The Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) has opened applications for its 2026/27 Internship Programme, targeting unemployed South African graduates seeking workplace experience in Internal Audit and Legal Services. This programme provides a 24-month internship based in Pretoria, designed to enhance practical skills in the public sector.
Available Internship Positions
- Intern: Internal Audit (Ref No: 0003/2026) – for graduates with a National Diploma or Degree in Internal Audit.
- Intern: Legal Services (Ref No: 0004/2026) – for graduates holding a Law degree.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be South African citizens who are currently unemployed. Candidates who have previously participated in any government internship programmes are ineligible.
Minimum Requirements
- Internal Audit Internship:
- Senior Certificate/Grade 12.
- A recognized National Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in Internal Audit.
- Unemployed status.
- Membership in the Siyakhula Student Membership Programme or Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIASA) is advantageous but not mandatory.
- Legal Services Internship:
- Senior Certificate/Grade 12.
- A recognized Degree at NQF Level 7 in Law.
- Unemployed status.
- Practical Legal Training is considered an added advantage.
Location and Salary
Both internships are located in Pretoria and offer an annual salary of R98,097. The contracts last for 24 months, providing a thorough exposure to public sector environments.
Programme Highlights and Responsibilities
The internships provide valuable public sector work experience to complement academic qualifications and ease the transition into professional roles.
- Internal Audit Interns will engage in developing audit plans, executing audit engagements, preparing reports, supporting audit committees, and following up on audit findings. This experience is aimed at preparing candidates for careers in auditing, risk management, governance, and compliance.
- Legal Services Interns will gain experience in drafting legal opinions, managing litigation, handling contracts and service level agreements, interpreting and drafting legislation related to public administration, and supporting legislative reform processes in the public sector.
Skills and Competencies
Applicants for both internships should demonstrate strong office management abilities, computer literacy, interpersonal and teamwork skills, a strong work ethic, honesty, confidentiality, client orientation, and effective communication skills in both verbal and written forms.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online exclusively through the official CPSI eRecruitment platform. Applications sent via email, postal mail, courier, or hand delivery will not be accepted.
Applicants are required to register, create a profile, capture their qualifications and work experience, include references, and upload supporting documents directly on the platform. No need to submit a separate signed Z83 form, as the system captures the necessary information electronically.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 5 October 2026 at 23:59. Early application is encouraged to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Important Notes Before Applying
- Only candidates who meet the qualification and unemployment criteria are eligible.
- Applicants with foreign qualifications must have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) prior to applying.
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo practical exercises, integrity checks, and personnel suitability checks, including criminal record verification and validation of citizenship, financial status, qualifications, and references.
- Providing references with email contacts is essential for the selection process.
- Applicants may be asked to consent to social media account access as part of vetting.
