[Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation] invites young South African graduates and N6 students to apply for its 2026/2027 Internship Programme. Applications close on 5 December 2025.
What is this internship?
The DPME is the government office that plans, checks, and reviews how public services work across South Africa. They want fresh minds to help them do this job. If you’re a recent graduate or a student who still needs practical work experience, this internship can give you a real job start in the public sector.
Quick snapshot
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | DPME Internship Programme 2026/2027 |
| Who can apply | Unemployed South African graduates and N6 students needing in‑service training |
| Fields | Law, Social Sciences, Education, Health, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Office Management, Business Administration |
| Posts | 4 (1 per branch) |
| Stipend | According to DPME policy |
| Location | Hatfield, Pretoria |
| Deadline | 5 December 2025 |
| How to apply | Hand‑delivery, postal mail, or email – see reference numbers below |
Why this internship matters
Getting your first job after university can feel impossible if you don’t have any work experience. The DPME internship is a chance to work with real policy makers and learn how national plans are made and monitored. You’ll see how the government keeps promises, checks its own performance, and ensures that services reach people.
Your work can help improve schools, hospitals, and many other public services. It’s a stepping‑stone into a long‑term career in the public sector.
Internship branches and what they do
1. Corporate Services Branch
Reference: DPME/2025/01
Who it’s for: LLB or BA (Law) graduates (SAQA‑recognised).
What you’ll learn: Legal compliance, governance, policy drafting, and administrative law.
Apply to: recruitmentintern01@dpme.gov.za
2. National Planning Coordination Secretariat
Reference: DPME/2025/02
Who it’s for: Social Science, Education, or Health Sciences graduates.
What you’ll learn: Long‑term national planning, research, and strategy coordination.
Apply to: recruitmentintern02@dpme.gov.za
3. State‑Owned Enterprise Branch
Reference: DPME/2025/04
Who it’s for: Economics, Finance, or Accounting graduates (SAQA‑recognised).
What you’ll learn: Budgeting, performance evaluation, audits, and financial analysis of state‑owned companies.
Apply to: recruitmentintern04@dpme.gov.za
4. Sector & Monitoring Services (In‑service Training / Internship)
Reference: DPME/2025/03
Who it’s for:
- N6 Office Management students (in‑service training)
- Business Administration graduates (internship)
What you’ll learn: Administrative work, office management, and monitoring services.
Apply to: recruitmentintern03@dpme.gov.za
Do you qualify?
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must be unemployed.
- You need a recognised qualification or be an N6 student who needs work experience.
- Your degree or certificate must be recognised by SAQA.
- You should care about public service and want to help the country grow.
Extra points:
- Good communication skills.
- Basic computer use.
- Eager to learn and adapt.
How to apply
Hand‑delivery
330 Grosvenor Street, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028Postal mail
P. Bag X944, Pretoria 0028 – Attention: Human Resource Admin & RecruitmentEmail
Use the specific email for the branch you want.
Remember to put the right reference number in your email.
What to send:
- Certified copies of your qualifications.
- A detailed CV.
- A copy of your ID.
- A short motivation letter if the vacancy asks.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
What comes after the internship?
If you finish the internship, you might open doors to:
- Public sector admin roles
- Monitoring, evaluation, or planning analyst jobs
- Legal advisory positions
- Finance or economic analysis roles
- Office administration work
- Positions in other national or provincial departments
- Entry into government graduate programmes
- Progress to senior public service roles
A good internship can be the first step to a long career in government.
Tips for a stronger application
- Customise your CV – Highlight projects or courses that match the branch.
- Write a genuine motivation letter – Explain why you want to help in public service, not just a need for a job.
- Apply early – Many people will apply, so send your documents sooner rather than later.
- Prepare for interviews – Expect questions about the National Development Plan, monitoring and evaluation, public sector ethics, and your field of study.
- Use available tools – Look online for free resources on resume writing and interview practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does the internship pay? | Yes, you’ll receive a stipend that follows government guidelines. |
| Can N6 students join? | Only for the Sector & Monitoring Services branch. |
| Can I apply for more than one post? | Yes, if you meet the requirements and use the correct reference number. |
| Do I need prior work experience? | No, this internship is for unemployed graduates. |
| How long is the programme? | Usually 12 to 24 months, depending on the branch. |
| Will I get a permanent job after? | Not guaranteed, but many interns find government jobs later. |
| Can I email my application? | Yes, but use the email address specific to the internship. |
| What documents should I send? | ID copy, CV, qualification certificates, SAQA verification if needed. |
| Where is it located? | Hatfield, Pretoria. |
| When do I have to apply? | 5 December 2025. |
| Who can I call for questions? | (012) 312 0457 – Ms. Sharon Maloma or (012) 312 0464 – Mr. Mongezi Davashe. |
Final note
The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is not a private company and does not accept applications through third‑party sites. Always double‑check the official DPME website or contact their HR directly before sending your application. Avoid paying anyone for job help; if a site asks for money, it’s likely a scam.
Good luck, and remember—your first steps in public service can shape your future and the country’s tomorrow.
