Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027 & 2027/2028

Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027 & 2027/2028 – Free State Department of Human Settlements | 24-Month Opportunities in Bloemfontein & Districts

Are you a recent graduate looking for valuable work experience in the public sector to kickstart your career? The Free State Department of Human Settlements invites unemployed graduates to apply for its Graduate Internship Programme for 2026/2027 and 2027/2028. This 24-month programme offers practical workplace exposure in various fields including Affordable Housing, Rental Tribunal, Informal Settlements, Housing Development, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, Organisational Development, Financial Management, Internal Audit, Skills Development, Human Resources, Corporate Communication, Labour Relations, Project Management, and more.

If you are searching for Free State Government internships 2026, Human Settlements graduate programme Bloemfontein, 24-month internship opportunities Free State, Public Administration internships, Supply Chain Management graduate placements, or Housing sector internships, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience while earning a monthly stipend.

About the Graduate Internship Programme

The Department of Human Settlements is committed to providing decent housing and integrated human settlements. Through this structured internship programme, graduates will receive occupationally-based work experience aligned with their qualifications. The programme aims to enhance employability and prepare participants for careers in the public service.

Duration: 24 months Stipend: R8 174.75 per month Centre: Primarily Bloemfontein (with some district placements) NB: Applicants must be South African citizens originating and residing in the Free State, unemployed, and must never have participated in a Public Service Internship programme previously.

Why Join the Free State Department of Human Settlements Graduate Internship Programme?

• Gain 24 months of valuable practical work experience in your field of study.
• Earn a monthly stipend of R8 174.75 while developing your skills.
• Work in a supportive environment with exposure to government operations.
• Contribute to meaningful projects in housing, human settlements, and public administration.
• Build a strong professional network within the public sector.
• Enhance your CV with recognised public service experience.
• Increase your chances of future permanent employment.
• Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.
• Align your career with national priorities such as housing delivery and service excellence.
• Join a department committed to transformation and youth development.

Available Internship Programmes

The Department is offering internships in the following areas (among others):

• Administrators – Affordable Housing (X2) – NQF Level 6 in Public Administration/Office Administration
• Rental Tribunal – NQF Level 7 in Law/LLB
• Administrator – Rental Tribunal – NQF Level 6 in Public Administration
• Informal Settlements and Land Tenure (multiple) – NQF Level 7 in Law/LLB or Urban & Regional Planning
• Housing Development & Planning (X2) – NQF Level 7 in Urban/Town and Regional Planning
• Supply Chain Management (various streams – Asset Management, Bid Administration, Demand & Performance) – NQF Level 6 in Public Admin/Supply Chain/Financial Management
• Information Technology (X2) – NQF Level 6 in IT/Computer Systems
• Organisational Development – NQF Level 6 in Human Resources/Operations Management
• Financial & Budget Management (multiple streams) – NQF Level 6 in Accounting/Financial Management
• Internal Audit (X2) – NQF Level 6 in Internal Auditing/Financial Information Systems
• Skills Development (X2) – NQF Level 6 in Human Resources Management/Development
• Human Resources Management (X3) – NQF Level 6 in Human Resources/Public Admin
• Corporate Communication (X2) – NQF Level 6 in Corporate Communication/Media Studies
• Labour Relations (X2) – NQF Level 6 in Labour Relations/Human Resources
• Project Management Unit (District Services) – NQF Level 6 in Civil Engineering/Construction Management
• Office Administration – NQF Level 6 in Office Administration/Management
• Security Management and Anti-Corruption – NQF Level 6 in Policing/Forensic Analysis

Minimum Requirements (General)

• Grade 12.
• Minimum qualification at the specified NQF Level in the relevant field.
• Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
• South African citizen originating and residing in the Free State.
• Unemployed and have never participated in a Public Service Internship before.
• Must be between the ages of 18 and 35 (typical for graduate programmes).

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted on a NEW Z83 form (download from www.dpsa.gov.za) accompanied by a recent comprehensive CV only.

Submit to: Head: Human Resource Management Directorate, Human Settlements P.O. Box 247, Bloemfontein 9300

Hand Delivery: Foyer of OR Tambo House, St. Andrews Street, Bloemfontein (place in the marked box at Security on Ground Floor)

Email: recruit@fshs.gov.za (specify the post name and reference number on the subject line)

Closing Date: 31 July 2026 at 16:00

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. Applications not complying with the above will not be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the stipend? R8 174.75 per month for the 24-month duration.

Is previous internship experience allowed? No — applicants must never have participated in a Public Service Internship before.

Where are the placements? Primarily Bloemfontein with some district placements.

Do I need to be a Free State resident? Yes — applicants must originate and reside in the Free State.

Will I receive training? Yes — the programme includes structured learning and practical workplace experience.

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The Free State Department of Human Settlements Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027 offers a fantastic 24-month opportunity for unemployed graduates to gain practical experience while contributing to human settlements development. If you meet the requirements and are ready to launch your public service career, apply now before 31 July 2026.

The Department is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all designated groups.