Tshwane University of Technology has opened three Counselling Psychology internship positions for postgraduate students currently registered for a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. Based at the Pretoria West Campus, the 12-month programme begins on 2 January 2027, while complete email applications must be submitted by 28 July 2026.
For postgraduate psychology students approaching the final stages of professional training, the right supervised placement can shape both confidence and career direction.
The TUT programme combines individual therapy, group counselling, psycho-education and student wellness activities. Interns will also gain experience providing counselling support to children at a local children’s home.
The positions fall under TUT’s Department of Student Development and Support and carry the reference number 26/R18.
Who qualifies for TUT’s Counselling Psychology internship?
The programme is intended for postgraduate students preparing to complete their professional training in Counselling Psychology.
Applicants must:
- Be currently registered for a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology.
- Be registered at a recognised university.
- Provide confirmation of their current registration.
- Submit the relevant academic records and supporting documents.
- Be available for the complete 12-month programme from January 2027.
- Be able to work professionally with university students, children, groups and university staff.
Candidates should be prepared to work within professional and ethical boundaries while handling confidential and potentially sensitive information.
What will the three psychology interns be expected to do?
Successful candidates will provide counselling and developmental support to registered TUT students while gaining supervised practical experience.
Their responsibilities will include:
- Providing professional personal counselling services
- Offering therapeutic support to students
- Helping students develop personal and academic skills
- Participating in psycho-educational programmes
- Presenting webinars and awareness campaigns
- Developing appropriate social-media content
- Facilitating life-skills classes
- Providing individual counselling to children
- Facilitating group counselling sessions
- Completing departmental administrative duties
- Working effectively with the Student Development and Support team
The programme requires candidates who can balance direct counselling responsibilities with educational, administrative and student-development activities.
How will interns support registered TUT students?
University students can experience academic pressure, adjustment difficulties, personal challenges and emotional concerns that affect their studies and general wellbeing.
Counselling Psychology interns may assist by:
- Conducting individual counselling sessions
- Providing short-term therapeutic interventions
- Supporting students experiencing adjustment challenges
- Helping students develop effective coping strategies
- Referring students for specialised services when necessary
- Maintaining accurate and confidential counselling records
- Following professional and ethical guidelines
Interns must approach every student interaction with sensitivity, professionalism and respect for confidentiality.
Which student-development activities form part of the programme?
The internship extends beyond individual counselling sessions. Successful candidates will also participate in programmes designed to promote student wellbeing, personal development and academic success.
These activities may include:
- Mental-health awareness campaigns
- Student wellness webinars
- Life-skills classes
- Group-development programmes
- Educational social-media content
- Academic-support initiatives
- Stress-management programmes
- Personal-development workshops
Applicants should therefore be comfortable speaking to groups, facilitating discussions and presenting educational information through both in-person and online platforms.
How will interns gain experience working with children?
Part of the internship involves providing counselling services at a local children’s home.
Interns may be required to provide:
- Individual counselling
- Group counselling
- Emotional support
- Developmental guidance
- Age-appropriate psycho-educational activities
- Referrals and recommendations when necessary
All services must be delivered according to professional ethical standards and confidentiality requirements.
Candidates should be able to adjust their communication and counselling approaches when working with children of different ages and developmental needs.
Which personal competencies will TUT consider?
The programme requires candidates who can work effectively with individuals, groups, children and professional colleagues.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Counselling and mentoring ability
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Effective stress-management skills
- Good time-management ability
- Planning and organisational skills
- Accountability and responsibility
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Initiative and creativity
- Presentation and facilitation skills
- Knowledge of professional ethics
- Commitment to confidentiality
- Ability to provide appropriate guidance
Candidates should also be comfortable presenting information through workshops, lectures, webinars, awareness programmes and life-skills sessions.
Which documents must accompany the application?
Candidates must submit a complete application containing the prescribed TUT form and all supporting documents.
The required documents are:
- A detailed and updated curriculum vitae
- A completed standardised TUT application form
- A recently certified copy of a South African identity document
- Recently certified copies of completed qualifications
- A reference letter from a current first-year master’s lecturer or supervisor
- A certified copy of the Honours academic record
- A certified copy of the first-year master’s academic record, where available
Failure to include the standardised application form or any compulsory supporting document may result in disqualification.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Request the reference letter from your current first-year master’s lecturer or supervisor as early as possible. Before submitting, confirm that the TUT application form, Honours record and available master’s academic record are all attached.
How must candidates submit their TUT applications?
Complete applications must be submitted by email to:
Use the following subject line:
Counselling Psychology Internship – Ref: 26/R18
Attach the completed TUT application form, curriculum vitae and every required supporting document before sending the email.
Applications close on 28 July 2026. Candidates should submit their documents early enough to correct any missing attachments before the deadline.
Where can candidates direct programme enquiries?
Questions about the internship may be directed to Lynne Malan at:
This address is provided for programme enquiries and should not be used to submit an application unless candidates are specifically instructed otherwise.
What can shortlisted candidates expect?
Candidates who meet the minimum requirements may be invited to continue through a competitive selection process.
The process may include:
- Application shortlisting
- Interviews
- Presentations
- Competency assessments
- Academic-record verification
- Reference checks
- Qualification verification
Shortlisted candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their counselling knowledge, understanding of professional ethics, communication ability and readiness for practical training.
They may also be asked to deliver a presentation or complete an assessment measuring competencies relevant to the position.
How will candidates know the outcome?
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within one month after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to submit applications. Appointments may be made in line with TUT’s employment-equity objectives and institutional policies.
Tshwane University of Technology reserves the right not to make an appointment.
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Final Thoughts
The TUT Counselling Psychology Internship Programme offers three postgraduate students an opportunity to complete 12 months of supervised practical training from January 2027.
Successful interns will support university students through counselling, personal development and wellness initiatives while also gaining experience working with children and groups.
Candidates currently registered for a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology should prepare the prescribed application form, academic records, reference letter and supporting documents carefully. Complete submissions must reach TUT by 28 July 2026.
