The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is offering unemployed South African graduates and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students an exciting opportunity to join its Graduate Internship and WIL Programme for 2025 / 2026. This programme is designed to provide structured workplace exposure, professional training, and essential skills development across various branches of the department.
Successful candidates will gain invaluable experience in the public sector, working alongside professionals in education, finance, policy, research, skills development, and administration.
Programme Details
- Employer: Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Locations: Pretoria Head Office, Olifantsfontein, regional offices, and various DHET sites across South Africa
- Contract Duration: 24 months
- Stipend:
- Graduate Interns: R7 860.40 per month
- WIL Students: R6 659.40 per month
About the Internship and WIL Programme
This programme is aimed at equipping unemployed graduates and WIL students with the workplace experience they need to build successful careers. It provides structured training opportunities that help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world practice.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens aged between 18 and 35 years.
- Be unemployed and not previously part of an internship within the Public Service.
- Be prepared for qualification verification, reference checks, citizenship confirmation, and security vetting before placement.
Available Opportunities
The Department offers internships and WIL placements across multiple branches. Some of the key areas include:
University Education Branch
- Teaching Qualifications Policy
- International Scholarships
- Student Support and Sector Engagement
- Governance Support
- Management Support and Transfers
Human Resource Development Council (HRDC)
- Secretariat
CFO Branch
- Logistics Management and Disposal
- Demand, Acquisition & Contract Management
- Public Entities
- Development Support
- Compliance Unit
- Financial Services
Skills Development (Indlela, NADSC, NSA, SETA Support)
- Artisan Development
- National Artisan Moderation Body (Artisan)
- ARPL & Assessment (HRM)
- NADSC (ICT & Engineering)
- WSSA (Marketing, Logistics, Psychology, Quality)
- ARPL & Assessment (Auxiliary, Security, Maintenance, Artisans)
- National Skills Authority (Finance, Social Sciences, Legal, Governance)
- SETA Coordination & Support
Corporate Services
- Office of the DG
- Organisational Development
- Internal Communication & Client Services
- Training and Development
- Performance Management Development
- HRM&D (Training, Recruitment, Risk, Fraud, Integrity)
Planning, Policy and Strategy
- Africa & Middle Eastern Partnership
- Management Information Systems
- HETMIS Project (IT)
- Policy, Research & Evaluation
- Legal & Legislative Services
- Social Inclusion & Equity (Gender, Disability, Transformation)
- Career Development Services (HR, Marketing, IT, M&E, Project Management)
- College System Infrastructure Planning
- Labour Market Intelligence (Energy, Environment, Economics, Stats)
- International Relations
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
- Office of the DDG
- Management & Governance
- Monitoring & Evaluation
- Curriculum Development
- Programmes & Qualifications
- Lecturer Development Support
- Regional Offices (NW, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Free State, KZN, Eastern Cape)
- Institutional Funding & Financial Planning
- Budget Planning & Management
- Special Projects
- TVET System Planning & Support
- Private Colleges
Community Education and Training (CET)
- Financial Planning & Institutional Funding
- ETDA Programmes & Lecturer Development
- Institutional Planning Support
- Governance Support
- CET Regional Offices (Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Free State, KZN, North West, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Gauteng)
- CET Colleges (North West, Mpumalanga, Western Cape, Gauteng, KZN)
Application Process
Applicants must complete the new Z83 application form and attach a comprehensive CV. Separate applications must be submitted for each reference number if applying for multiple positions.
Applications may be submitted via one of the following methods:
By Post
The Director-General
Department of Higher Education and Training
Private Bag X174
Pretoria, 0001
(Attention: Training and Development Unit)
Hand Delivery
123 Francis Baard Street
(Corner Sophie De Bruyn & Francis Baard)
Pretoria, Reception Area
By Email
Internship@dhet.gov.za
(Quote the Reference Number in the subject line)
Important: Faxed or late applications will not be considered.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 29 August 2025 at 15h00.
Conclusion
The DHET Graduate Internship and WIL Programme 2025 / 2026 provides a rare opportunity for graduates and WIL students to gain valuable skills while contributing to the transformation of higher education and training in South Africa. With placements available across a wide range of disciplines, this programme equips young professionals for long-term success in both the public and private sectors.
If you are between 18 and 35 years old, unemployed, and ready to take your first step into professional development, this internship and learnership programme could be the breakthrough you need.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the DHET Graduate Internship Programme?
Unemployed South African graduates and WIL students between 18 and 35 years who have not previously participated in an internship in the Public Service.
2. What is the duration of the programme?
The internship and WIL programme runs for 24 months.
3. What stipend is offered?
Graduate Interns receive R7 860.40 per month, while WIL students receive R6 659.40 per month.
4. Where are placements located?
Placements are offered at the Pretoria Head Office, Olifantsfontein, regional offices, and other DHET sites nationwide.
5. When is the closing date?
Applications close on 29 August 2025 at 15h00.
