Getting a qualification is only one part of the journey. For many graduates and TVET learners, the real challenge is finding workplace experience. SASSA’s internship and Work Integrated Learning opportunities offer a practical route into a professional government environment, with monthly stipends and structured exposure that can strengthen future career prospects.
The South African Social Security Agency is inviting unemployed graduates and TVET College learners to take part in its 2026 Internship and Work Integrated Learning programmes. These opportunities are designed to help young South Africans gain practical workplace exposure while developing skills in a government working environment.
The Graduate Internship Programme runs for 24 months and offers a monthly stipend of R8 174.80. The Work Integrated Learning Programme runs for 6 to 18 months and offers a monthly stipend of R5 865.25.
What Opportunities Is SASSA Offering for 2026?
SASSA is offering two main youth development opportunities.
The first is the Graduate Internship Programme, aimed at unemployed graduates with relevant qualifications.
The second is the Work Integrated Learning Programme, aimed at TVET College learners who have completed N6 and need practical workplace experience to qualify for a National Diploma.
Both programmes are valuable for young people who need real workplace exposure before moving further into the labour market.
Who Should Consider the SASSA Graduate Internship Programme?
The Graduate Internship Programme is aimed at unemployed graduates who have completed relevant qualifications and want to gain professional experience.
Successful applicants will be appointed on a 24-month internship contract.
The monthly stipend for graduate interns is R8 174.80.
Applicants must be South African citizens and must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Which Graduate Internship Positions Are Available?
SASSA is offering graduate internship positions across several functional areas.
Facilities Management and Auxiliary Services
Number of posts: 1
Reference number: SASIn-01
Applicants must have a Degree, B-Tech or National Diploma at NQF Level 6 or 7 in one of the following fields:
- Logistics and Transport
- Records Management
- Property Management
Information Communication and Technology
Number of posts: 2
Reference number: SASIn-02
Applicants must have a Degree, B-Tech or National Diploma at NQF Level 6 or 7 in:
- Information Technology
Finance: Debt and Revenue Management
Number of posts: 1
Reference number: SASIn-03
Applicants must have a Degree, B-Tech or National Diploma at NQF Level 6 or 7 in one of the following fields:
- Financial Accounting
- Supply Chain Management
What Is the SASSA Work Integrated Learning Programme?
The SASSA Work Integrated Learning Programme is aimed at TVET College learners who have completed their N6 qualification.
This programme is designed for learners who need practical workplace exposure before they can obtain their National Diploma.
Successful candidates will receive practical experience for a minimum of 6 months and up to 18 months.
The monthly stipend for WIL candidates is R5 865.25.
Which Work Integrated Learning Positions Are Available?
The Work Integrated Learning Programme includes several placement areas for N6 learners.
Regional Executive Manager’s Office
Number of posts: 1
Reference number: SASTv-01
Required N6 qualification:
- Public Management
- Office Management
- Management Assistant
Facilities Management
Number of posts: 2
Reference number: SASTv-02
Required N6 qualification:
- Office Administration
- Public Administration
Security Management
Number of posts: 1
Reference number: SASTv-03
Required N6 qualification:
- Public Management
- Public Administration
- Business Administration
- Security Management
Human Capital Management
Number of posts: 3
Reference number: SASTv-04
Required N6 qualification:
- Human Resource Management
- Human Resource Development
- Labour Relations
Supply Chain Management
Number of posts: 2
Reference number: SASTv-05
Required N6 qualification:
- Financial Accounting
- Financial Management
Finance: Debt and Revenue Management
Number of posts: 1
Reference number: SASTv-06
Required N6 qualification:
- Financial Accounting
- Financial Management
Fraud and Risk Management
Number of posts: 1
Reference number: SASTv-07
Required N6 qualification:
- Public Administration
- Fraud and Risk Management
What Are the General Requirements?
Applicants must meet the basic requirements for the programme they are interested in.
General requirements include:
- South African citizenship
- Unemployed status
- Relevant qualification for the selected post
- Willingness to work in Gauteng
- Fully completed New Z83 form
- Detailed CV
Graduate Internship applicants must also be between 18 and 35 years old.
TVET learners must have completed an N6 National Certificate and must be able to provide proof that workplace experience is required.
What Documents Should Applicants Prepare?
Applicants should prepare their documents carefully before submission.
Required documents include:
- Fully completed New Z83 form
- Updated CV
- Qualification details
- Academic subjects and modules completed
- Statement of results, where applicable
- Institutional letter confirming the need for workplace experience, where applicable
Applicants who need help completing the form can use this new Z83 form guide before submitting.
SASSA has indicated that copies of qualifications, ID documents, certificates and other supporting documents should be submitted only when requested.
Failure to follow the application instructions may lead to disqualification.
Where Should Applications Be Sent?
Applications must be submitted by hand delivery or post.
Email applications will not be accepted.
Hand delivery address:
SASSA Regional Office
Ground Floor
222 Smit Street
Braamfontein
Johannesburg
2017
Postal address:
Attention: Human Capital Management
Private Bag X120
Marshalltown
2107
Applicants should clearly indicate the correct reference number for the position they are applying for.
When Are the Closing Dates?
The closing dates are different for the two programmes.
Graduate Internship Programme: 30 June 2026
Work Integrated Learning Programme: 30 July 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
Applicants should submit early, especially when using postal delivery, because delays may affect whether the application arrives before the deadline.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: For SASSA opportunities, the reference number matters. Make sure the correct reference number appears clearly on your application because different sections have different posts, requirements and closing dates.
Why Are These SASSA Opportunities Valuable?
Workplace experience is one of the biggest challenges facing unemployed graduates and TVET learners.
These SASSA programmes can help candidates gain exposure to real office systems, government procedures, professional communication and workplace expectations.
The opportunities may also help candidates build stronger CVs, develop confidence and improve their readiness for future employment.
For TVET learners, Work Integrated Learning can be especially important because it may help them complete the practical component required for a National Diploma.
What Are the Main Programme Details?
Organisation: South African Social Security Agency
Opportunities: Graduate Internship Programme and Work Integrated Learning Programme
Location: Gauteng
Contract Type: Internship and Work Integrated Learning
Graduate Internship Duration: 24 months
WIL Duration: 6 to 18 months
Graduate Internship Stipend: R8 174.80 per month
WIL Stipend: R5 865.25 per month
Graduate Internship Closing Date: 30 June 2026
WIL Closing Date: 30 July 2026
Application Method: Hand delivery or postal submission
Email Applications: Not accepted
Eligible Applicants: South African citizens
How Can Applicants Improve Their Chances?
Applicants should prepare carefully and avoid rushing the process.
Before submitting, candidates should:
- Choose the correct programme
- Check the correct reference number
- Complete the New Z83 form properly
- Attach a detailed CV
- Include academic information clearly
- Use the correct delivery or postal address
- Submit before the closing date
- Keep a copy of the full application
A clear and complete application can make the screening process easier and reduce the risk of disqualification.
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Final Thoughts
The SASSA Internship and Work Integrated Learning Programme 2026 offers unemployed graduates and TVET N6 learners a valuable opportunity to gain workplace experience in a government environment.
With monthly stipends of R8 174.80 for graduate interns and R5 865.25 for WIL candidates, these programmes provide both practical exposure and financial support during the learning period.
Applicants should prepare the correct documents, use the correct reference number and submit by hand delivery or post before the relevant closing date.
