Top 10 Graduate Internships in South Africa for 2025 – How to Apply Successfully

Discover the top 10 graduate internships in South Africa for 2025. Learn what they offer and how to apply with our easy step-by-step guide.

Top 10 Graduate Internships in South Africa (2025) & How to Apply

Entering the workforce as a graduate can feel overwhelming, especially without work experience. One of the best ways to gain real-world skills, earn an income, and improve your chances of future employment is through a graduate internship.

In this guide, we explore the Top 10 Graduate Internships in South Africa for 2025, including what they offer, requirements, and how to apply for each.

✅ Why Graduate Internships Matter

Graduate internships provide:

• Real work experience in your field
• Monthly stipends or allowances
• Industry-relevant mentorship
• Improved employability
• Networking opportunities

Many internships even lead to permanent employment after successful completion.

✅ What to Look for in a Quality Internship

When choosing an internship, look for:

• A formal structure (typically 12–24 months)
• Reputable employer or organization
• Alignment with your field of study
• Stipend or compensation
• Learning and mentorship opportunities
• Certification or job placement opportunities after completion

🎓 Top 10 Graduate Internships in South Africa for 2025

Here are ten highly recommended internships in South Africa for graduates in 2025, across different industries:

1. Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) Internship Programme

Sector: Government / Public Service
Duration: 12–24 months
What You’ll Gain: Work placements in national and provincial departments. Exposure to HR, finance, public management, ICT, and more.

How to Apply:

• Monitor the DPSA circular (published regularly)
• Fill out the Z83 application form
• Attach your certified ID, qualifications, and CV
• Submit via post or email, as per the listing
• Apply before the listed deadline

2. South African Breweries (SAB) Graduate Programme

Sector: FMCG / Manufacturing
Duration: 12–18 months
What You’ll Gain: Business rotations, leadership development, exposure to production, sales, logistics, and finance.

How to Apply:

• Visit the SAB Careers website
• Search for “Graduate Trainee” or “Internship” positions
• Apply online with your CV, academic transcripts, and certified ID
• Include a motivation letter or personal statement if required

3. Illovo Sugar South Africa Internships

Sector: Agriculture / Safety / Environment
Duration: 12 months
What You’ll Gain: Workplace exposure in HR, SHERQ (Safety, Health, Environment, Risk, and Quality), and operational functions.

How to Apply:

• Go to Illovo’s official careers portal
• Find available internship postings
• Prepare a CV, certified qualifications, and ID
• Apply directly through their application system

4. Msinga Local Municipality – Finance Internship

Sector: Local Government / Accounting
Duration: 24 months
What You’ll Gain: Practical experience in municipal financial management, budgeting, audit, and reporting.

How to Apply:

• Get the internship advert from the municipal website or office
• Submit your certified academic records (Accounting/Finance-related), ID, and updated CV
• Applications are usually delivered in person or via email

5. Department of Health Internship Programme

Sector: Health / Administration / Public Services
Duration: 12–24 months
What You’ll Gain: Roles in HR, finance, data management, and logistics within the healthcare system.

How to Apply:

• Visit the provincial or national Department of Health websites
• Download the Z83 form
• Submit your application with all certified documents by the stated closing date

6. McCain Foods Environmental Graduate Trainee

Sector: Environment / Sustainability / Agriculture
Duration: 12 months
What You’ll Gain: Work on sustainability projects, learn environmental compliance, and get exposure to industrial operations.

How to Apply:

• Check McCain’s careers page for trainee opportunities
• Submit CV, qualifications, and a motivational letter online

7. Uber South Africa Business Internships

Sector: Technology / Customer Success / Business Ops
Duration: 6–12 months
What You’ll Gain: Business strategy, customer management, and analytical skills in a global tech company.

How to Apply:

• Visit Uber’s global careers page
• Search for South Africa-based internships
• Apply online with a tailored CV and motivation

8. CATHSSETA Internships

Sector: Culture / Arts / Tourism / Heritage
Duration: 12 months
What You’ll Gain: Industry exposure in tourism, sport, heritage, and cultural development.

How to Apply:

• Visit the CATHSSETA website or check notices from training providers
• Submit CV, certified qualifications, and ID
• Some roles may require a portfolio or proof of previous creative work

9. Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) Internship

Sector: Legal / Corporate Governance / Administration
Duration: 12 months
What You’ll Gain: Real-world experience in business regulation, intellectual property, governance, and compliance.

How to Apply:

• Visit the CIPC official website under “Careers”
• Apply with certified qualifications, CV, and a motivational letter

10. Afrimat Graduate Internships

Sector: Mining / Engineering / Finance / HR
Duration: 12–18 months
What You’ll Gain: Hands-on experience in human resources, psychology, industrial relations, and engineering.

How to Apply:

• Go to Afrimat’s careers section
• Browse available graduate opportunities
• Submit a full application online with certified documents and a cover letter

📝 General Application Checklist

For most internships, you will need to prepare:

• Updated CV (no longer than 2 pages)
• Certified copy of your ID (not older than 3 months)
• Certified academic transcripts and qualification(s)
• Proof of address (if required)
• Motivation or cover letter (customised for each application)
• Completed Z83 form (for government positions)

💡 Tips to Improve Your Chances

• Tailor every application — don’t send the same CV to all companies
• Double-check deadlines — most internships don’t accept late submissions
• Follow instructions — if it says PDF only, don’t submit Word files
• Keep your documents neat — use clear file names (e.g. “JohnDoe_ID.pdf”)
• Be professional — from your email address to how you communicate
• Highlight soft skills — like teamwork, communication, time management
• Get a referral — if someone already works at the company, ask for help

🔎 Where to Find These Internships

You can regularly check:

• Company career pages
• Government department websites
• SAYouth.mobi
• LinkedIn (Job Search)
• Job portals like Careers24, Indeed, and JobVine
• University career centres
• SETA websites

🚫 Avoid These Mistakes

• Applying for roles you’re not qualified for
• Not certifying your documents
• Submitting incomplete applications
• Sending unprofessional CVs
• Waiting until the last day to apply
• Falling for scams (no legit internship should ask for payment)

🎯 Final Thoughts

Internships are more than just work experience — they are stepping stones into your career. The top graduate internships listed above are available in multiple industries, offering young South Africans the opportunity to grow, learn, and build lasting professional networks.

With a clear plan, a strong CV, and the right mindset, you can successfully land a graduate internship in 2025. Apply early, follow up, and always give your best in both the application process and the internship itself. Your future starts now.