South African Graduates Can Now Apply for the 2026 Tourism Internship: R7 860 Monthly Stipend
2026 Tourism Internship Programme
24-Month Paid Internship for South African Graduates | Pretoria
The Department of Tourism has officially opened applications for the 2026 Tourism Internship Programme, providing unemployed South African graduates with an opportunity to gain professional experience in one of the country’s most dynamic sectors. This 24-month internship includes a monthly stipend of R7 860.05, offering valuable workplace exposure, skills development and an entry point into government and tourism-related careers.
Applications close on 22 December 2025, and graduates across a broad range of academic fields are encouraged to apply.
Introduction
The tourism industry plays a vital role in South Africa’s economy, creating jobs, strengthening international relations and supporting local development. To develop future leaders and specialists in this sector, the Department of Tourism offers structured internship placements for graduates who want to expand their professional skills while contributing to national service delivery.
New 24-Month Tourism Internship Launches for 2026: Full List of Available Fields
The 2026 internship intake is one of the Department’s largest, covering more than 20 specialised fields aligned with its operational and strategic needs.
Internship Details
- Location: Pretoria
- Duration: 24 months
- Stipend: R7 860.05 per month
- Closing Date: 22 December 2025
- Contract: Internship Agreement (24 months)
Successful applicants will be placed within different units of the Department, depending on qualifications and organisational needs. Each intern will receive on-the-job training, mentorship and exposure to government operations.
Available Fields of Study
Department of Tourism Opens Applications for 2026 Internship Programme
Applicants must apply using the correct reference number corresponding to their study field.
Reference Numbers and Required Disciplines
- DT-INTERN (001): Graphic Design, Communications, Journalism
- DT-INTERN (002): Digital Transformation
- DT-INTERN (003): Human Resources Management
- DT-INTERN (004): Human Resources Development
- DT-INTERN (005): Management Services, Work Study
- DT-INTERN (006): Information Communication Technology, Computer Science
- DT-INTERN (007): LLB
- DT-INTERN (008): Risk Management, Internal Auditing
- DT-INTERN (009): Business Administration, Public Management
- DT-INTERN (0010): Psychology, Social Work
- DT-INTERN (0011): Financial Accounting
- DT-INTERN (0012): Supply Chain Management
- DT-INTERN (0013): Construction Project Management
- DT-INTERN (0014): Economics
- DT-INTERN (0015): Financial Analysis
- DT-INTERN (0016): Economics and Financial Investment
- DT-INTERN (0017): Policy and Development Studies
- DT-INTERN (0018): Public and Development Sector Monitoring and Evaluation
- DT-INTERN (0019): Information Systems, Data Science, Software Development
- DT-INTERN (0020): International Relations
- DT-INTERN (0021): Development Studies
- DT-INTERN (0022): Tourism Management
These disciplines support the Department’s strategic pillars, including tourism planning, development, digital transformation, governance, research, service delivery and policy implementation.
How to Apply
Applicants may submit their applications through any one of the following methods:
Physical Delivery
Address to the Director-General and deliver to:
Tourism House
17 Trevenna Street
Sunnyside
Pretoria, 0002
Postal Submission
Private Bag X424
Pretoria
0001
Email Submission
Required Documents
Applications must include:
- Completed and signed new Z83 form (obtainable from any Public Service Department or www.gov.za)
- Detailed CV
- Certified copies of:
- Identity document
- Senior Certificate (Matric)
- Highest relevant qualification
Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents before the interview.
Failure to provide all required documents will result in the application being disqualified.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is open to:
- Unemployed South African graduates or postgraduates
- Individuals who have not previously participated in an internship programme
- Applicants with qualifications in one of the listed fields
- Candidates with a strong interest in developing a public service or tourism sector career
Selection Process
The selection includes:
- Application screening
- Shortlisting
- Possible assessments
- Panel interview
- Verification of qualifications
- Signing of a 24-month internship agreement
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date, your application should be considered unsuccessful.
Why This Internship Matters
The Tourism Internship Programme offers graduates a unique opportunity to:
- Gain hands-on workplace experience
- Enhance professional skills for the job market
- Receive guidance from experienced departmental mentors
- Build networks within government and tourism sectors
- Strengthen employability across public and private industries
Internships like this are recognised as essential stepping-stones toward long-term career development.
Contact Information
For enquiries regarding the programme:
- Mr. G. Moroke: 012 444 6166
- Ms. K. Taunyane: 012 444 6164
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the stipend amount?
Interns will receive R7 860.05 per month for the full 24-month duration.
How long is the internship?
The programme runs for 24 months (2 years).
Can I apply if I previously participated in a government internship?
No. Only applicants who have never participated in an internship may apply.
Do I need experience?
No experience is required. Only a relevant qualification in one of the listed fields.
Can I apply for more than one field?
You should apply for the field that best matches your qualification and include the correct reference number.
Will late applications be accepted?
No. All applications must reach the Department by 22 December 2025.
Will the internship lead to permanent employment?
There is no guarantee of permanent employment, but the experience significantly improves employability.
How will I be contacted?
Only shortlisted candidates will receive communication. Others should assume their application was unsuccessful after three months.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Tourism Internship Programme offers a strong pathway for graduates aiming to gain professional exposure in a national department. With a structured two-year training period, monthly stipend and wide range of study fields, this is one of the most comprehensive public service internship opportunities available to graduates entering the workforce.
