The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has opened applications for its Self Service Centres (SSC) Graduate Internship Programme for 2026, offering unemployed South African graduates a 24-month paid internship in government service.
This programme provides hands-on experience in customer service, administration, and business support, while paying a monthly stipend of R12,000. Interns will be placed at CIPC Self Service Centres across major cities in South Africa.
Closing Date: 12 January 2026
Internship Duration: 24 months
Monthly Stipend: R12,000
Internship Overview
- Programme: CIPC Self Service Centres Graduate Internship
- Internship Type: Fixed-term graduate internship
- Duration: 24 months
- Stipend: R12,000 per month
- Location:
- Pretoria (National Treasury Building and other sites)
- Johannesburg
- Durban
- Cape Town
- Work Focus: Customer service, administrative support, public-sector systems
The internship is designed to help graduates gain practical workplace experience while learning how government business services operate.
Where You Will Be Working
Interns will be placed at CIPC Self Service Centres (SSCs), which are front-line offices assisting the public with business and intellectual property services.
Possible placement locations include:
- Durban Kiosk – KwaZulu-Natal
- Pretoria – 2 Centres
- Johannesburg – 2 Centres
- Cape Town – 1 Centre
At these centres, interns assist real clients, use official systems, and experience the day-to-day delivery of public services.
What Is CIPC?
CIPC operates under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). The organisation is responsible for:
- Company and close corporation registrations
- Intellectual property services (patents, trademarks, designs)
- Supporting business compliance in South Africa
Working at a Self Service Centre offers valuable exposure to government operations that is relevant to careers in both the public and private sectors.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be unemployed at the time of application
- Hold a National Diploma or Degree in:
- Public Management
- Business Management
- Customer Service
- Or a related qualification
- Have no prior work experience related to the qualification
- Be willing to work in a customer-facing environment
Applicants with foreign qualifications must have them evaluated by SAQA at their own cost.
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Stipend and Contract Details
- Monthly stipend: R12,000
- Contract period: 24 months
- Agreement: Graduate Internship Programme Agreement
This paid internship allows graduates to focus on skills development without needing additional employment.
Required Documents
Applications are submitted online only. Upload the following documents:
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of qualification (Diploma or Degree)
Qualification documents must be uploaded under “Supporting Documents”. Missing or incorrectly uploaded documents will result in disqualification.
How to Apply
- Visit the CIPC e-Recruitment Platform
- Complete the online application form
- Upload your CV, ID copy, and qualification in the correct sections
- Review all details carefully
- Submit your application
Closing Date: 12 January 2026
Late applications will not be accepted once the portal closes.
Why Choose the CIPC Internship?
- Two years of recognised government work experience
- Practical exposure to public-sector operations
- Development of strong customer service and administrative skills
- Stable monthly income while learning
- Improved employability in government, state-owned entities, and private companies
For unemployed graduates seeking meaningful work experience and a steady income, the CIPC Graduate Internship Programme offers an excellent entry point into the job market.
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