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The FAIS Ombud is inviting unemployed South African graduates to apply for the 2025 Adjudication Graduate Programme in Pretoria. Closing date: 10 October 2025. Learn more about requirements, benefits, and how to apply.
Introduction
For many South African graduates, breaking into the legal and financial services industry can be a daunting task. The transition from university to professional life requires not just academic excellence, but also practical experience, mentorship, and exposure to real-world cases.
The Office of the Ombud for Financial Services Providers (FAIS Ombud) offers exactly that through its FAIS Skills Learning Programme 2025 (Adjudication Graduate Programme). This internship is designed for passionate law graduates looking to contribute to fair dispute resolution in the financial services sector while building a career in public service.
Applications are now open for two graduate trainee positions, with the internship running for 12 months in Pretoria, Gauteng. The closing date for applications is 10 October 2025.
About the FAIS Ombud
The FAIS Ombud was established under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (Act 37 of 2002) to resolve complaints against financial services providers (FSPs). Its role is to ensure fair, economical, and timely dispute resolution between consumers and financial service companies.
The Ombud’s mission is to protect the public, promote ethical conduct, and strengthen trust in South Africa’s financial services industry. Through adjudication, mediation, and negotiation, the FAIS Ombud helps ensure justice and compliance in this vital sector.
Programme Overview
The FAIS Adjudication Graduate Programme 2025 is a 12-month fixed-term internship that provides graduates with intensive training, case exposure, and mentorship within the adjudication and case management department.
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | FAIS Adjudication Graduate Programme 2025 |
| Organisation | Office of the Ombud for Financial Services Providers (FAIS Ombud) |
| Department | Adjudication / Case Management |
| Duration | 12 months (Fixed-Term Contract) |
| Location | Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Positions Available | 2 Graduate Trainee Posts |
| Reference Number | REC25_18 |
| Industry | Legal / Financial Services |
| Closing Date | 10 October 2025 |
| Stipend/Salary | Market Related |
What You’ll Gain from the Programme
This graduate programme offers more than just work experience. It provides exposure to real-world legal disputes, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and an opportunity to make a difference in public service.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Case Exposure | Work on real disputes between financial service providers and the public. |
| Mentorship | Learn directly under experienced legal and financial mentors. |
| Professional Growth | Gain skills in dispute resolution, negotiation, evidence analysis, and drafting rulings. |
| Networking Opportunities | Build connections within the financial services and legal industries. |
| Public Service Impact | Contribute to consumer protection and ethical standards in South Africa’s financial sector. |
Key Performance Areas
Graduate trainees will take part in case evaluation, dispute resolution, and stakeholder engagement. These tasks will build a strong foundation for future careers in law, compliance, financial regulation, or dispute adjudication.
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Your responsibilities will include:
- Dispute Resolution – Facilitating fair negotiations and settlements between complainants and FSPs.
- Stakeholder Engagement – Communicating with parties respectfully and professionally.
- Case Evaluation – Analysing evidence, arguments, and submissions thoroughly.
- Timeliness & Efficiency – Ensuring cases are resolved within deadlines.
- Confidentiality – Protecting sensitive information.
- Fairness & Impartiality – Upholding ethics and avoiding conflicts of interest.
- Communication – Drafting rulings and legal documents with clarity.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for this prestigious programme, candidates must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID. |
| Qualification | Minimum LLB degree (Practical Legal Training / PLT is an advantage). |
| Skills | Strong academic record, analytical ability, and legal drafting skills. |
| Work Readiness | Able to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and work extra hours if needed. |
| Attributes | Energetic, self-driven, eager to learn, passionate about public service. |
| Technical | Computer literate (MS Office and online case management systems). |
Why This Programme Matters
This internship is more than a career stepping stone. It’s a chance for graduates to:
- Gain specialist knowledge in financial regulatory law.
- Develop skills in consumer protection and dispute adjudication.
- Join a network of professionals who are shaping South Africa’s financial services compliance environment.
- Contribute meaningfully to the public interest and ethical practices in financial services.
Equal Opportunity & Compliance
The FAIS Ombud is committed to Employment Equity principles and promotes diversity in its hiring. Recommended candidates will undergo:
- Security screening
- Credential verification
- Background checks
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The office reserves the right not to make an appointment.
How to Apply
Applications for the FAIS Skills Learning Programme 2025 (Adjudication Graduate Internship) must be submitted online through the official FAIS Ombud recruitment portal.
| Application Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit the FAIS Ombud application portal. |
| Step 2 | Search for REC25_18 – Adjudication Graduate Programme 2025. |
| Step 3 | Complete the online form with your details and upload required documents. |
| Step 4 | Submit before 10 October 2025. |
🔗 Apply Here: FAIS Ombud Graduate Programme Application
Tips for a Successful Application
- Highlight your LLB achievements – Showcase strong modules such as administrative law, financial regulation, or dispute resolution.
- Show passion for public service – Mention volunteer work, pro bono legal assistance, or related projects.
- Polish your CV – Focus on skills like research, drafting, negotiation, and critical thinking.
- Prepare for interviews – Be ready to discuss financial consumer rights and dispute resolution principles.
- Apply early – Avoid last-minute technical issues by submitting well before the deadline.
Career Opportunities After the Programme
Completing the FAIS Ombud Adjudication Graduate Programme opens doors in multiple fields:
| Career Path | Potential Role |
|---|---|
| Legal Practice | Legal advisor, compliance officer, junior attorney, or advocate. |
| Financial Services Regulation | Compliance analyst, regulator, or governance specialist. |
| Public Service & NGOs | Policy researcher, adjudicator, or human rights advocate. |
| Corporate Sector | Risk manager, legal compliance specialist, or contracts officer. |
| Academia & Research | Lecturer in financial law, researcher in consumer protection. |
Conclusion
The FAIS Skills Learning Programme 2025 (Adjudication Graduate Internship) is a golden opportunity for South African law graduates eager to launch their careers in financial regulation and public service. With its blend of mentorship, professional growth, and real-case exposure, this programme offers the perfect bridge between university studies and impactful employment.
If you’re passionate about law, dispute resolution, and consumer protection, don’t miss your chance to apply. The closing date is 10 October 2025, and spaces are limited.
