2026 CET Internship Programme Now Open: Finance, HR, Public Management and More
CET College Announces 2026 Graduate Internship Programme
12-Month Paid Internship | R6 000 Stipend | Open to South African Youth Aged 18–35
The Department of Higher Education and Training, through the Mpumalanga Community Education and Training College (CET), has officially opened applications for the CET Internship Programme Placement 2026. This opportunity is designed for unemployed South African graduates who want to gain professional workplace experience within public administration, finance, human resources and academic support.
South African Graduates Invited to Apply for CET Internship 2026
The internship will run for 12 months, from 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2027, and offers a monthly stipend of R6 000. Youth between the ages of 18 and 35 are encouraged to apply.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the requirements, available positions, application process and everything graduates need to know before the closing date of 6 January 2026.
Internship Overview
Programme Name: CET Internship Programme Placement
Duration: 01 February 2026 – 31 January 2027 (12 months)
Stipend: R6 000 per month
Location: Mpumalanga Central Office, Siyabuswa
Closing Date: 06 January 2026
Sector: Higher Education and Training
This internship provides structured workplace training, mentorship and exposure within a government environment aligned to the operations of a Community Education and Training College.
Important Application Note
Applications must be submitted using a new Z83 form. Only the Z83 form and a detailed CV must be submitted at the application stage. No copies of qualifications or identity documents should be included now.
Only shortlisted candidates will later be required to provide certified copies of their qualifications and identity document.
Department of Higher Education Releases 2026 CET Graduate Internship Notice
Additionally, applicants should note:
- If you have previously benefited from any SETA internship, you are automatically disqualified.
- Only applicants aged 18 to 35 at the start of the internship will be considered.
- Applications must clearly indicate the reference number for the field you are applying for.
Available Internship Posts and Reference Numbers
All placements fall under the Mpumalanga Central Office.
1. Finance Services
- Reference: Finance 01/2026/1
- Number of Posts: 1
- Required Qualification: Diploma or Degree in Financial Management
2. Academic Services
- Reference: Academic 01/2026/3
- Number of Posts: 3
- Required Qualification: Diploma or Degree in Public Management or Administration Management
3. Corporate Services
- Reference: Corporate 01/2026/4
- Number of Posts: 4
- Required Qualification: Diploma or Degree in:
- Human Resources Management
- Public Management
- Administration Management
4. Office of the Principal
- Reference: Office of the Principal 01/2026/02
- Number of Posts: 2
- Required Qualification: Diploma or Degree in Administration Management
These opportunities support essential operations in finance, HR, academic administration and office management, providing graduates with practical experience closely aligned with government service delivery.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be unemployed and between 18 and 35 years old
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must hold a Diploma or Degree relevant to the field applied for
- Must not have participated in any SETA-funded internship previously
- Must submit a completed and signed Z83 form
- Must include a detailed CV listing subjects/modules related to the qualification
Applications that do not meet these requirements or fail to include necessary documents will not be considered.
How to Apply
Applicants may choose any of the following submission methods:
Physical Submission
Mpumalanga CET College
Building 11/1, Groen Street
Industrial Site
Siyabuswa, 0472
Email Submissions
You may email your application to:
For Attention: Mr KM Mokone, The Principal
Ensure the correct reference number is written clearly on the Z83 form and in the subject line if applying by email.
Contact Details for Enquiries
For any questions regarding the internship programme, applicants may contact:
Mrs MF Kgamanyane
- 013 120 4066
- 060 132 2942
Mr LD Mohlamonyane
- 084 581 6762
- 013 120 4065
These contacts can assist with application guidelines and reference clarification.
What Interns Can Expect
Selected interns will gain exposure to:
- Government administration
- Public sector HR practices
- Financial management processes
- Academic support and planning
- Office management and coordination
- Practical problem-solving and reporting
- Policy interpretation and implementation support
The programme is structured to help graduates build confidence and apply their theoretical knowledge in a real working environment.
Why This Internship Matters
This government internship offers valuable advantages for young graduates:
- Entry into the public service space
- Practical experience to build a stronger CV
- A structured training period with mentorship
- Monthly stipend support
- Enhanced employability for future roles
- Experience in a recognised government institution
For many graduates in administration, finance and HR, this type of internship is a significant pathway to long-term career opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the stipend for the internship?
The stipend is R6 000 per month.
How long does the internship run?
The internship runs for 12 months, from February 2026 to January 2027.
Can I apply if I have completed a SETA internship before?
No. Anyone who previously benefited from a SETA-funded internship is automatically disqualified.
Do I need to submit certified documents?
Not at the initial stage. Certified documents will be required only from shortlisted candidates.
What documents must I submit now?
A completed Z83 form and a detailed CV.
Can I apply for more than one field?
It is recommended to apply for the field most relevant to your qualification.
How will I know if I am shortlisted?
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If you do not receive communication after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Can I hand-deliver my application?
Yes. Applications can be hand-delivered to the Mpumalanga CET Central Office.
Final Thoughts
The CET Internship Programme 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for South African graduates looking to launch their careers in public sector administration, finance, HR and academic management. With a structured 12-month placement, professional mentorship and monthly financial support, this programme provides essential experience that can open doors to future employment within government and related industries.
