CSIR and MICT SETA Internship Programme 2026

Career27; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 66,960 - 100,440; Full time

Job summary

CSIR in Pretoria invites unemployed graduates to apply for the CSIR and MICT SETA Internship Programme 2026. The one-year graduate internship offers practical workplace experience across IT, engineering, design, marketing and communications. The role is based at the CSIR Scientia Campus with a hybrid working model.

Applicants must be SA citizens, hold a National Diploma or Degree or equivalent and be seeking hands-on experience. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Qualifications

• Be South African citizens.
• Have completed a National Diploma, Degree or equivalent qualification.
• Hold a qualification in one of the listed fields.
• Be seeking practical workplace experience.

Skills

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Adaptability

Education

National Diploma

Degree or equivalent

Job description

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The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has partnered with MICT SETA to offer an exciting one-year internship programme for unemployed South African graduates seeking practical workplace experience. This highly sought-after graduate programme provides successful candidates with the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals while applying their academic knowledge in a real-world environment.

The internship is based at the CSIR Scientia Campus in Pretoria with a hybrid working model, making it an excellent opportunity for graduates interested in science, technology, engineering, information technology, communications and digital innovation. If you recently completed your qualification and want to improve your employability through hands‑on experience, this internship programme is worth considering.

CSIR and MICT SETA Internship Programme 2026 Overview

| Programme: CSIR and MICT SETA Graduate

| Organisation: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

| Partner: MICT SETA

| Duration: One Year

| Employment Type: Temporary Internship

| Work Model: Hybrid

| Country: South Africa

| Job ID: 315097

About the CSIR

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is one of South Africa’s leading scientific research organisations. The institution conducts research, develops innovative technologies, localises advanced solutions and supports industrial development to promote economic growth and improve the quality of life across the country.

Through partnerships with organisations such as MICT SETA, the CSIR helps graduates gain workplace experience while developing the next generation of professionals in science, engineering, technology and business.

About the Internship Programme

The CSIR and MICT SETA Internship Programme is designed to help unemployed graduates transition from academic studies into professional employment. Successful interns will work under the supervision of experienced professionals while gaining practical exposure within their chosen field of study. The programme combines mentorship, workplace learning and professional development to improve graduates’ technical knowledge and workplace readiness.

Fields of Study Accepted

Applications are open to graduates who have completed qualifications in the following fields:

Information Technology and Engineering

• Informatics
• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Business Information Systems
• Systems Analysis
• Business Analysis
• Business Administration
• ICT Infrastructure
• Cloud Computing

Design and Creative Fields

• Multimedia Design
• Visual Communication
• Graphic Design

Marketing and Communication

• Marketing
• Event Management
• Corporate Events
• Marketing and Communications
• Communication
• Public Relations
• Journalism
• Digital Media

Graduates from these disciplines are encouraged to submit their applications.

CSIR and MICT SETA Internship Programme Minimum Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Have completed a National Diploma, Degree or equivalent qualification.
• Hold a qualification in one of the listed fields.
• Be seeking practical workplace experience.

Documents Required

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Copy of South African Identity Document.
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Proof of qualification completion.
• Qualification certificate or official completion letter.
• Learner affidavit confirming that the applicant is not enrolled in an MICT SETA‑funded programme or any other SETA‑funded programme.

Failure to submit all required documents will result in disqualification.

What You Will Gain

Successful interns can expect to receive:

• One year of practical workplace experience.
• Exposure to real industry projects.
• Technical and professional skills development.
• Improved employability.
• Opportunity to work within one of South Africa’s leading research institutions.
• Networking opportunities with experienced professionals.

Skills You Will Develop

Depending on your field of study, interns may develop:

• Technical problem solving.
• Data analysis.
• Artificial Intelligence applications.
• ICT infrastructure knowledge.
• Business analysis.
• Digital communication.
• Graphic design.
• Event coordination.
• Public relations.
• Professional workplace communication.
• Team collaboration.
• Project management.

These skills remain highly valuable across both the public and private sectors.

Who Should Apply?

This internship is ideal for graduates who:

• Recently completed their qualification.
• Want practical workplace experience.
• Are passionate about technology and innovation.
• Enjoy solving complex problems.
• Want to build careers in science, engineering or digital industries.
• Are willing to learn from experienced professionals.
• Want to improve their future employment prospects.

Internship experience at the CSIR can prepare graduates for careers such as:

• Software Developer
• Systems Analyst
• ICT Specialist
• Artificial Intelligence Developer
• Business Analyst
• IT Support Specialist
• Marketing Officer
• Communications Officer
• Public Relations Practitioner
• Multimedia Designer
• Graphic Designer
• Digital Marketing Specialist
• Research Assistant

Practical experience from a nationally recognised organisation strengthens a graduate’s CV and increases future employment opportunities.

How to apply for CSIR and MICT SETA Internship Programme 2026

• Follow the application portal provided below.
• Only shortlisted candidates will receive feedback.
• Qualification verification may be conducted.
• Employment history may be verified.
• Criminal and credit checks may be performed where applicable.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

• South African citizens who have completed a National Diploma, Degree or equivalent qualification in one of the listed fields.

How long is the internship?

• The programme runs for one year.

Where is the internship based?

• The internship is based at the CSIR Scientia Campus in Pretoria with a hybrid work model.

Which qualifications are accepted?

• Qualifications in Information Technology, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Marketing, Communication, Journalism, Graphic Design, Business Information Systems, Public Relations and several related fields.

What documents are required?

• ID copy
• CV
• Qualification certificate or completion letter
• Learner affidavit confirming they are not currently enrolled in another SETA‑funded programme

Will all applicants receive feedback?

• No. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Final Thoughts

With structured mentorship, hybrid working arrangements and exposure to innovative projects, the programme equips graduates with valuable skills that can open doors to exciting careers across South Africa’s technology and research sectors. Interested applicants should prepare all required supporting documents and submit their applications through the official CSIR recruitment portal before the advertised closing date.