DPME Skills 2026 Learning Programme: Monthly Learner Allowance of R6 500 Announced
The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) has officially opened applications for its 2026–2028 Internship and In-Service Training Programme, offering structured workplace exposure and a monthly learner allowance of R6 500 to R7 860 depending on qualification level.
This national opportunity targets unemployed South African graduates as well as TVET N6 students who require in-service training to complete their formal qualifications. With South Africa’s youth unemployment remaining a national priority, the DPME initiative is one of the key programmes aimed at strengthening practical skills, improving employability, and building future public-sector leaders.
Quick Overview
- Programme: DPME Internship & In-Service Training Programme 2026–2028
- Allowance:
- N6 In-Service Training: R6 659.25 per month
- Graduate Internships: R7 860.50 per month
- Location: Pretoria, South Africa
- Closing date: 05 December 2025 at 16:30
- Eligibility: SA citizens, unemployed graduates, TVET N6 students
- Duration: 24 months
- Application method: Postal, hand-delivery, or email (per reference number)
About the DPME Skills Development Programme
The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation plays a critical oversight role in ensuring the effectiveness of government programmes. The 2026 internship and in-service programme is part of DPME’s skills pipeline development strategy, designed to:
- Support youth employment
- Build capacity in the public sector
- Offer hands-on experiential learning
- Develop competencies in policy planning, administration, monitoring, and evaluation
The programme is 24 months long, making it one of the most comprehensive public sector learning opportunities for young professionals entering the job market.
The department also prioritizes Employment Equity, encouraging women, youth, and persons with disabilities to apply.
Who Should Apply?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be unemployed at the time of application
- Have never participated in a public-sector internship, learnership or in-service training
- Meet the minimum qualification requirements for the specific internship
- Be available for interviews and assessments
- Be willing to undergo security vetting, criminal record checks, and qualification verification
For foreign qualifications, applicants must ensure SAQA evaluation is completed and attached.
Mandatory Application Requirements
To ensure your application is processed, the following documents must be submitted:
1. Completed and signed Z83 form
The Z83 form is compulsory for all government applications and must be correctly completed.
2. Comprehensive, updated CV
Your CV must include:
- Full details of your studies
- Contact information
- Three contactable references (names, numbers, and role/capacity)
3. Certified copies of documents
These will only be requested from shortlisted candidates — do not attach them during application.
4. Correct reference number
Each application must quote the correct reference number corresponding to the position you are applying for.
How to Apply for the DPME Internship Programme
Applicants may use postal, hand-delivery, or email submissions. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.
1. Postal / Hand-Delivery Address
Postal:
Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
Private Bag X944
Pretoria
0028
Hand Delivery:
330 Grosvenor Street
Hatfield, Pretoria
0028
2. Email Submission (per reference number)
Each email address corresponds to a different internship position. Applications must be emailed separately.
| Directorate | |
|---|---|
| Corporate Services: Legal Services | [email protected] |
| National Planning Coordination Secretariat (Social) | [email protected] |
| Sector & Monitoring Services Branch | [email protected] |
| State-Owned Enterprises Reform Branch | [email protected] |
Available DPME Internships & In-Service Training Posts (2026 Intake)
The DPME is offering targeted opportunities across priority directorates.
1. Intern: Corporate Services – Legal Services (X1)
- Reference: DPME/2025/01
- Location: Pretoria
- Stipend: R7 860.50
- Minimum Qualification: LLB or BA Laws
Ideal for law graduates seeking public-sector exposure, compliance experience, and workplace readiness.
2. Intern: National Planning Coordination Secretariat – Social (X1)
- Reference: DPME/2025/02
- Location: Pretoria
- Stipend: R7 860.50
- Minimum Qualification: Degree in Social Science, Education, or Health Sciences
This role supports national developmental planning, research, and social sector analysis.
3. Intern: State-Owned Enterprises Reform Branch (X1)
- Reference: DPME/2025/04
- Location: Pretoria
- Stipend: R7 860.50
- Minimum Qualification: Degree in Economics, Finance, or Accounting
Suitable for graduates interested in economic policy, SOE governance, and public financial management.
4. In-Service Training / Internship: Sector & Monitoring Services (X1)
- Reference: DPME/2025/03
- Location: Pretoria
- Stipend:
- N6 In-Service Training: R6 659.25
- Degree Internship: R7 860.50
Requirements:
- In-Service Training: N6 Certificate in Office Management
- Internship: Degree in Business Administration
This opportunity strengthens administrative and research skills within the department’s core monitoring and evaluation unit.
Why the DPME Internship Matters
The programme offers a highly structured environment where young graduates gain:
- Work exposure in policy-making environments
- Opportunities to work closely with experienced senior managers
- Practical training in administration, monitoring, coordination, and evaluation
- Priority placement experience valued in government careers
- A competitive monthly allowance
Public-sector internships are often the bridge to permanent employment, and DPME’s 24-month model adds even deeper experiential learning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the DPME 2026 Internship Programme?
Unemployed South African citizens with relevant qualifications (degree or N6 certificate) who have not previously participated in public-sector internships.
2. Is the programme open to TVET students?
Yes. TVET N6 students who require 18-month in-service training may apply for suitable posts.
3. Can I apply for more than one internship?
Yes, but each application must be submitted separately using the correct reference number.
4. Are certified documents required?
Not at the application stage. Certified copies will be requested from shortlisted candidates only.
5. What is the duration of the internship?
All internships run for 24 months, from 2026 to 2028.
6. How much is the stipend?
- N6 students: R6 659.25
- Graduate interns: R7 860.50
7. When is the closing date?
05 December 2025 at 16:30. Late applications will not be accepted.
Final Thoughts
The DPME Skills 2026 Learning Programme offers a valuable opportunity for young South Africans to gain career-changing professional exposure within the public sector. With structured training, mentorship, and competitive allowances, this programme remains one of the most impactful pathways for graduates entering government and development fields.
Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early and ensure all documents are completed accurately
