The University of the Free State (UFS) has opened applications for the ETDP SETA Disaster Management Internship Programme 2026, offering an opportunity for unemployed South African graduates to gain professional workplace experience.
The 24-month internship is available at the Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC) and is aimed at graduates who have completed a Master’s degree in Disaster Management or a related field.
The successful candidate will gain practical experience in disaster-risk reduction, climate resilience research, training support, data analysis, stakeholder engagement and policy development while receiving a monthly salary of R8,500.
University of the Free State ETDP SETA Internship Programme 2026 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of the Free State |
| Faculty | Natural and Agricultural Sciences |
| Centre | Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC) |
| Programme | ETDP SETA Internship |
| Opportunity Type | Graduate Internship |
| Job ID | 110357 |
| Number of Positions | 1 |
| Location | Bloemfontein Campus, Free State |
| Duration | 24 Months |
| Working Hours | 40 hours per week |
| Salary | R8,500 per month |
| Start Date | 01 August 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
| Closing Date | 20 July 2026 |
About the University of the Free State (UFS)
The University of the Free State is a South African public university offering academic and professional programmes across various disciplines.
Through the Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC), the university contributes to disaster management education, research, training and community resilience initiatives.
Purpose of the Internship
The internship will provide workplace experience aligned with the intern’s Master’s qualification in Disaster Management.
The successful candidate will support:
- Disaster-risk reduction research
- Climate adaptation projects
- Resilience initiatives
- Training programmes
- Policy development activities
- Data collection and analysis
- Research reporting
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet all the following requirements:
- South African citizen
- Between 18 and 35 years old
- Unemployed
- Not studying full-time
- No previous formal work experience
- Have not participated in an internship programme before
- Not currently participating in a learnership or internship
- Available for the full 24-month programme
- Willing to sign an internship agreement
Minimum Qualification Requirement
Applicants must have completed:
Master’s Degree (NQF Level 9) in:
- Disaster Management
or
- A closely related qualification
Applicants without the required qualification may not be considered.
Internship Duties and Responsibilities
The successful intern will assist with:
Disaster Management Research
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting disaster-risk reduction research projects
- Assisting climate resilience studies
- Conducting literature reviews
- Reviewing scientific publications
- Collecting research data
- Analysing qualitative and quantitative information
- Preparing research reports
- Assisting with policy briefs
- Contributing to academic publications
Training and Workshop Support
The intern may assist with:
- Disaster Management workshops
- Seminars
- Short courses
- Training materials
- Participant coordination
- Professional development activities
- Conferences and academic seminars
Stakeholder Engagement
The intern may interact with:
- Government departments
- NGOs
- Community organisations
- Research partners
- Academic staff
- Disaster management professionals
Recommended Skills and Experience
The following will be advantageous:
- GIS training or certification
- ArcGIS or QGIS experience
- SPSS, R or statistical software experience
- NVivo or qualitative analysis experience
- Climate resilience project exposure
- Community disaster-risk reduction experience
- Research assistant experience
- Postgraduate tutoring experience
Required Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate:
Research Skills
- Attention to detail
- Analytical thinking
- Problem-solving ability
- Ability to work with academic information
Professional Skills
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Workplace professionalism
- Ethical conduct
- Ability to follow procedures
Teamwork Skills
- Communication ability
- Collaboration
- Relationship building
- Reliability
- Motivation
Salary / Stipend
Salary: R8,500 per month
The internship will run for 24 months.
Documents Needed
Applicants must submit:
- Updated detailed CV
- Copies of completed qualifications
- Proof of qualifications obtained
- SAQA evaluation (foreign qualifications)
- South African ID copy
- Affidavit confirming unemployment
- Affidavit confirming no previous SETA-funded internship participation
- Additional documents required on the vacancy page
Important Upload Instructions
The UFS recruitment system allows a maximum of eight attachments.
Applicants should combine documents into fewer PDF files where necessary.
Suggested combinations:
- Qualifications and academic records
- ID and affidavits
- Supporting certificates
Ensure all uploaded documents are clear and readable.
How to Apply for UFS ETDP SETA Internship 2026
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official University of the Free State recruitment portal.
- Search for:
Position: ETDP SETA Internship
Job ID: 110357
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Review your application.
- Submit before the closing date.
Applications submitted by email or hand delivery will not be considered.
Official Application Link
Apply through the official University of the Free State recruitment portal:
Application Closing Date
Closing Date: 20 July 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates may undergo:
- Qualification verification
- Identity verification
- Citizenship verification
- Internship history checks
- Employment checks
- Reference checks
- Competency assessments
Applicants must provide accurate information.
Employment Equity
The University of the Free State supports employment equity, diversity and transformation.
Preference may be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups according to institutional policies.
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Expert Guidance
Career expert Mbalizuke Nkosi 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 the employer’s official recruitment website and keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the UFS ETDP SETA Internship 2026?
Unemployed South African graduates aged 18–35 with a Master’s degree in Disaster Management or a related field can apply.
Is the UFS internship paid?
Yes. Successful candidates will receive R8,500 per month.
How long is the internship programme?
The internship duration is 24 months.
Where will the internship take place?
The internship will take place at the University of the Free State Bloemfontein Campus, Free State.
Do I need previous work experience?
No. Applicants must not have previous formal work experience.
Can I apply if I am currently studying full-time?
No. Applicants must not be studying full-time.
How many positions are available?
Only one internship position is available.
When does the application close?
Applications close on 20 July 2026.
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.
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
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