Department of Employment and Labour Invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Graduate Internship Programme Vacancies. The closing date for applications is 21 November 2025.
South Africa’s fresh graduates now have a big chance to get real work experience with the Department of Employment and Labour’s Project 20K – a nationwide graduate internship programme. The programme gives 24‑month placements across all provinces, giving priority to unemployed youth and people living with disabilities.
Quick Snapshot
- Hiring body: Department of Employment and Labour
- Programme: Project 20K – Graduate Internship
- Length: 24 months (2025‑2027)
- Monthly pay: about R7 860.50
- Who can apply: Unemployed South African graduates, 18‑35 years old
- Apply: Search “Project 20K” on SAYouth.mobi
- Last day to apply: 21 Nov 2025, 16:00 for walk‑ins, midnight for online
- Type of work: Internship – no prior experience needed
- Special focus: Youth, previously disadvantaged people, and those with disabilities
About the Department of Employment and Labour
The department keeps the South African workplace safe, fair and job‑creating. It runs labour centres in all nine provinces and supports young people in gaining skills. Through Project 20K it is opening thousands of internships in areas such as:
- Occupational health and safety
- Human resources and employee relations
- Business administration
- Auditing and financial management
- Environmental health
- Policy research
- Social work, psychology and wellness
- Organisational development
Who Can Apply?
You can apply if:
- You are a South African citizen.
- You are an unemployed graduate.
- You have never done an internship before.
- You hold a recognised qualification:
- National Diploma (NQF 6)
- Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7)
- You’re ready for assessments, interviews and screening.
- You can arrange your own accommodation and transport if you live outside your chosen province.
- You’re willing to work full‑time for 24 months.
If you get shortlisted, you’ll need to send certified copies of your matric, transcript, ID, and SAQA evaluation if your degree is from another country.
Internship Categories & Minimum Qualifications
| Category | Postings | Minimum Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Health & Safety | 3,385 | Environmental science, engineering (mechanical, electrical, chemical), chemistry, construction engineering, occupational health, etc. |
| Basic Conditions of Employment | 3,197 | Labour relations, business law, commercial law |
| Employment Equity | 260 | Business or labour law |
| Employer Audit Services | 1,076 | Accounting, auditing, finance, management accounting |
| Office of the COO | 8 | Public administration, project management, statistics, business management |
| Inspector‑General Unit | 5 | Public finance, business administration |
| Corporate Services | 2 | Public administration, office management |
| Employee Relations | 26 | LLB or labour relations |
| Training & Performance Management | 26 | HR management, training |
| Human Resource Operations | 90 | HR management |
| Organisational Development | 4 | Industrial engineering, operations management |
| Employee Health & Wellness | 26 | Social work, psychology, health |
| Gender, Disability and Youth | 26 | Social work, psychology, gender studies |
| Policy Research & Monitoring | 4 | HR management |
(This list is simplified for quick reference. The full set of roles and detailed qualifications is available on the SAYouth.mobi site.)
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Create or log in on SAYouth.mobi (search “SA Youth” or visit https://sayouth.mobi/Home/Index/EN).
- Search for “Project 20K” in the job search bar.
- Pick a province and select the internship stream that interests you.
- Complete the online form with accurate details.
- If you’re shortlisted, upload the required documents: CV, certified ID, matric, transcript, SAQA certificate (if foreign).
- Attend the assessment and interview – the department will contact you within 8 weeks of the closing date.
- If chosen, sign a 24‑month internship contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need work experience? – No, this is for unemployed graduates with no prior experience.
- Can I apply for more than one internship? – Yes, but each application must have its own reference number.
- How long is the internship? – 24 months, from 2025 to 2027.
- Will I get paid? – Yes, interns receive a monthly stipend of about R7 860.50.
- What if I don’t hear back? – If you’re not contacted within 8 weeks, consider your application unsuccessful.
- Do foreign qualifications need SAQA evaluation? – Yes, a SAQA evaluation is required.
- Are people with disabilities encouraged to apply? – Absolutely – the programme prioritises youth and people with disabilities.
Need More Opportunities?
Explore other funding and training options:
SETA Bursaries you can still apply for this year
Edupstairs is not a recruitment agency and does not charge application fees. All information is taken straight from the official Department of Employment and Labour announcement. Always use the official site to apply.
