City of Johannesburg invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Student Internship Vacancies.
The closing date for applications is 10 February 2026.
Why This Internship is a Game‑Changer for 15‑Year‑Olds Who Love Arts and Culture
If you live in Joburg and want a real job experience that pays, the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has released a fresh Student Internship Circular (003/2026).
It is a hands‑on program in arts, museums, heritage, public art, and information services – all paid with a monthly stipend.
The internship is for students who need work‑integrated learning (WIL) or practical experience as part of their studies, and it is also open to recent graduates who still need a “real‑world” edge.
You can work for up to 18 months, giving you plenty of time to build a portfolio and line up future jobs in the public or cultural sector.
Quick Snapshot
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | City of Johannesburg (CoJ) |
| Department | Community Development |
| Branch | Arts, Culture and Heritage |
| Publication Date | 28 January 2026 |
| Closing Date | 10 February 2026 |
| Duration | Up to 18 months |
| Monthly Stipend | R10,109.86 (basic salary only) |
| Who Can Apply | Students living in Joburg (City residents only) |
| Experience Needed | None |
The circular offers four different streams:
- Immovable Heritage – 2 posts
- Museums and Galleries – 6 posts
- Arts and Culture – 4 posts
- Information Services – 2 posts
1. Immovable Heritage Internships (2 posts)
Where?
Joburg Newtown Building, 2 Helen Joseph Street
What you’ll do
- Help keep online heritage registers up to date
- Coordinate talks with stakeholders about naming streets and public spaces
- Support the City’s public art programs
- Record details of heritage buildings and artworks
Who qualifies
- Matric or Grade 12 certificate
- Diploma or degree in Heritage Studies, Fine Art, Public Administration, or a related field (NQF Level 6)
- City of Johannesburg resident
Why it’s cool
If you like history and want a job that involves protecting the city’s past, this internship is perfect.
2. Museums and Galleries Internships (6 posts)
Where?
Various museums and galleries around the city
What you’ll do
- Catalogue and clean collections
- Set up exhibitions and run guided tours
- Conduct research on artifacts
- Handle museum loan paperwork
Who qualifies
- Matric or Grade 12 certificate
- Diploma or degree in Conservation, Heritage Studies, Curatorial Studies, Fine Art, or a related field (NQF Level 7/6)
- City of Johannesburg resident
Why it’s cool
Great for anyone who loves museums, history, or teaching others about art.
3. Arts and Culture Internships (4 posts)
Where?
Joburg Newtown Building
What you’ll do
- Plan and run cultural programmes
- Keep track of budgets and project progress
- Write reports on events
- Help the City build a vibrant arts scene
Who qualifies
- Matric or Grade 12 certificate
- Diploma or degree in Policy Studies, Public Administration, Development Studies, Arts Administration, or a related field (NQF Level 7/6)
- City of Johannesburg resident
Why it’s cool
If you dream of becoming a program officer or project manager in the arts, this internship is a solid stepping stone.
4. Information Services Internships (2 posts)
Where?
Museum Africa, 121 Lillian Ngoyi Street
What you’ll do
- Digitise museum collections using Adobe tools
- Photograph and scan artifacts
- Prepare images for archive quality (captions, metadata)
- Manage digital asset storage
Who qualifies
- Matric or Grade 12 certificate
- Diploma or degree in Graphic Design, Photography, or a related field (NQF Level 6/7)
- City of Johannesburg resident
Why it’s cool
If you’re into photography, editing, or digital archiving, you’ll gain hands‑on experience in a museum setting.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Gather Your Papers
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copy of your qualifications or transcripts
- Updated CV
Step 2: Apply Online
Each internship has a dedicated online form.
Don’t miss it – the portal closes on 10 February 2026.
Step 3: Submit Early
Apply well before the deadline to avoid technical glitches.
Step 4: Wait for a Reply
If you don’t hear back within six weeks of the closing date, you’ll know you weren’t selected.
For questions – call (011) 407 6553 (only for real enquiries, not status checks).
Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
- Tailor your CV – Add a “Relevant Modules” section that matches the internship (e.g., Heritage Management, Museum Studies, Photography).
- Attach all required documents – A missing ID or certificate can get you rejected.
- Use a professional email address – Recruiters might contact you after you apply.
- Speak “City of Johannesburg” language – Words like “coordination,” “administration,” and “project support” fit the job description.
- Apply early – System traffic spikes near the deadline; early submission keeps you safe.
What Happens After You Finish the Internship?
You could move into one of several career paths:
| Field | Possible Jobs |
|---|---|
| Heritage & Public Sector | Heritage Officer, Public Art Coordinator, Museum Collections Assistant |
| Museums & Galleries | Curatorial Assistant, Conservation Assistant, Exhibition Assistant |
| Arts & Culture Administration | Arts Programme Coordinator, Event Manager, Cultural Project Officer |
| Digital & Creative Services | Digital Archivist, Museum Photographer, Multimedia Producer |
These roles can also boost your chances for government graduate programmes, NGO cultural jobs, or positions in creative industry agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who can apply? | Students living in Joburg – only City of Johannesburg residents are considered. |
| Do I need previous experience? | No, but if you’ve had an internship that isn’t related to your studies, that’s fine. |
| How long is the internship? | Up to 18 months. |
| Is it paid? | Yes, R10,109.86 a month (basic salary only). |
| What documents must I send? | Certified qualifications, ID, and your CV. |
| What if I don’t hear back? | After six weeks, you’ll know you weren’t selected. |
| When does the application close? | 10 February 2026. |
Quick Links
- Immovable Heritage application link
- Museums and Galleries application link
- Arts and Culture application link
- Information Services application link
Disclaimer
This guide is for information only. The City of Johannesburg reserves the right to make or not make appointments. Always confirm details on the official City of Johannesburg portal.
