The City of Cape Town is inviting suitably qualified unemployed candidates to apply for its Student Opportunities and Internship Programmes 2026 under the Human Resources Directorate – Corporate Services (Training and Development).
Closing Date: 28 February 2026
Location: Cape Town
Available Programmes
The City offers various structured opportunities depending on qualification level.
Skills Programme (Fixed-Term Contract)
Minimum Requirements:
- Grade 10 / Grade 11 / National Senior Certificate (Grade 12/Matric)
- N1 – N5
- Level 2 – 4
Programme Overview:
This programme provides structured experiential learning and practical workplace exposure to build foundational work skills.
2️⃣ Work Integrated Learning (WIL) – Fixed-Term Contract
Minimum Requirements:
- National Certificate – N6 (WIL/In-service Training)
- Official letter from institution requesting WIL placement
- Academic transcript
Programme Overview:
WIL integrates academic learning with workplace application. It is a compulsory component for students who require in-service training to complete their qualification.
3️⃣ National N Diploma / Diploma Internship
The City offers graduate internship programmes to students who have completed qualifications at:
- TVET Colleges
- FET Colleges
- Accredited Institutions of Higher Learning
These internships are full-time and aimed at skills transfer.
4️⃣ Graduate Internship Programme (GIP) – Fixed-Term Contract
Minimum Requirements:
- 3-year Diploma / National Diploma
- Advanced Diploma / B-Tech
- Degree
- Honours
- Masters
- PhD
Programme Overview:
Graduate internships are available for students who have completed their qualifications at Universities or Universities of Technology. These programmes may be part-time or full-time and focus on structured skills transfer.
5️⃣ Learnerships (12–24 Months)
Minimum Requirements:
- Grade 12 (Additional requirements vary depending on the learnership)
Programme Overview:
Learnerships combine structured learning with practical workplace experience and lead to a registered qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Important Eligibility Conditions
Applicants must:
- Be permanently residing within Cape Town
- Be unemployed
- Not be enrolled for further studies during the internship period
Exceptions:
- Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
- PhD and Doctoral students
Preference will be given to graduates from:
- Universities
- Universities of Technology
- Colleges
- TVET Colleges within Cape Town
Stipend Information
Depending on budget availability, interns may receive remuneration.
Stipends range from:
- R36.66 per hour
- R57.62 per hour
Some programmes may be unpaid, depending on funding.
Key Performance Areas
The Student Opportunity Initiative aims to:
- Provide practical workplace exposure
- Enhance employability
- Develop youth skills across various City Directorates
- Address youth unemployment
- Support skills enhancement within municipal structures
Please note:
There is no automatic guarantee of employment after completion of the programme.
Special Conditions
If appointed:
- You must make yourself available according to work rosters
- You may not have other employment or run a private business without written permission from the City Manager
- You may undergo criminal, security, verification and lifestyle audits
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online only via the City of Cape Town e-Recruitment portal:
👉 Apply here:
https://www.capetown.gov.za/internships
No hard copy or emailed applications will be accepted.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Create an e-Services Account on the City of Cape Town website
- Log in and apply for the relevant internship programme
- Upload required documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID (no affidavits accepted)
- Certified copy of Matric certificate / Statement of Results
- Certified copy of highest qualification
Certified copies must be recent.
Applicants may:
- Use any computer with internet access
- Use Smart Cape computers at City libraries (library membership required)
⚠️ Smartphones are not compatible with the application system.
Closing Date
28 February 2026
Late applications will not be considered.