Not specified
South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Internships 2026: Earn Up to R102 000 Per Year
Role Overview
The South African Qualifications Authority invites unemployed South African graduates to apply for the SAQA Graduate Internship Programme for the 2026–2028 period.
Internship Application Closing Date: 29 July 2026
Internship Location: South Africa
The South African Qualifications Authority, commonly known as SAQA, has opened applications for its two-year Graduate Internship Programme.
The programme is aimed at unemployed graduates who need workplace experience and have not previously participated in an internship programme.
Successful applicants will gain practical exposure within a national public institution while receiving an annual stipend ranging from R72 000 to R102 000.
Internship opportunities are available in Supply Chain Management, Authentication Services, Executive Support, and Legal and Compliance.
Organisation: South African Qualifications AuthorityAbbreviation: SAQAProgramme: Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028Duration: Two yearsTarget group: Unemployed graduatesAnnual stipend: R72 000 to R102 000Previous internship participation: Not allowedClosing date: 29 July 2026Application method: Online
The SAQA Graduate Internship Programme includes opportunities in the following areas:
Applicants must ensure that their qualification matches the internship field for which they are applying.
Applicants should have completed a Diploma in one of the following fields:
Successful candidates may gain practical exposure to:
Applicants should have completed a Diploma or Degree in:
Successful graduates may gain experience in:
Responding to qualification-related enquiries
Applicants should have completed a Degree in:
The internship may provide practical exposure to:
Executive office administration
Applicants should have completed:
Successful graduates may gain practical experience in:
Supporting internal compliance processes
Have completed a qualification relevant to the selected internship.
Not have participated in an internship programme previously.
Submit a complete online application.
Upload the required supporting documents.
The source information does not specify an age limit or citizenship requirement.
Successful candidates should be available for the full duration of the internship.
The programme is intended to provide structured workplace experience and does not automatically guarantee permanent employment after completion.
Successful interns will receive an annual stipend ranging from:
The exact annual or monthly amount may depend on the position, qualification level or SAQA’s internal remuneration structure.
The advertisement does not specify:
Whether the stipend differs by qualification.
Whether additional benefits are included.
Applicants should wait for official communication from SAQA before making assumptions about the payment structure.
Unemployed applicants seeking their first workplace opportunity.
Graduates who have never participated in an internship.
Supply Chain and Logistics graduates.
Public Administration graduates.
Education and Information Management graduates.
Applicants interested in public-sector administration.
Graduates seeking experience in qualification verification and compliance.
Although the advertisement mainly focuses on qualification requirements, applicants may benefit from demonstrating:
Ability to work with confidential information.
Applicants should include relevant academic, volunteer and project experience in their CVs.
During the two-year programme, interns may gain experience in:
Professional email communication.
Working with policies and legislation.
Data capturing and document verification.
These skills may improve the graduate’s long-term employability.
A copy of their South African identity document, if requested.
Copies of completed qualifications.
Proof of qualification completion.
Any additional supporting documents required on the SAQA portal.
The source information does not provide a full official document list, so applicants should follow the instructions displayed on the online application system.
Full personal and contact details.
Applicants with no formal work experience should include activities that demonstrate responsibility, initiative, teamwork or communication ability.
Applying for an internship that does not match their qualification.
Uploading unclear or incomplete documents.
Leaving sections of the online application incomplete.
Providing incorrect contact details.
Submitting duplicate applications unnecessarily.
Applying after the closing date.
Providing false information about previous internship participation.
Applications must be submitted through the official SAQA e-Recruitment portal.
Click here to apply for the SAQA Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028
Open the official SAQA careers portal.
Search for the Graduate Internship Programme.
Select the internship matching their qualification.
Create or sign in to an applicant profile.
Complete all required sections.
Key Responsibilities
As an intern, your responsibilities will typically include assisting senior team members with daily tasks and project deliverables, conducting research and preparing reports as directed by your supervisor, and attending team meetings to contribute ideas. In this internship, you will be expected to learn and apply company processes, systems, and tools, complete assigned projects within specified deadlines, and maintain accurate records of your work and learning progress.
Entry Requirements
• Applicants must:
• Be unemployed graduates.
• Require workplace experience.
• Have completed a qualification relevant to the selected internship.
• Not have participated in an internship programme previously.
• Submit a complete online application.
• Upload the required supporting documents.
• Apply before the closing date.
• The source information does not specify an age limit or citizenship requirement.
Listing Source
This opportunity was sourced from StudentRoom. Always verify final requirements and deadlines on the official source before applying.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official SAQA e-Recruitment portal. Click here to apply for the SAQA Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028 Applicants should: Open the official SAQA careers portal. Search for the Graduate Internship Programme. Select the internship matching their qualification. Create or sign in to an applicant profile. Complete all required sections. Upload an updated CV and supporting documents. Review the application carefully. Submit it before the closing date.
Email application: HR@saqa.org.za
About Not specified
This internship is offered by Not specified.
Why This Is Good for Starters
Internships are one of the most effective ways to break into the South African job market. According to the National Youth Development Agency, candidates with internship experience are up to 3 times more likely to secure permanent employment. This Not specified internship gives you real workplace exposure, professional references, and a chance to prove yourself before committing to a long-term role. Many South African companies convert their top interns into permanent staff.
CV Tips for This Application
- Highlight any academic projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that show initiative
- Include your university or college details prominently — GPA if above 65%
- Mention any software, tools, or technical skills you learned during your studies
- Keep your CV to one page — hiring managers reviewing intern applications spend under 30 seconds per CV
- Add a short "Career Objective" at the top explaining why you want this specific internship
Application Checklist
- Read the full job description carefully before applying
- Prepare an updated CV tailored to this specific role
- Gather all required documents mentioned in the listing
- Write a brief cover letter explaining why you are a good fit
- Submit before the closing date: 29 July 2026
- Double-check your contact details are correct on your CV
- Follow up after 2 weeks if you have not heard back
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with matric only?
Check the requirements section above for education requirements.
Do I need experience?
Some experience may be required. Check the requirements section for details.
Can I apply if I live in another province?
Most opportunities accept applications from candidates across South Africa. Check the requirements for any location-specific criteria.
What happens after I apply?
After submitting your application, the employer will review it. If shortlisted, you may be contacted for an interview. Response times vary by employer.
Is this internship paid?
Yes, this opportunity offers: R72000
When is the closing date and what if I miss it?
The closing date is 29 July 2026. Apply before this date to be considered.
Similar Opportunities
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application directly on Not specified's careers portal.
Apply on Company Site