If you are a recent graduate looking for hands‑on experience in trade policy, a 24‑month internship with the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) is now open.
What is the ITAC Graduate Internship Programme 2026?
The programme offers unemployed South African graduates a paid placement in one of four specialist departments. It runs for two years and provides a monthly stipend of R8,174.75. The four areas are Import & Export Control, Trade Remedies, Tariff Investigations I, and the Office of the Chief Economist.
Quick overview
- Organisation: International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC)
- Programme: Graduate Internship Programme 2026
- Duration: 24 months
- Stipend: R8,174.75 per month
- Closing date: 05 August 2026 (12:00 PM)
- Age: 18–35 years
- Type: Internship (6 positions total)
Number of positions per department
- Import & Export Control – 1
- Trade Remedies – 2
- Tariff Investigations I – 2
- Office of the Chief Economist – 1
Who can apply?
- South African citizen
- Aged between 18 and 35
- Unemployed
- Holder of a relevant bachelor’s degree (see department requirements below)
- No previous work or internship experience
- Willing to sign an internship agreement
- Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA before appointment
Department‑specific qualification requirements
- Import & Export Control (1 post): Bachelor’s in Commerce, Law or Public Administration
- Trade Remedies (2 posts): Bachelor’s in a field related to trade remedies or economics
- Tariff Investigations I (2 posts): Bachelor’s in Economics, Business Economics, Financial Accounting or Agricultural Economics
- Office of the Chief Economist (1 post): Bachelor’s in Economics with a focus on International Trade, Macroeconomics or Statistics
What you will gain
The internship gives you real exposure to government trade policy work. You will develop:
- Research and analytical skills
- Report‑writing and data‑analysis abilities
- Understanding of import/export controls and trade remedies
- Experience with economic modelling and policy interpretation
- Professional communication and teamwork
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic statistical tools
- Time‑management and problem‑solving skills
These skills are valued in the public sector, consulting firms, banks, and any organisation dealing with international trade.
How to apply – step by step
- Visit the official ITAC application portal: ITAC Graduate Internship Programme 2026.
- Choose the department that matches your degree.
- Prepare the required documents:
- South African ID copy
- Updated CV (tailored to the chosen department)
- Academic transcript
- Degree certificate or official statement of results
- SAQA evaluation (if you hold a foreign qualification)
- Complete the online application form before the deadline – 05 August 2026 at 12:00 PM.
- Submit the form and keep a copy of the confirmation email for your records.
Tips to improve your chances
- Tailor your CV: Highlight relevant modules, projects, research, leadership roles, volunteer work and any computer or report‑writing experience.
- Match the right department: Apply only to the area that aligns with your qualification.
- Prepare documents early: Have all PDFs ready to upload; missing files cause delays.
- Proofread everything: Check spelling, contact details and that every page is included.
- Use a professional email address: Avoid nicknames or casual addresses.
- Follow the instructions exactly: Stick to word limits, file formats and any additional questions asked.
Next steps
This internship is highly competitive, but a well‑prepared application can showcase your potential. Review the ITAC website to understand its role in South Africa’s trade ecosystem. Then, follow the steps above and submit your application before the deadline. Good luck, and take this chance to build a solid foundation for a career in trade policy, economics or government administration.
