SHRA Internship Programme 2026 offers paid 24-month internships for unemployed South African graduates. Applications close 30 January 2026.
South Africa’s Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) has opened applications for its 2026 Internship Programme, offering paid, two-year workplace experience to unemployed graduates under the age of 35. With youth unemployment still high and graduate work experience hard to secure, this announcement matters now for young people trying to enter the housing, finance, construction, and social development sectors.
Applications close on 30 January 2026, giving eligible graduates a short window to prepare and submit complete applications.
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Why the SHRA Internship Programme Matters
SHRA is not a private company or a training provider. It is a Schedule 3A public entity under the Department of Human Settlements, mandated to regulate and support social housing for low- to middle-income earners in South Africa.
That matters because interns placed here are exposed to real public-sector work, including compliance, housing delivery oversight, tenant administration, governance, and project management. For graduates who studied but never found entry points into the labour market, this programme offers structured exposure that employers often demand — but rarely provide.
The programme runs for 24 months, long enough for interns to gain meaningful responsibility rather than short observational experience.
Internship Opportunities Available in 2026
The SHRA Internship Programme covers multiple disciplines and locations, reflecting the complexity of social housing delivery.
Built Environment and Project Roles
- Project Management / Quantity Surveyor Intern (x2) – Newcastle
Focused on site measurement, payment verification, cost control, and compliance. Ideal for graduates in Quantity Surveying or Construction-related degrees. - Project Administrator Intern (x1) – Durban
Supports project reporting, tenant repairs, and maintenance tracking within housing developments.
Finance, Administration, and Leasing
- Collections Administrator Intern (x1) – Durban
Covers rent collection, debtor control, billing, bookkeeping, and legal administration. - Leasing Administrator Intern (x1) – Durban
Supports leasing processes, tenant management, and rental collections. - Company Secretary Intern (x1) – Johannesburg
Works within the Office of the CEO, supporting governance, board administration, compliance, and policy registers.
Community and Social Development
- Community Development / Social Work Interns (x2) – Port Elizabeth
Focused on case management, crisis intervention, community outreach, and resident support. - Tenant Liaison Officer Intern (x1) – East London
Handles tenant communication, lease administration, dispute resolution, and housing allocations.
All internships offer a monthly stipend of R11,175, with no prior experience required.
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Who Can Apply and Important Limits-SHRA Internship Programme
The SHRA Internship Programme is open only to candidates who meet specific criteria.
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be unemployed graduates under the age of 35
- Hold qualifications relevant to the specific internship applied for
- Submit a completed SHRA application form
- Provide certified copies of ID, qualifications, CV, and proof of residence
Applications missing documents will not be considered, and late submissions are automatically disqualified.
Applicants should also note that by applying, they consent to criminal, qualification, credit, employment, and reference checks.
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Applications must be emailed to:
re*********@******rg.za
What Interns Will Actually Learn-SHRA Internship Programme
Unlike generic internships, SHRA placements are tied directly to operational work.
Interns may be involved in:
- Verifying construction work before payments are approved
- Managing tenant accounts and resolving rental disputes
- Supporting social workers during crisis interventions
- Preparing governance documentation for executive and board structures
- Tracking housing project progress and compliance evidence
This kind of exposure is particularly valuable because it reflects how housing policy is implemented on the ground, not just in theory.
How to Apply and What to Expect Next-SHRA Internship Programme
Applications must be emailed to:
re*********@******rg.za
The closing date is 30 January 2026.
SHRA has stated that:
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- If no response is received within 60 days, applicants should assume their application was unsuccessful
- SHRA reserves the right not to fill all advertised positions
This transparency helps applicants manage expectations — competition is expected to be high.

A Realistic Note for Applicants-SHRA Internship Programme
While the stipend offers financial support, this programme is primarily about experience, not income. Graduates considering applying should be prepared for administrative workloads, site visits, and professional accountability typical of public-sector environments.
That said, two years of structured exposure within housing regulation can significantly strengthen a CV — especially in fields where experience is often a barrier to entry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)-SHRA Internship Programme
Can I apply if I have no work experience?
Yes. All listed internships require no prior experience.
Can I apply for more than one position?
The advert does not prohibit multiple applications, but each must be complete and relevant.
Are these internships permanent jobs?
No. All positions are fixed-term internships lasting 24 months.
What happens if I submit late?
Late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
Is proof of residence mandatory?
Yes. Applications without proof of residential address will be rejected.