Competition Commission SA 2026 Internship – 12 slots, apply by 21 Aug

The Competition Commission of South Africa has opened applications for its second intake of the 2026 Internship Programme, and the deadline is fast approaching. If you are a final‑year learner who still needs workplace experience to graduate, this could be the chance you have been waiting for.

What the opportunity is

The Commission is offering 12 six‑month internships for final‑year students who require practical learning to complete their qualifications. Interns will receive a monthly stipend, structured learning, coaching and professional development. On successful completion, you will get a certificate of completion and a letter of recommendation from your coach.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• South African citizen
• Final‑year student (university, university of technology or TVET college) whose programme requires workplace experiential learning
• No prior work experience in the same field
• Strong academic record; a 70 % average is an advantage but not a strict cut‑off
• Fields of study accepted: Human Capital, Information Technology, Law, Economics, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Communications
• Must be able to provide an Experiential Learning Requirement Letter from your institution
• For international qualifications, a SAQA evaluation certificate is also required

What you will gain

• Monthly stipend (amount not disclosed)
• Hands‑on experience in South Africa’s competition authority
• Exposure to competition law, economics, finance and corporate services
• Structured workplace learning, coaching and professional development
• Certificate of completion and a recommendation letter
• Opportunity to work towards a competitive, inclusive economy

How to apply – step‑by‑step

1. Read the full vacancy requirements carefully.
2. Confirm that your field of study is listed and that experiential learning is part of your qualification.
3. Obtain the Experiential Learning Requirement Letter from your faculty or Work Integrated Learning office.
4. Prepare a current CV highlighting projects, research, leadership and volunteer work.
5. Gather your latest academic transcript.
6. If you hold an international qualification, obtain a SAQA evaluation certificate.
7. Visit the official application portal and start your online application: Apply for the Competition Commission 6‑month Internship Programme 2026
8. Fill in all required fields accurately and upload the documents in the correct sections.
9. Review your application for completeness and correct file formats.
10. Submit before 21 August 2026 at 17:00. Aim to apply at least a day earlier to avoid last‑minute technical issues.

Tips to improve your chances (SETA SA guidance)

Make your CV relevant

• List university projects, research papers, presentations, and any leadership roles.
• Include volunteer work, community projects and competitions.
• Show specific software or technical skills you have used.

Provide evidence, not just claims

• Instead of writing “I am a team player”, describe a group project where you coordinated tasks.
• If you claim research skills, mention a particular study or dissertation you completed.

Do not fabricate experience

The internship explicitly seeks candidates with no prior work experience in the field. Use academic and extracurricular achievements to demonstrate capability.

Avoid common mistakes

• Submitting an outdated transcript.
• Missing the Experiential Learning Requirement Letter.
• Uploading unreadable or incorrectly named files.
• Applying for a field that does not match your qualification.
• Assuming unemployment alone makes you eligible.
• Waiting until the final hour to submit.

What happens after you apply?

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. You may be asked to complete assessments and undergo security screening. The Commission reserves the right to cancel or modify the recruitment process based on budgetary or organisational needs.

Conclusion

If your programme requires workplace experiential learning, this internship is worth pursuing. Start by securing the required letter from your institution, polish your CV, and submit your application well before the deadline. Good luck!

Quick overview

• Organisation: Competition Commission South Africa
• Programme: 2026 Internship Programme – Second Intake
• Job Reference: I1000001
• Department: Internship
• Industry: Public Policy
• Job Type: Fixed‑term contract (6 months)
• Number of positions: 12
• Target group: Final‑year students needing experiential learning
• Stipend: Monthly (amount market‑related, not disclosed)
• Closing date: 21 August 2026 at 17:00
• Application method: Online only

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many positions are available? Twelve internships.
2. How long is the internship? Six months on a fixed‑term contract.
3. When does the application close? 21 August 2026 at 17:00.
4. Can graduates apply? Only if they still need workplace experiential learning to graduate.
5. Is prior work experience allowed? No, applicants must have no prior experience in the same field.
6. Is a 70 % average required? It is an advantage, not a strict minimum.
7. Which fields of study are accepted? Human Capital, IT, Law, Economics, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Communications.
8. Is there a stipend? Yes, a monthly stipend is provided, but the exact amount is not specified.
9. What documents are needed? Latest transcript, Experiential Learning Requirement Letter, CV, and for international qualifications, a SAQA evaluation certificate.
10. Are TVET students eligible? Yes, if they are in the final year and need experiential learning as part of their qualification.
11. Can persons with disabilities apply? Yes, the Commission encourages applications from persons with disabilities.
12. Will everyone get feedback? Only shortlisted applicants will receive feedback.
13. What do successful interns receive at the end? A certificate of completion and a recommendation letter from their coach.
14. Can I apply by email? No, applications are accepted online only.

Disclaimer

SETA SA is an independent educational and career information platform and is not the Competition Commission of South Africa. Publication of this opportunity does not mean SETA SA participates in the recruitment, shortlisting or selection process. Always verify information on the official application portal before applying. Never pay anyone who claims they can guarantee you an internship position.

Editorial integrity

SETA SA explains employment, internship, learnership and bursary opportunities using information supplied by employers and official sources. Where the employer has not disclosed details (e.g., stipend amount), we do not make assumptions. All information is presented to help you understand and apply for the opportunity.