SAQA 2-Year Graduate Internship Programme 2026

Career27; South Africa; On-site; Full time

Job description

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has opened applications for its 2026 Graduate Internship Programme, offering unemployed graduates an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience over a 24-month internship.

The programme aims to equip graduates with practical skills while supporting SAQA’s mandate of overseeing the implementation and development of South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

| Employer: South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)

| Internship Duration: 24 Months

| Contract Type: Internship

| Internship Package: R72,000 – R102,000 per annum

| Experience Required: None

| Employment Type: Full-Time Internship

| Best Before: 29 July 2026

About the SAQA Internship Programme

The South African Qualifications Authority is responsible for overseeing the implementation and continuous development of South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework. The internship programme forms part of SAQA’s commitment to graduate development by providing structured workplace exposure to unemployed graduates who require practical experience.

Interns will receive professional mentoring while participating in operational activities that contribute to education quality assurance and organisational service delivery.

Qualification Required

Diploma or Degree in:

• Information Management
• Education
• Administration

2. Supply Chain Management Internship

Qualification Required

• Supply Chain Management
• Logistics
• Public Administration
• Finance

Qualification Required

Degree in:

• Public Management
• Education
• Administration

4. Legal and Compliance Internship

Qualification Required

Degree in:

• Law
• LLB

Internship Qualification

Authentication Services Information Management, Education, Administration

Supply Chain Management Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Public Administration, Finance

Executive Assistant Public Management, Education, Administration

Legal and Compliance Law, LLB

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Hold the required Diploma or Degree relevant to the internship.
• Have never participated in an internship programme previously.
• Meet the qualification requirements for the advertised internship.

No previous work experience is required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Intern responsibilities may include:

• Assist with information management.
• Maintain records and databases.
• Provide administrative support.
• Prepare reports and documentation.

Supply Chain Management

• Assist with procurement administration.
• Support logistics activities.
• Assist with inventory administration.

Executive Assistant

• Prepare presentations.
• Assist with correspondence.
• Organise office activities.

Legal and Compliance

• Assist with legal research.
• Support compliance monitoring.
• Maintain compliance records.
• Assist with governance activities.

Skills You Will Gain

Participants may develop valuable workplace skills including:

• Office administration.
• Information management.
• Supply chain administration.
• Executive support.
• Legal administration.
• Compliance monitoring.
• Research.
• Business communication.
• Microsoft Office.
• Time management.
• Organisational skills.
• Professional workplace ethics.

These transferable skills are highly valued across government departments, higher education institutions, financial services, consulting firms and private organisations.

The internship may prepare graduates for careers including:

• Information Management Officer.
• Administrative Officer.
• Executive Assistant.
• Supply Chain Officer.
• Procurement Officer.
• Logistics Administrator.
• Compliance Officer.
• Legal Officer.
• Governance Administrator.
• Education Administrator.
• Records Management Officer.
• Public Administration Officer.

Although permanent employment is not guaranteed, the programme provides valuable workplace experience that enhances future employability.

Successful interns will receive:

• Structured workplace training.
• Practical work experience.
• Exposure to national education systems.
• Administrative and operational experience.
• Professional networking opportunities.
• An annual internship package ranging from R72,000 to R102,000.

Application Tips

• Ensure your qualification matches the internship requirements.
• Prepare certified copies of your qualifications.
• Proofread all documents carefully.
• Submit your application before the closing date.
• Apply only through the official SAQA recruitment platform.

Applicants should carefully follow the online application instructions and upload all required supporting documents.

Best Before: 29 July 2026. Late applications may not be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

• Unemployed South African graduates who have never participated in an internship programme and meet the qualification requirements.

How long is the internship?

• The internship runs for 24 months.

Is previous work experience required?

• No. No previous work experience is required.

Which qualifications are accepted?

• Relevant Diplomas or Degrees in Information Management, Education, Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Public Administration, Finance, Public Management and Law.

What internship package is offered?

• Successful interns will receive an annual package ranging from R72,000 to R102,000.

Will successful interns become permanent employees?

• No. The internship provides workplace experience but does not guarantee permanent employment.

How should applications be submitted?

• Applications must be submitted online through the official SAQA recruitment portal.

Disclaimer:

Information was accurate at the time of publication. Applicants should verify the latest programme details, application requirements and submission instructions on the official SAQA careers portal before applying.