Call For UNISA Internship Opportunities 2026

CALL FOR UNISA INTERNSHIPS

APPLICATIONS ARE HEREBY INVITED FROM THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

• UNISA invites unemployed South African citizens to apply for the 12-month Internship
  programme. These citizens should have completed a UNISA qualification. which is
  equivalent to NQF level 6 and above.
• Age restriction: not older than 35 years.
• Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Applicants should have no experience.
• Applicants who were previously appointed at UNISA or any other organization will not be
  considered.
• The position reference and your UNISA student number must be accurately indicated on the
  portal.
• Applications for multiple positions must be submitted individually.
• Applicants must be UNISA graduates in the required field(s) of study.
  The University values diversity and inclusion, universal access and welcomes applicants from all
  backgrounds. For this Internship Programme, preference will be given to persons living with
  disabilities, and appointments will be made in line with Unisa’s Employment Equity Plan.

UNISA Internship Requirements 2026

Before applying for UNISA internships, ensure you meet these essential eligibility criteria:

Who Can Apply?

• Citizenship: You must be an unemployed South African citizen
• Education: Completed UNISA qualification at NQF level 6 or above (National Diploma or Degree)
• Age Limit: Not older than 35 years
• Experience: No previous work experience required (first-time entrants into the job market)
• Previous Employment: Cannot have been previously appointed at UNISA or any other organization
• Preference: Priority given to persons living with disabilities

What Qualifications Are Needed?

The UNISA internship programme 2026 accepts graduates across multiple disciplines:

Business and Administration

• Diploma/Degree in Administrative Management
• Office Administration and Management
• Public Administration
• Bachelor of Administration
• Business Management

Finance and Accounting

• Diploma in Accounting Sciences
• BCom in Accounting Science
• BCom Finance
• Financial Accounting (as a major)
• Supply Chain Management

Information Technology

• National Diploma in Information Technology
• BSc Computer Science
• BSc Information Systems
• ICT or Informatics
• Data Science and Analytics
• Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

Psychology and Counseling

• Honours in Psychology
• Honours in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• BA Psychology

Engineering

• Diploma/Degree in Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Building Engineering

Library and Information Sciences

• Bachelor of Information Science
• Bachelor of Library and Information Science
• National Diploma in Information Science
• Archives and Records Management

Other Fields

• Communication Sciences
• Public Relations
• Marketing
• Environmental Science
• Agriculture and Horticulture
• Social Work
• Art History and Visual Arts

Available UNISA Internship Positions by Region

Gauteng Region Internships

Muckleneuk Campus (Pretoria) The capital region offers the highest concentration of positions, with over 70 opportunities across:

• Finance Department (18 positions): Expenditure and Asset Management, Financial Governance, Salary Administration, Funds Administration, and Creditors Management
• ICT Services (45+ positions): Service Delivery Management, Governance, Risk and Compliance, Project Management, Business Analysis, Multimedia Centre, Budget and Procurement, Asset Management, Academy of Applied Technologies and Innovation, and Digital Security Management
• Library Services: Cataloguing Division positions for Library and Information Science graduates
• Institutional Advancement: Alumni Relations and Unisa Foundation roles
• Quality Assurance: Internal Auditing and Sustainability positions
• Facilities Management: Maintenance, Project Management, and Environmental Management (23 positions)
• Privacy and Records Governance: Records and Privacy Governance roles (7 positions)
• Institutional Intelligence: Social Sciences positions with statistics focus (2 positions)

Other Gauteng Locations

• Sunnyside Campus: Counseling and Career Development (multiple positions)
• Ekurhuleni Campus: Administration and Counseling (5 positions)
• Florida Campus: Laboratory sciences, Engineering, Student Development, Agriculture and Horticulture (15+ positions)
• Vaal Campus: Counseling positions
• Midrand: SBL ICT and Logistics (2 positions)
• Lenasia Campus: Institute for Social and Health Sciences (2 positions)

KwaZulu-Natal Region Internships

KwaZulu-Natal offers 36 positions across four major hubs:

Durban (18 positions)

• Student Administration and Financial Aid (8 positions)
• Finance and Operations
• Library Unit
• Student Administration and Systems Integration (Engineering)
• Corporate Communication and Marketing (2 positions)
• Counselling and Career Development (2 positions)
• Facilitation of Learning Registrar

Pietermaritzburg (9 positions)

• Student Administration and Financial Aid (4 positions)
• Library Unit (2 positions)
• Counselling and Career Development (2 positions)
• Facilitation of Learning Registrar
• Registrar’s Office (2 positions)

Richards Bay (6 positions)

• Student Administration and Financial Aid (4 positions)
• Facilitation of Learning Registrar
• Registrar’s Office

Newcastle (3 positions)

• Student Administration and Financial Aid (2 positions)
• Director’s Office

Eastern Cape Region Internships

The Eastern Cape offers over 25 positions across three cities:

East London

• Student Administration and System Integration (multiple departments)
• Library and Information Services
• Deputy Registrar offices
• Administration and Finance roles
• ICT positions
• Counselling and Career Development (including positions for graduates with disabilities)

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

• Library and Information Services
• Deputy Registrar: Student Administration
• Regional Service Centre positions
• Student Administration and Registration

Mthatha

• Student Administration and Registration (Accounting)
• Deputy Registrar positions
• Counselling and Career Development

Western Cape Region Internships

Cape Town/Parow

• Deputy Registrar: Student Administration (Administration roles)
• Deputy Registrar: Communication Science position
• Counselling and Career Development (Psychology Honours)
• Institute for Social and Health Sciences

