A university internship that blends student support, advising, tutoring, and real academic project exposure is now open in Bloemfontein. UFS has released 7 GPS Success Coaches internship posts for graduates who want hands-on experience in student success and higher education support.
The University of the Free State is inviting applications for 7 GPS Success Coaches Intern positions under its Graduation Positioning Support programme. The internships are based at the Bloemfontein Campus, run on a 12-month contract, offer a monthly stipend of R9,497.50, and are set to begin on 01 June 2026. The closing date is 10 April 2026.
For many graduates, the right internship is not just about getting a seat in an office.
It is about gaining experience that actually builds a future.
That is exactly why this opportunity stands out.
What is the UFS GPS Success Coaches Internship Programme?
This internship sits within the Centre for Teaching and Learning at UFS and is designed to support student success through advising, tutoring, communication, data capturing, and project-based student support work. The official job listing describes the role as part of the GPS@UFS: Track Your Success initiative.
Successful interns will help support students through calls, emails, and messages, contribute to student tracking projects, capture and manage support data, assist with research, and provide advising and tutoring support.
This is more than a general admin internship. It is a student success role inside a major university environment.
Who can apply for the UFS internship?
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or B-Tech degree on NQF Level 7. They must also have at least one year of relevant experience in roles such as tutor, student assistant, teaching assistant, or relevant student leadership participation.
The selection criteria also state that applicants:
- must not currently be participating in another internship or learnership
- must not have previous formal work experience
- must be willing to sign an internship agreement
- must be available for the full 12-month period
What qualifications and skills will strengthen an application?
UFS lists the following as recommendations:
- Honours degree on NQF Level 8
- knowledge of teaching and learning support
- experience using Microsoft Excel
- good verbal communication skills
This means the opportunity is especially attractive for graduates who already have some student-facing university experience and want to deepen it in a structured academic support role.
What will interns do during the programme?
According to the official listing, interns will:
- respond to inbound and outbound student calls, emails, and messages
- support student tracking and communication initiatives
- capture advising and student interaction data
- distribute and collect data-related documents
- support research and student support resource development
- provide individual advising and tutoring support
- take part in ongoing training and development initiatives
That kind of exposure can be valuable for graduates interested in student development, higher education support, academic advising, and learning support roles.
Why is this internship worth considering?
This opportunity combines several things that matter to graduates trying to build a career in education support:
real university-based experience
a 12-month paid contract
student support and academic development exposure
a starting point in higher education work
For the right graduate, it can be a strong bridge between campus involvement and professional employment.
What documents must applicants submit?
Applications must include:
- a detailed CV
- copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications obtained
- a copy of identity document
- SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications
UFS also makes it clear that incomplete applications will not be considered.
How must applications be submitted?
Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS careers portal. The official listing states that applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
Applications for this role must be submitted through the official online application portal for Job ID 6417.
No email or hand-delivered applications will be accepted.
When does the internship start?
The assumption of duties date listed by UFS is 01 June 2026. That gives shortlisted applicants a clear timeline for when the contract is expected to begin.
Who can applicants contact for enquiries?
For enquiries, UFS lists 051 401 9813 and PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additional assistance numbers listed are 051 401 7659 and 051 401 2558.
How can applicants improve their chances?
A strong application for this role should reflect both academic readiness and student support experience.
Make sure your CV clearly shows tutoring, student assistant work, teaching support, or leadership roles. If you have used Excel, supported student programmes, or worked in peer support spaces, those details should be easy to spot.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: University internships often reward relevant campus experience more than generic job history. If you have been a tutor, mentor, student assistant, or peer leader, push that experience higher up on your CV.
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Final Thoughts
The University of the Free State GPS Success Coaches Internships 2026 offer a strong opportunity for graduates who want paid experience in student support, tutoring, advising, and academic project work. With 7 available posts, a 12-month contract, and a monthly stipend of R9,497.50, this is one of the more attractive higher education internships currently open in Bloemfontein.
Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal for Job ID 6417 before 10 April 2026.
