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

1. Create an e-Services Account on the City of Cape Town website
2. Log in and apply for the relevant internship programme
3. 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.