Northern Regions Internships

Polokwane

• Student Administration (2 positions)
• Communication (1 position)
• Facilities Management Project Management

Mbombela (Nelspruit)

• Student Administration
• Library and Information Science
• Facilities Management Project Management

Giyani

• Student Administration

Middleburg

• Student Administration
• Counselling

UNISA Internship Stipend and Benefits 2026

Financial Package

• Annual Stipend: R127,576.00 per annum
• Monthly Equivalent: Approximately R10,631 per month
• Contract Duration: 12 months (non-renewable)
• Start Date: March 1, 2026

Professional Development Benefits

While the primary benefit is the annual stipend, interns gain invaluable experience:

• Practical work experience in your field of study
• Exposure to professional work environments
• Skill development and mentorship
• Enhancement of your CV for future employment
• Networking opportunities within South Africa’s largest distance learning institution

Important Note: This is an internship agreement, not an employment contract. Relocation costs are not covered and are the intern’s responsibility.

How to Apply for UNISA Internships 2026

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Identify Suitable Positions Review the position reference numbers that match your qualification. Note that applications for multiple positions must be submitted individually.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents Gather these essential documents in PDF format only:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• One-page motivational letter explaining why you should be considered
• Certified copy of South African ID (not older than 6 months)
• Certified copy of Matric Certificate (not older than 6 months)
• Certified Academic Record (not older than 6 months)
• Certified UNISA Completed Qualification certificate (not older than 6 months)

Critical Documentation Requirements:

• Only PDF format accepted
• No pictures or password-protected documents
• Certifications must be recent (within 6 months)
• Ensure your UNISA student number is accurate

Step 3: Complete Online Application Access the official UNISA internship application portal (available only to UNISA students and graduates). The portal requires:

• Accurate position reference number
• Your UNISA student number
• Upload of all required PDF documents

Step 4: Submit Before Deadline

• Primary Closing Date: February 6, 2026 (23:59 PM)
• Alternative Closing Date: February 9, 2026 (for select positions)

Late applications will not be considered.

Application Tips for Success

Craft a Compelling Motivational Letter Your one-page letter should:

• Clearly state which position you’re applying for
• Explain your interest in the specific department
• Highlight relevant skills from your qualification
• Demonstrate understanding of the role
• Show enthusiasm and commitment
• Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling

Tailor Your CV

• Emphasize academic achievements
• Include relevant coursework related to the position
• List any volunteer work or campus involvement
• Highlight computer literacy (Microsoft Office 365 proficiency is required)
• Keep formatting professional and easy to read

Match Qualifications Carefully Only apply for positions where your qualification exactly matches the requirements. For example:

• Finance positions require Accounting or Finance qualifications
• ICT positions need IT, Computer Science, or related degrees
• Psychology positions require Honours degrees specifically

Key Competencies UNISA Seeks in Interns

All successful candidates must demonstrate these essential competencies:

Technical Skills

• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office 365 and internet navigation
• Proficiency in English (both verbal and written)
• Field-specific technical knowledge from your qualification

Professional Attributes

• Strong interpersonal relations and communication skills
• Professional telephone etiquette
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Time management capabilities
• Problem-solving skills

Work Ethic

• Ability to take initiative while working under supervision
• Capacity to prioritize tasks effectively
• Willingness to go the extra mile
• Sense of commitment, responsibility, and punctuality
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Capability to multitask and handle multiple assignments simultaneously
• Team collaboration skills

What Happens After You Apply?

Selection Process Timeline

After Submission

• Applications are reviewed by HR and department managers
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• Expect communication within 30 days of the closing date
• If you haven’t heard within 30 days, your application was unsuccessful

Interview Phase

• Shortlisted candidates must be available for interviews on dates determined by the university
• Interviews may be conducted in person or virtually
• Be prepared to discuss your qualification, motivation, and competencies

Background Checks All successful candidates undergo comprehensive background verification before appointment.

Appointment

• Successful candidates receive formal internship agreements
• Assumption of duty is March 1, 2026
• Orientation and onboarding processes follow

Contact Information for UNISA Internship Enquiries

Different positions have designated contact persons. Here are the main HR contacts:

General Enquiries:

• Mulanga Munyaradzi: 012 433 9542
• Nomsa Mahlangu: 012 421 2531
• Khanyisa Hobololo: 012 433 9543

Regional Contacts:

• KZN Region: Kagiso Maphoto – 012 429 3446
• Gauteng Positions: Bulelwa Daile – 012 429 2353; Sekitle Bahula – 012 429 3673; Nadine De Jager – 012 429 2372
• ICT Positions: R Mavasa – 012 429 6265; Silias Tau – 012 429 8583
• Northern Regions: CH Ndlovu – 012 429 3075
• Eastern Cape: Nthabiseng Mpako – 012 429 2588; Branigan Madiehe – 012 429 2715
• Facilities & Quality: Xoliswa Magqazana – 012 429 8280; Delphia Molisalife – 012 429 4983

Always reference the specific position number when making enquiries.

complete your UNISA INTERNSHIP application here

CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE LIMITED TO SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES ONLY AND THEY ARE ALSO
EXPECTED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES ON THE INTERVIEW DATES DETERMINED BY THE UNIVERSITY.

NB: RELOCATION WILL BE AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE

NB: BACKGROUND CHECKS WILL BE CONDUCTED FOR ALL SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES

All applications should be submitted before 23:59PM on the closing date.
If you have not been contacted within 30 days after the closing date of this advertisement, please
accept that your application was not successful.