The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) Internship Programme for 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for South African graduates and diploma holders who are seeking workplace experience within the services sector. This internship programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic study and practical work exposure, enabling young people to develop industry-relevant skills while improving their employability.
Services SETA plays a critical role in supporting skills development across a wide range of industries, including business administration, finance, human resources, tourism, project management, marketing, and public administration. Through its internship programme, successful candidates are placed in structured work environments where they receive mentorship, training, and hands-on experience aligned with their qualifications.
Purpose of the Services SETA Internship Programme
The main objective of the Services SETA Internship Programme 2026 is to provide unemployed graduates with practical workplace exposure for a fixed period. The programme targets individuals who have completed their qualifications but lack the required work experience to enter the job market. By participating in the internship, candidates gain practical skills, professional discipline, and exposure to real workplace operations.
Interns are typically placed at Services SETA offices, partner organisations, or host employers across different provinces in South Africa. This national reach ensures that opportunities are accessible to candidates from various regions.
Fields Offered
The Services SETA Internship Programme 2026 covers a variety of study fields, depending on organisational needs. Common fields offered include:
- Business Administration
- Office Management
- Human Resource Management
- Public Management and Administration
- Finance and Accounting
- Supply Chain Management
- Project Management
- Marketing and Communications
- Information Technology
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Risk Management
- Legal and Compliance Studies
These fields are aligned with the services sector and aim to equip interns with both technical and administrative competencies.
Qualifications Required
To be considered for the Services SETA Internship Programme 2026, applicants must have completed one of the following qualifications from a recognised institution:
- National Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- Bachelor’s Degree
- BTech Degree
The qualification must be relevant to one of the fields offered in the internship programme. Applicants must have completed their studies and should not be currently registered for further full-time studies.
General Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be unemployed at the time of application
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 35
- Must not have previously participated in a SETA-funded internship
- Must have no or limited formal work experience related to the field of study
- Must be willing to commit to the full duration of the internship programme
Preference is often given to candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and people living with disabilities, in line with employment equity principles.
Stipend and Duration
The Services SETA Internship Programme 2026 offers a monthly stipend to assist interns with basic living expenses. The stipend is typically aligned with SETA internship funding guidelines and may range between R5 000 and R7 000 per month, depending on the internship level and host organisation.
The duration of the internship is usually 12 to 24 months, allowing interns sufficient time to gain meaningful workplace experience and professional exposure.
Closing Date
The expected closing date for the Services SETA Internship Programme 2026 applications is 31 January 2026. However, closing dates may vary depending on the specific internship intake and province. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early and submit their applications before the deadline.
Conclusion
The Services SETA Internship Programme 2026 is an excellent opportunity for graduates who want to gain practical experience, improve their employability, and build a solid foundation for their careers. By offering structured training, mentorship, and a monthly stipend, the programme supports skills development while addressing youth unemployment in South Africa. Candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this career-building opportunity.
Email for Services SETA internship enquiries and applications:
customercare@serviceseta.org.za