SAQA Graduate Internship Programme 2026
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has officially opened applications for its Graduate Internship Programme 2026, giving unemployed graduates the opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience while earning an annual stipend ranging from R72,000 to R102,000.
The two-year internship programme is designed for graduates who have never participated in an internship before and need practical workplace experience. Successful candidates will gain exposure to South Africa’s education and qualifications sector while working at one of the country’s most important public institutions.
If you’ve recently completed a qualification in Law, Supply Chain Management, Public Administration, Information Management, Education, Finance, Logistics, or related fields, this could be an excellent opportunity to launch your career.
Employer
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer | South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) |
| Programme | Graduate Internship Programme |
| Location | South Africa (Official advert does not specify provincial restrictions) |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Employment Type | Graduate Internship |
| Annual Stipend | R72,000 – R102,000 |
| Application Method | Online |
Closing Date
Closing Date: 29 July 2026
Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.
About SAQA
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a statutory body responsible for overseeing South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
SAQA helps ensure that qualifications awarded across the country meet recognised standards by:
- Managing the National Qualifications Framework
- Verifying qualifications
- Supporting quality assurance
- Evaluating qualifications
- Promoting lifelong learning
- Working with education institutions and professional bodies
Interns will gain valuable exposure to the public sector while contributing to South Africa’s education and skills development system.
Internship Areas
Graduates can apply in the following fields:
Supply Chain Management
Qualifications include:
- Diploma in Supply Chain Management
- Logistics
- Public Administration
- Finance
Authentication Services
Qualifications include:
- Information Management
- Education
- Administration
Executive Support
Qualifications include:
- Public Management
- Education
- Administration
Legal & Compliance
Qualifications include:
- LLB
- Law Degree
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be unemployed graduates
- Require workplace experience
- Have never participated in an internship programme
- Hold one of the qualifications relevant to the advertised internship
- Meet the requirements for their chosen internship field
Salary / Stipend
Annual Stipend: R72,000 – R102,000
The official advertisement does not specify the monthly amount or whether additional benefits are included.
Documents Needed
Prepare the following:
- Updated CV
- Certified South African ID copy
- Certified Qualification Certificate
- Certified Academic Transcript
- Any supporting documents requested on the online application portal
How to Apply
- Visit the official SAQA e-Recruitment Portal.
- Select the internship matching your qualification.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit your application before 29 July 2026.
Official Application Link
Apply through the official SAQA e-Recruitment Portal.
For enquiries:
Ms Amina Amade
Email: HR@saqa.org.za
Why You Should Apply
The SAQA Graduate Internship Programme provides graduates with valuable public sector work experience while helping them develop practical workplace skills.
Benefits include:
- Two years of professional workplace experience
- Annual stipend of R72,000–R102,000
- Exposure to South Africa’s education and qualifications system
- Professional mentorship
- Public sector experience
- Improved employability
- Career development opportunities
Graduates may later pursue careers in:
- Supply Chain Management
- Procurement
- Administration
- Executive Support
- Records Management
- Legal Services
- Compliance
- Governance
- Information Management
Expert Guidance (YouthScope Editorial Team)
Career expert YouthScope Editorial Team advises applicants to prepare all required documents before applying. Ensure your CV is updated, your qualifications are certified where required, and submit your application well before the closing date to avoid technical issues. Always apply only through SAQA’s official recruitment portal and keep copies of your application and confirmation for your records.
Explore Related Opportunities
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse these categories to find your perfect fit:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply?
Unemployed graduates who hold one of the listed qualifications and have never previously participated in an internship programme.
Is previous work experience required?
No. The official advertisement does not require previous work experience.
Is this a permanent job?
No. It is a two-year graduate internship programme.
How much is the stipend?
Successful interns will receive an annual stipend ranging from R72,000 to R102,000.
Can graduates from any qualification apply?
No. Applicants must have one of the qualifications specified for the relevant internship area.
Is the internship available nationwide?
The official advertisement does not specify provincial restrictions.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the official SAQA e-Recruitment Portal.
Can I apply if I have already completed another internship?
No. Applicants must not have previously participated in an internship programme.
Disclaimer
YouthScope shares employment, internship, bursary and learnership opportunities from official employers to help South Africans access career opportunities. We are not the recruiting organisation and do not charge any application fees. Always verify information on the employer’s official website before submitting your application.
Opportunity Verification
✅ Published by: YouthScope Editorial Team
✅ Last Updated: 26 July 2026
✅ Information Source: Official South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Internship Advertisement
✅ Status: Reviewed for accuracy
YouthScope shares career information to help South Africans discover opportunities. Applicants should confirm final details with the official organisation before applying.
The YouthScope Editorial Team publishes verified South African learnerships, internships, bursaries, graduate programmes, and career opportunities. Our team researches opportunities from official employers, government departments, SETAs, universities, and trusted organisations to provide accurate career information for South African youth.