The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) has announced its 2026 Graduate Internship Programme offering approximately 29 internship opportunities for unemployed South African graduates. This programme spans various professional fields and will run for 24 months, from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2029.
About the Internship Programme
The OCJ Graduate Internship Programme provides hands-on work experience across multiple locations including the National Office in Midrand, the Constitutional Court in Braamfontein, High Courts, and provincial service centres in Gauteng, Western Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga, and Northern Cape.
The programme targets graduates in areas such as Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Risk Management, Public Administration, Public Management, Office Management, Business Administration, Social Sciences, and Law.
Interns selected for this programme will receive a monthly stipend of R8,174.75 during the full duration of the internship.
Who Can Apply?
- Applicants must be South African citizens.
- Must be unemployed graduates.
- Applicants should not have participated previously in any internship programme.
- Must hold the qualification specifically required for the position they apply for.
- Preference may be given to persons with disabilities, according to the OCJ Employment Equity Plan.
Qualification Requirements
The qualifications required depend on the internship discipline and must meet SAQA and NQF standards:
- Most internships require a National Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 with 360 credits recognized by SAQA.
- Legal internships require an LLB Degree at NQF Level 8 with 480 credits.
Applicants should carefully verify that their qualifications align exactly with the requirements noted for each specific internship.
For example, finance-focused internship positions require relevant diplomas in Financial Accounting or Management Accounting, while legal internships require a completed LLB.
Available Internship Positions and Locations
The programme offers a total of around 29 positions distributed among various roles and locations. Examples include:
- Finance and Asset Management: National Office, Midrand
- Human Resources and Industrial Psychology: National Office, Western Cape Provincial Service Centre (Cape Town), Mpumalanga, and Northern Cape
- Legal Interns: Constitutional Court (Braamfontein) and High Courts in Gauteng, including Pretoria and Johannesburg
- Public Administration, Office Management, and Business Administration: Multiple locations including Provincial Service Centres and High Courts
- Risk Management and Strategy Planning: National Office
Applicants should apply only for opportunities that correspond to their field and qualification level.
Programme Duration
The internship will take place over a 24-month period, beginning 1 April 2027 and concluding on 31 March 2029.
Important Considerations Before Applying
- Applicants applying for positions outside their home province should consider the costs of accommodation, transport, and living expenses, as the monthly stipend may not fully cover relocation expenses.
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo a pre-entry practical assessment and may be invited for interviews. Final selection is subject to verification and screening.
- Applicants with foreign qualifications must have their credentials evaluated by SAQA.
Application Process
Applications must reference the correct point of contact email specific to the internship reference number. Candidates are required to:
- Complete and sign the new Z83 Application for Employment form (submissions with old forms will be disqualified).
- Attach a recently updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Send separate applications if applying for multiple internships, each to the designated email address for that reference.
The closing date for applications is 28 September 2026.
Documents Required at Application Stage
- Completed and signed new Z83 form
- Updated CV
Shortlisted candidates will later need to provide certified copies of their Matric certificate, academic transcripts, relevant qualifications, academic records, and South African ID.
Where to Find Application Emails
The application emails correspond to each internship’s reference number, for example:
- Finance Internship (Ref: 2026/F01/OCJ):
2026/F01/[email protected] - Legal Internship at Constitutional Court (Ref: 2026/CC14/OCJ):
2026/CC14/[email protected] - Human Resources at Western Cape Provincial Service Centre (Ref: 2026/WCPSC11/OCJ):
2026/WCPSC11/[email protected]
Applicants should refer to the official internship advertisement for full lists of positions and corresponding email addresses when applying.
For applicants unsure about how their qualifications relate to career paths or internship specifications, platforms such as the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer can provide valuable support in exploring South African qualifications and career options.
