Graduates looking for government internship opportunities have a new opportunity to consider as the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) opens applications for its 2026/27 Internship Programme.
The programme includes two internship positions in Pretoria, covering Internal Audit and Legal Services. Both positions are offered on 24-month contracts and carry an advertised salary of R98,097 per annum.
Applications close on 5 October 2026 at 23:59, and CPSI has instructed applicants to submit their applications through its online eRecruitment system.
CPSI Internship 2026/27
The Centre for Public Service Innovation is a national government component that focuses on innovation and improvement within South Africa’s public service.
For the 2026/27 internship programme, CPSI is inviting applications from graduates for two specific opportunities.
The available positions are:
- Intern: Internal Audit
- Intern: Legal Services
Both positions are based in Pretoria, Gauteng, and both are advertised as 24-month internship contracts.
The internship programme is intended to provide graduates with practical workplace experience that complements their academic qualifications.
CPSI Internship Positions Available
1. Intern: Internal Audit
The first opportunity is for an Internal Audit Intern.
The position is listed as Post 34/08, with reference number 0003/2026.
Applicants must have a Senior Certificate or Grade 12 certificate and a recognised National Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in Internal Audit.
Applicants must also be unemployed.
Membership of the Siyakhula Student Membership Programme or the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIASA) is listed as an added advantage.
The successful intern will gain exposure to different aspects of the internal audit function. Duties include participating in the development of internal audit plans, planning audit projects, executing audit engagements, preparing reports and supporting audit committees.
The role also includes following up on audit findings and participating in activities connected to the development of internal auditors.
2. Intern: Legal Services
The second opportunity is the Intern: Legal Services position.
This position is listed as Post 34/09, with reference number 0004/2026.
Applicants must have a Senior Certificate or Grade 12 certificate and a recognised NQF Level 7 degree in Law.
Applicants must also be unemployed.
Practical Legal Training is listed as an added advantage.
The successful Legal Services Intern will be exposed to several areas of public-sector legal work. These include assisting with legal opinions, litigation matters, contracts and service level agreements.
The role also involves supporting legal and legislative work connected to public administration, including assisting with the interpretation of legislation and legislative reform processes.
How Much Does the CPSI Internship Pay?
Both CPSI internship positions are advertised at R98,097 per annum.
The internships are offered for a period of 24 months and are based in Pretoria.
Applicants should carefully check the official advertisement and application requirements before applying because the two positions have different qualification requirements.
Who Can Apply for the CPSI Internship?
The CPSI advertisement states that the opportunities are aimed at unemployed graduates.
However, meeting the qualification requirements does not automatically mean that an applicant will be considered for both positions.
For the Internal Audit position, applicants need a relevant Internal Audit qualification at NQF Level 6 or 7.
For the Legal Services position, applicants need a recognised NQF Level 7 Law degree.
There is also an important restriction for previous government interns.
According to the CPSI advertisement, candidates who have previously participated in an internship programme in any Government Department will not be considered for these opportunities.
Applicants should therefore check their previous internship history before submitting an application.
How to Apply for the CPSI Internship 2026/27
Applications must be submitted through the CPSI eRecruitment system.
The CPSI specifically states that applications for these positions must be submitted through its eRecruitment platform. Applications sent by email, delivered by hand, posted or sent by courier will not be considered.
Official CPSI eRecruitment: Apply through the CPSI eRecruitment system
Applicants can register on the platform, create their profile and upload the required information and documents. The CPSI’s online application guide lists documents such as a detailed CV, identity document, Matric certificate and relevant qualifications among the documents applicants may need to upload.
Applicants should make sure that all required information is completed correctly before submitting the application.
What About the Z83 Form?
The CPSI advertisement contains specific instructions concerning the new Z83 process.
Applicants will enter the information required on the Z83 during the online application process. The system will then generate the form.
Applicants therefore do not need to upload a separately completed and signed new Z83 form for this application process.
However, CPSI warns that applicants must provide all the required information through the system because missing information could result in an application being disqualified during the selection process.
Selection Process
Applicants should also be aware that being eligible to apply does not guarantee selection.
Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents, following communication from Human Resources.
The advertisement states that shortlisted candidates may be subjected to a practical exercise, integrity and ethical-conduct assessments, as well as personnel suitability checks.
These checks can include verification of criminal records, citizenship or permanent residency, financial records and qualifications.
Reference checks may also be conducted during the selection process, and applicants are instructed to include the email addresses of their references.
Important Deadline
The closing date for the CPSI Internship 2026/27 programme is:
5 October 2026 at 23:59
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Because the deadline includes a specific time, applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to complete their application.
CPSI Internship 2026/27 Summary
Organisation: Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI)
Programme: CPSI Internship 2026/27
Positions: 2
Available fields: Internal Audit and Legal Services
Contract: 24 months
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Salary: R98,097 per annum
Internal Audit reference: 0003/2026
Legal Services reference: 0004/2026
Closing date: 5 October 2026 at 23:59
Application method: CPSI eRecruitment
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the CPSI Internship 2026/27 close?
Applications close on 5 October 2026 at 23:59.
How many CPSI internship positions are available?
The current advertisement contains two positions, Internal Audit and Legal Services.
How long is the CPSI internship?
Both opportunities are advertised as 24-month internship contracts.
Where are the CPSI internships based?
Both positions are based in Pretoria, Gauteng.
How much does the CPSI internship pay?
Both positions are advertised at R98,097 per annum.
Can someone who previously completed a government internship apply?
The CPSI advertisement states that candidates who previously participated in an internship programme in any Government Department will not be considered.
Where can I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the official CPSI eRecruitment system.
Official application portal: CPSI eRecruitment
Official Source
The CPSI opportunities appear in DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 34 of 2026, which was published on 18 September 2026. The South African Government’s government-jobs page also lists the Centre for Public Service Innovation among the national government institutions included in the circular.
Applicants should always verify the requirements and closing date in the official advertisement before submitting an application.
Official DPSA vacancy information: DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular
Official CPSI application portal: CPSI eRecruitment
Disclaimer: LearnershipsJob provides employment and career information for informational purposes. Applicants should verify vacancy details directly with the relevant government department or organisation and should never pay a fee to apply for a legitimate government internship.
Thabo Mokoena is the founder of LearnershipsJob.co.za, sharing verified learnerships and jobs in South Africa.
Thabo Mokoena is the founder of LearnershipsJob.co.za, sharing verified learnerships and jobs in South Africa.
Thabo Mokoena is the founder of LearnershipsJob.co.za, sharing verified learnerships, internships and retail jobs from official sources in South Africa. All posts are verified and updated daily.