800 university students requiring WIL

The targets apply across South Africa.

These figures should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every student will receive a placement. Actual opportunities depend on approved programmes, participating employers, institutional arrangements, eligibility and available funding.

What Happens During WIL?

The experience depends on the student’s qualification, institution, employer and specific WIL intervention.

Students can be placed in environments where they apply knowledge and skills relevant to their studies.

Depending on the field, this could involve working with:

• Digital technologies
• Software and technology platforms
• Information technology systems
• Media production
• Digital communication
• Marketing
• Creative-industry activities
• Broadcasting
• Other MICT-related occupations

The purpose is to provide meaningful practical exposure, rather than simply placing students in a workplace without a connection to their studies.

Vendor-Specific Programmes

MICT SETA also identifies vendor-specific programmes as part of its skills-development interventions.

These are described as industry-centred short courses based on international examinations and designed around technologies associated with multinational companies or local businesses using those technologies.

This can be valuable in ICT environments where technologies and platforms change rapidly and employers require current technical knowledge.

Why MICT SETA WIL Matters

A qualification provides important theoretical and academic knowledge, but employers also look for candidates who understand how to operate in a professional environment.

WIL can help students develop:

• Practical technical skills
• Workplace communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Professional conduct
• Time management
• Digital skills
• Industry awareness
• Workplace confidence
• Career readiness

The experience can also help students understand the expectations of employers before they enter the full-time labour market.

MICT SETA WIL Results

MICT SETA’s 2024/25 Annual Report provides evidence of substantial participation in university WIL placements.

During the financial year, 1,214 university students requiring WIL to complete their qualifications were placed in workplaces, against a target of 700.

The report also recorded 701 university students who completed their WIL placements, compared with a target of 350.

MICT SETA attributed its placement performance partly to activities such as stakeholder roadshows, induction and ongoing monitoring.

The figures demonstrate that WIL forms a significant part of the SETA’s workplace-learning activities.

Are MICT SETA WIL Programmes Paid?

Applicants should not assume that every MICT SETA WIL programme has the same stipend.

Funding and learner arrangements can differ according to the specific programme, employer, institution and agreement.

If a particular WIL opportunity offers a stipend, the amount and payment conditions should be confirmed in the official advertisement or learner agreement.

For this reason, Youthscope does not recommend publishing an assumed universal MICT SETA WIL stipend.

How Long Is MICT SETA WIL?

There is no single duration applicable to every MICT SETA WIL opportunity.

The duration can depend on:

• The student’s qualification
• Academic requirements
• The institution
• The employer
• The specific WIL programme
• The approved funding arrangement

Students should therefore check the duration stated in the individual opportunity or confirm the requirement with their institution’s WIL office.

Who Should Not Apply?

You should not apply for a specific MICT SETA WIL opportunity if you:

• Do not meet its academic requirements
• Do not require workplace learning where this is a condition
• Are studying a qualification unrelated to the opportunity
• Cannot meet the stated placement requirements
• Fail to meet the requirements specified by the institution or employer

There is no single MICT SETA WIL application that covers every student.

Requirements

Because MICT SETA supports different WIL interventions, requirements can vary.

Applicants may be asked for:

• Proof of registration
• Academic record
• Qualification information
• Updated CV
• South African ID
• Proof of residence
• Confirmation that WIL is required
• Other documents specified in the particular advertisement

Students should first speak to their WIL coordinator, academic department or institution to confirm what workplace experience is required.

Documents Required

Prepare the following where applicable:

• Updated CV
• Certified ID copy, if requested
• Proof of registration
• Academic transcript or record
• Qualification certificate, where applicable
• Proof of WIL requirement
• Proof of residence, where requested
• Any additional supporting documents listed in the advertisement

Do not submit unnecessary personal documents to unofficial websites or individuals.

How to Apply

Because MICT SETA WIL opportunities can be delivered through institutions, employers and other partners, the application process can differ.

1. Confirm Your WIL Requirement

Contact your university or TVET college and establish whether you need workplace learning to complete your qualification.

2. Check Your Field of Study

Make sure the WIL opportunity is relevant to your qualification and career path.

3. Monitor Official Opportunities

Check MICT SETA announcements as well as communication from your university, TVET college and relevant employers.

4. Prepare Your Documents

Have your CV, academic information and other requested documents ready.

5. Follow the Official Application Process

Apply using the application channel specified in the particular WIL advertisement.

6. Verify Before Submitting

Check the organisation, closing date, eligibility requirements and contact details before sending your application.

Important Before You Apply

MICT SETA WIL is not one continuously open internship vacancy.

This is an important distinction for applicants.

MICT SETA supports WIL through different skills-development interventions and partnerships. Therefore, an article describing the WIL programme should not be interpreted as confirmation that applications are currently open.

Your university or TVET college may also have its own process for identifying students who require WIL and connecting them with participating employers.

Students should therefore check both MICT SETA and their institution for current opportunities.

Also, never pay someone to secure a WIL placement.

Where to Find MICT SETA WIL Opportunities

Students should monitor:

1. MICT SETA’s official website
2. Their university’s WIL or experiential-learning office
3. Their TVET college’s placement or workplace-learning office
4. Official employer announcements
5. Official MICT SETA programme announcements

The official MICT SETA WIL page should be treated as the primary source for programme information.

Official source: MICT SETA – Work Integrated Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is MICT SETA WIL?

It is workplace-integrated learning that allows students to apply knowledge and skills from their studies in professional work environments.

2. Who is MICT SETA WIL for?

Depending on the programme, opportunities can support university and TVET students who require workplace learning.

3. Does MICT SETA WIL include TVET students?

Yes. MICT SETA’s WIL planning and funding activities include TVET students requiring workplace learning to complete their qualifications.

4. Does MICT SETA WIL pay a stipend?

Some programmes may provide financial support, but there is no single universal stipend amount that applies to every MICT SETA WIL programme.

5. How long does MICT SETA WIL last?

The duration depends on the student’s qualification and the specific programme or placement.

6. Can university students apply?

Yes, eligible university students who require WIL can be beneficiaries of MICT SETA-supported programmes.

7. Can I apply directly to MICT SETA?

Not necessarily. The application process depends on the specific programme and may involve an institution, employer or implementing partner.

8. Is MICT SETA WIL the same as an internship?

Not always. WIL is specifically focused on integrating academic learning with workplace experience and can form part of a student’s qualification requirements.

Related Opportunities

Explore more Youthscope opportunities for South African students and young people:

• TVET internships
• Graduate programmes
• ICT internships
• Learnerships
• Government internships
• Apprenticeships
• Student workplace-learning opportunities
• Technology jobs

Youthscope Verification

Source: MICT SETA
Programme: Work Integrated Learning
Last checked: 2 September 2026
Status: Programme information verified against the official MICT SETA source supplied for this article.

Important: This article explains the MICT SETA WIL framework. It does not claim that a specific WIL vacancy is currently open.

Applicants must verify the latest requirements, intake dates, participating organisations, stipend arrangements and application process through MICT SETA and their institution.

Editorial Information

Author: Mbalizuke Nkosi
Reviewer: Youthscope Editorial Team
Published: 2 September 2026
Updated: 2 September 2026