Water Research Commission Internship/WIL 2026/27 – Closing 13 July 2026

Many South African graduates and TVET learners are still looking for real workplace experience, and without it getting a permanent job can be very hard. The Water Research Commission Internship & WIL Programme offers a 24‑month placement that can give you the practical skills you need right now.

What the programme is

The Water Research Commission (WRC) is a public body that focuses on water research, innovation and sustainable management. Its Internship and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme is open to unemployed South African graduates and TVET learners who need practical exposure before entering the job market.

Who can apply

General requirements (all applicants)

• South African citizen and currently unemployed
• Preferably aged 18 – 35 years
• Never taken part in another internship programme
• Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply

Graduate applicants

• National Diploma, degree or higher qualification
• Qualification must be at NQF level 6 or above

TVET applicants

• N6 Certificate (or equivalent)
• Official letter from your TVET college confirming that WIL is needed to obtain your National Diploma

Fields and reference numbers

1. Human Resource Management – Ref: WRC/26-01
   Relevant studies: Human Resource Management, Labour Relations, Employee Relations, Industrial Psychology, etc.
2. Legal & Auxiliary Services – Graduate Ref: WRC/26-02 – TVET Ref: WRC/27-02
   Relevant studies: Law, Records Management, Information Studies, Safety Management, Public Administration, Management Assistant, etc.
3. Office Administration / Executive Support – Ref: WRC/26-03
   Relevant studies: Management Assistant, Office Administration, Office Management, etc.
4. Monitoring & Evaluation – Ref: WRC/26-04
   Relevant studies: Business Management, Business Administration, Public Management, Public Administration, Management Assistant, etc.
5. Information Technology – Ref: WRC/26-05
   Relevant studies: Information Technology, Computer Science, etc.
6. Risk Management – Ref: WRC/26-06
   Relevant studies: Risk Management, Auditing, Fraud, Compliance, etc.
7. Finance – Ref: WRC/26-07
   Relevant studies: Finance, Public Finance, Financial Accounting, etc.
8. Supply Chain Management – Ref: WRC/26-08
   Relevant studies: Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, etc.
9. Stakeholder Relations & Communications – Graduate Ref: WRC/27-09 – TVET Ref: WRC/26-10
   Relevant studies: International Relations, Communication, Public Relations, etc.

What you will gain

• Two years of hands‑on experience in a recognised public institution
• Professional skills that match the listed fields
• A stronger CV that can help you secure permanent employment later
• Networking opportunities with water‑sector professionals

How to apply (step‑by‑step)

1. Choose the field that matches your qualification and note the reference number.
2. Gather the required documents:
   • Updated CV (PDF preferred)
   • Certified copy of South African ID (issued within the last 6 months)
   • Certified copies of qualifications and transcripts (issued within the last 6 months)
   • Proof of residential address
   • Signed affidavit stating you have never participated in an internship programme
   • For TVET applicants only: certified N6 certificate and the official WIL‑requirement letter from your college
3. Make sure the reference number for your chosen position is clearly written on the email.
4. Compose a brief email to consultant@heitha.co.za with the subject line “Application – Reference Number”. Attach all PDFs.
5. Send the email before the deadline.

Tips to improve your chances

• Proofread your CV and email – spelling errors hurt credibility.
• Check that every certified document is dated within the last six months.
• Use a professional email address (e.g., yourname@email.com).
• Save all files as clear, single‑page PDFs.
• Double‑check that you have included the correct reference number.
• Submit your application well before 13 July 2026; late applications will not be considered.

Next steps

If you meet the criteria, start preparing your documents today. Remember that the closing date is 13 July 2026. You will be notified of the outcome by 30 September 2026. For full job descriptions and further information, visit the official site at www.heitha.co.za.