Companies and Intellectual Property Commission invites suitable applicants to apply for its Graduate Internship Programme 2026. The closing date for applications is January 7, 2026.
What is the CIPC Graduate Internship?
If you’ve finished a college or university course and can’t find a job, you’re not alone. Many South African grads wonder: “How can I get real work experience when every job says I need experience first?”
The CIPC Self‑Service Centres Graduate Internship Programme 2026 was made to answer that question. It’s not a quick summer gig – it’s a full 24‑month paid internship inside a public‑service environment. You’ll get hands‑on experience in customer service, office tasks, and support work that helps people register companies and protect ideas.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | CIPC Self‑Service Centres Graduate Internship 2026 |
| Employer | Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) |
| Length | 24 months |
| Pay | R12,000 per month |
| Apply by | 7 January 2026 |
| Age | 18–35 |
| Open to | Unemployed South African graduates |
| Fields | Public Management, Business Management, Customer Service |
Internship Locations
- Durban – one kiosk
- Pretoria – two centres
- Johannesburg – two centres
- Cape Town – one centre
You’ll work where the office needs you most, so expect busy, real‑world service environments.
Who Should Apply?
You’re a good fit if:
- You’re a South African citizen.
- You’re between 18 and 35 years old.
- You have a national diploma or degree in Public Management, Business Management, or Customer Service.
- You’re currently unemployed.
- You haven’t yet worked in a role that matches your study area.
- You’re ready to work in a customer‑facing government setting.
If this sounds like you, this internship could be the launch pad for your career.
Minimum Requirements
| Category | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Citizenship & Age | South African citizen, 18‑35 |
| Education | National Diploma or Degree in the listed fields |
| Experience | No relevant work experience is required (and actually preferred) |
| Cost for foreign qualifications | If you have an overseas degree, you must pay for it to be checked by SAQA |
Pay & Contract
- Stipend: R12,000 every month for 24 months.
- Contract: You’ll sign a Graduate Internship Agreement that lasts two years.
- Purpose: The pay lets you focus on learning instead of rushing to find another job.
How to Apply
- Go to the CIPC e‑Recruitment portal.
- Create a new account or log in.
- Search for “Graduate Internship Programme 2026.”
- Fill out the online form.
- Upload the following documents exactly where instructed:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your qualification certificate
- Double‑check everything.
- Submit before 7 January 2026.
Only online applications are accepted. Fax, email, post or hand‑delivery will not work.
If you need tech help, call 087 743 7074, 7075, 7197 or 087 260 1554.
What You’ll Learn
- How government offices run and how they serve the public.
- Customer‑service skills that are useful everywhere.
- How to handle records, databases and administrative tasks.
- Teamwork, time‑management and problem‑solving in a busy environment.
These skills make it easier to land future jobs in government or the private sector.
After the Internship
When you finish, you can move into roles such as:
- Government admin officer
- Customer‑service supervisor
- Compliance specialist
- Entry‑level manager or clerk
- Further government internships or contracts
The 24‑month record of real experience will make your resume stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the stipend R12,000 a month? | Yes. |
| Can I apply if I already have work experience? | This program is meant for those without relevant experience. |
| Can I send my documents by email? | No. Only upload through the portal. |
| Is this a permanent job? | It is a fixed‑term internship for 24 months. It isn’t a permanent contract, but it boosts future job prospects. |
| Will I choose where I work? | Placements are based on where the office needs you. |
Important Notes
- Document uploads must be correct – a missing or misplaced file will disqualify you automatically.
- Eligibility checks will be done before interviews.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
- CIPC is an equal‑opportunity employer.
- CIPC can decide not to fill the position if they feel the need has changed.
Closing Date Reminder
Applications close on January 7, 2026. Make sure to submit all required materials before the deadline.
Disclaimer
This post is not written by CIPC, nor is it an official CIPC announcement. It is meant to give you a clear idea of the internship. Always verify details on the official CIPC career portal before submitting any personal information.
