Internship Opportunities at University of South Africa (UNISA)

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The UNISA Internship Programme 2026 is part of the university’s structured skills-development efforts to help graduates transition from academic study to professional work. UNISA is Africa’s largest open-distance university and plays a significant role in national skills development, particularly through initiatives that address graduate unemployment.

🎓 What the UNISA Internship Programme Offers

• Length and Structure: Most internships run for 12 months under a structured agreement — not as permanent employment, but as supervised workplace learning.

• Stipend: Participants receive a stipend (around R127,576 per annum) to support living costs while gaining experience.

• Eligibility:

  • Must be unemployed South African citizens.

  • Have completed a UNISA qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher (e.g., diploma or degree).

  • No prior formal work experience and typically age 35 or younger.

🧠 Why It Matters

The programme places graduates into relevant roles across multiple departments — such as facilities management, quality assurance, laboratory support and various administrative and specialist functions — with tasks aligned to their academic training.

This kind of placement helps interns build:

• Workplace competencies (communication, teamwork, professionalism)

• Sector-relevant technical experience

• Confidence and clarity about future career paths

These experiences can make graduates more competitive in the job market and help them stand out when applying for permanent roles.

📌 Key Application Tips

• Ensure your CV and motivational letter clearly relate your skills to the internship role.

• Apply before the stated deadline and double-check position reference numbers when submitting your application.

💼 FASSET Internship/Work Experience Pathways

In comparison with a university-specific programme, the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) represents a sector-wide approach to skills development in finance, accounting, administration and related fields.

While FASSET doesn’t typically advertise traditional internships in the same way as UNISA, it supports work-based learning opportunities that are essential steps in professional and vocational pathways:

📍 TVET Work-Based Experience (WBE) Programme

One of the key 2026 opportunities linked to FASSET is the 18-month Work-Based Experience (WBE) programme for learners who have completed their N6 theory qualifications at a public TVET college.

• Purpose: Many TVET diplomas legally require structured workplace experience before the qualification can be issued — the FASSET-linked programme helps learners complete that requirement.

• Duration: Around 18 months, combining practical work with ongoing supervision.

• Fields Covered: Finance and management-related fields such as Financial Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, etc.

• Stipend: Participants receive a monthly stipend to assist with daily costs during the training period.

This type of programme is especially valuable because it provides not just a short internship, but a required experience component that enables learners to complete their NQF-registered diplomas and become fully qualification-ready for the labour market.

🌐 Broader Sector Impact

FASSET’s mandate includes:

• Supporting TVET and vocational work placement initiatives.

• Funding bursaries and learnerships that feed into internships or further training.

• Partnering with employers to create learning-to-work pathways.

While these programmes may not always be labelled “internships,” they play a similar role in bridging the gap between classroom learning and workplace competence — especially in finance and accounting services.

🧭 A Comparative Look: UNISA vs. FASSET Pathways

🤔 Why These Programmes Matter in 2026

South Africa continues to face high youth unemployment, especially among graduates and TVET learners. Structured opportunities like those from UNISA and FASSET are designed to:

• Improve workplace readiness, not just theory knowledge.

• Connect learners with real employers and mentors.

• Strengthen CVs with relevant experience for future jobs.

Whether you’ve just finished a degree or are completing a TVET diploma, participating in these structured programmes can give you a stronger platform from which to launch your career in public service, finance, administration or technical fields.

📢 CALL FOR UNISA & FASSET INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS – 2026

The University of South Africa (UNISA) invites applications from qualifying candidates for its 12-month Internship Programme.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applications are invited from candidates who meet the following requirements:

• Must be an unemployed South African citizen.

• Must have completed a UNISA qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher in the relevant field of study.

• Must be 35 years old or younger.

• Must have no prior formal work experience.

• Must not have previously been appointed at UNISA or any other organisation.

• Applicants previously funded under a FASSET programme will not be considered.

• Applicants must clearly indicate the position reference number and their UNISA student number on the application portal.

• Separate applications must be submitted for each position applied for.

• Applicants must be UNISA graduates in the specified field of study.

Students living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

UNISA is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal access. Preference will be given to persons living with disabilities in line with the University’s Employment Equity Plan.

📍 Available Internship Positions

🔹 Finance: Financial Governance & Compliance

Ref: REF/FIN/FGC/KM
Contact: Kagiso Maphoto | 012 429 3446
Location: Muckleneuk (Pretoria)
Minimum Qualification: BCom Accounting Sciences (Financial Accounting & Auditing major)
Positions Available: 2

🔹 Finance: Budget & Cost Management

Ref: REF/FIN/BCM/KM
Contact: Kagiso Maphoto | 012 429 3446
Location: Muckleneuk (Pretoria)
Minimum Qualification: Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Management Accounting
Positions Available: 1

🔹 Finance: Student Funding

Ref: REF/FIN/SFM/KM
Contact: Kagiso Maphoto | 012 429 3446
Location: Muckleneuk (Pretoria)
Minimum Qualification:

• Diploma in Accounting Sciences / Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences /

• BCom Accounting Sciences
  Positions Available: 3

🔹 Finance: Revenue & Treasury Management

Ref: REF/FIN/RTM/KM
Contact: Kagiso Maphoto | 012 429 3446
Locations:

• Sunnyside (Pretoria) – 3 positions

• Florida (Johannesburg) – 2 positions
  Minimum Qualification: BCom Accounting Sciences (Financial Accounting & Auditing major)

🔹 Finance: Expenditure Management

Ref: REF/FIN/EMC/KM
Contact: Kagiso Maphoto | 012 429 3446
Location: Muckleneuk (Pretoria)
Minimum Qualification: Degree/Diploma in Internal Auditing, Financial Accounting or Accounting Sciences
Positions Available: 4

🔹 Internal Audit

Ref: REF/FIN/IAM/SB
Contact: Sekitle Bahula | 012 429 3673
Location: Muckleneuk (Pretoria)
Minimum Qualification: Degree/Diploma in Internal Auditing
Positions Available: 3

🔹 Internal Audit (Forensic Investigation)

Ref: REF/FIN/FIM/SB
Contact: Sekitle Bahula | 012 429 3673
Location: Muckleneuk (Pretoria)
Minimum Qualification: Degree/Diploma in Forensic Auditing or Forensic Investigation
Positions Available: 4

💡 Required Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Computer literacy (Microsoft Office 365 & internet usage)

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Professional telephone etiquette

• Ability to work under supervision and in a team

• Initiative and attention to detail

• Strong time management and organisational skills

• Ability to meet strict deadlines and work under pressure

• Confidentiality and ethical conduct

• Problem-solving ability

• Proficiency in English (written and verbal)

• Ability to multitask effectively

📌 Internship Details

• Duration: 12-month Internship Agreement (not an employment contract)

• Start Date: 01 April 2026

• Stipend: R127 576 per annum

• Closing Date: 06 March 2026

• Enquiries: HR contact person aligned to the position

Applications must be submitted before 23:59 on the closing date.

📄 Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents (PDF format only – no pictures or password-protected files):

• Updated Curriculum Vitae

• One-page motivational letter explaining why you should be considered

• Certified copies (not older than 3 months) of:

  • South African ID

  • Matric Certificate

  • Academic Record

  • UNISA Completed Qualification

The reference number must be clearly indicated in the email subject line.

⚠️ Please note:

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

• Candidates must be available on interview dates determined by the University.

• Relocation costs will be for the applicant’s own account.

• Background checks will be conducted on all successful candidates.

• If you have not been contacted within 30 days after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

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