SACE Internship Programme 2026 Offers Paid Workplace Experience in ICT, HR, Finance and More with Up to R7,500 Monthly stipend

Author: Karabo Ntswaki
Published: 19 June 2026
Category: Government Internships | Graduate Opportunities

Applications for the SACE Internship Programme 2026 are now open. Graduates and students can gain 18 months of workplace experience while earning a monthly stipend of up to R7,500.

Finding a first job after graduating is often one of the biggest challenges facing young South Africans. Many graduates leave university or college with the qualifications needed to enter the labour market, only to discover that employers are looking for something more: practical workplace experience.

This is where internship programmes play an important role. They provide an opportunity for graduates and students to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills and improve their chances of securing long-term employment.

The South African Council for Educators (SACE) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Internship Programme, giving unemployed graduates and students the opportunity to gain valuable workplace exposure while earning a monthly stipend. The programme will run for 18 months and offers placements in several departments, including Communication, Human Resources, Finance, ICT, Legal Services and Administration.

For young South Africans looking to take the next step in their careers, this internship programme could be a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional working environment.

About the SACE Internship Programme

The SACE Internship Programme is designed to provide workplace exposure to graduates and students who require experiential training to complete their qualifications.

Successful applicants will be placed within various SACE departments where they will work alongside experienced professionals and gain practical knowledge related to their fields of study.

The programme is open to South African citizens who are unemployed, aged 35 years or younger, and have never participated in an internship programme before.

Successful candidates will be required to sign an internship contract with SACE for the full duration of the programme.

Monthly Stipend

Participants will receive a monthly stipend based on their qualification level:

• NQF Level 6: R5,000 per month
• NQF Level 7: R6,500 per month
• NQF Level 8: R7,500 per month

While internship programmes are primarily intended to provide skills development and workplace exposure, the stipend assists participants with transport, communication and daily living expenses during the internship period.

Internship Opportunities Available

SACE has advertised internship opportunities across several departments and locations.

Communication Internship

This position is based at the SACE Head Office in Centurion.

Applicants should possess a qualification in:

• Digital Communications
• Media Studies
• Journalism
• Public Relations
• Communications

Reference Number: COMMS001

Registration Administration Internships

Registration interns will assist with administrative and operational functions within various provincial offices.

Available locations include:

• Limpopo
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Eastern Cape
• Free State
• Centurion Head Office

Relevant qualifications include:

• Bachelor of Administration
• Office Management
• Management Assistant
• Public Management

Legal and Ethics Internship

Graduates with qualifications in law-related fields are encouraged to apply.

Suitable qualifications include:

• LLB
• Bachelor of Law
• BA Law
• Paralegal Studies

Reference Number: LEGAL0003

Finance Internships

Finance opportunities are available in:

• Revenue Management
• Bookkeeping
• Supply Chain Management

Applicants should possess Accounting, Finance, Logistics or Supply Chain qualifications.

Human Resources Internship

The Human Resources department is seeking candidates with qualifications in:

• Human Resource Management
• Labour Relations
• Training and Development

Reference Number: HR0005

PMERR Internship

Applicants with qualifications in:

• Development Studies
• Development Planning
• Public Administration
• Public Management
• Operations Management

may apply for this opportunity.

Internal Audit Internship

Candidates should hold qualifications in:

• Internal Auditing
• Risk Management

ICT Internship

This internship is suitable for graduates with Information Technology qualifications who wish to gain practical experience in a professional environment.

Professional Development Internship

Applicants with qualifications in administration and management-related fields may apply.

Why This Opportunity Matters in 2026

South Africa continues to face significant youth unemployment challenges, with many graduates struggling to secure their first professional opportunity.

One of the most common concerns raised by employers is that applicants lack practical workplace experience. As a result, many young people find themselves caught in a difficult situation where they need experience to get a job, but need a job to gain experience.

Programmes such as the SACE Internship Programme help bridge that gap.

Participants gain exposure to workplace systems, communication processes, administrative procedures and professional expectations that are difficult to learn in a classroom environment.

The experience gained during an internship can often make a candidate more competitive when applying for future positions in government departments, state entities and the private sector.

In addition to technical skills, interns develop important workplace competencies such as:

• Professional communication
• Time management
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Administrative skills
• Digital literacy

These skills remain valuable regardless of the career path an individual chooses to pursue in the future.

Benefits of Participating in an Internship Programme

Many graduates focus primarily on the monthly stipend offered by internship programmes. While the financial support is important, the long-term benefits are often far more valuable.

Workplace Experience

Internships provide real-world exposure that employers often seek when recruiting new staff.

Stronger CV

Candidates who complete internship programmes generally have stronger CVs because they can demonstrate practical work experience.

Professional Networking

Interns have the opportunity to build relationships with supervisors, colleagues and industry professionals who may provide mentorship and future career opportunities.

Increased Employability

Practical experience often improves a graduate’s chances of securing permanent employment after the internship programme ends.

Career Exploration

Internships also allow participants to better understand their chosen profession and determine which areas they would like to pursue in the future.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Completed SACE Employment Application Form
• Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified copy of South African ID
• Certified copies of qualifications

All certified documents should not be older than six months.

Applications must be emailed to:

recruitment@sace.org.za

Applicants should use the correct reference number for the position they are applying for in the email subject line.

Reference Numbers

• Communication – COMMS001
• Registration Limpopo – REG/LIM002
• Registration KZN – REG/KZN002
• Registration Eastern Cape – REG/EC002
• Registration Free State – REG/FS002
• Registration Head Office – REG/HO002
• Legal and Ethics – LEGAL0003
• Finance Revenue – FINREV0004
• Finance Bookkeeping – BOOK0005
• Finance SCM – FINSCM0004
• Human Resources – HR0005
• PMERR – PMERR0006
• Internal Audit – INTAUD007
• ICT – ICT008
• Professional Development – PD009

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is:

07 July 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid last-minute challenges.

For enquiries, contact:

• Mary Chauke: 012 663 0429
• Motsatsi Makgoba: 012 663 0423

Final Thoughts

For graduates and students looking to gain practical workplace experience, the SACE Internship Programme 2026 offers more than just a monthly stipend. It provides an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, strengthen employability and develop skills that can support future career growth.

As competition for entry-level positions continues to increase, internship opportunities such as this one can serve as an important stepping stone towards long-term career success. Young South Africans who meet the requirements are encouraged to prepare their documents and submit their applications before the closing date.