For many final-year students, the hardest part of graduating isn’t exams, it’s proving you can work in the real world.
The Competition Commission WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING 2026 programme exists for students who need more than theory on paper. It’s for those who must complete practical training, but also want that experience to mean something in South Africa’s public sector.
At a time when entry-level roles are shrinking and unpaid internships are being questioned, this programme lands at a critical moment.
Why This Work-Integrated Learning Programme Matters Now
South Africa has no shortage of graduates. What it lacks are structured pathways that help students cross the gap between qualification and employability.
Many learners finish their studies with strong marks but no exposure to professional environments. Others are blocked from graduating because their curriculum requires workplace learning that is increasingly hard to secure.
The Competition Commission WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING 2026 programme directly responds to this problem.
It offers six months of guided, supervised experience inside a national regulator — not a simulated project or observational role. For students in law, economics, finance, IT, HR, communications, and supply chain management, this exposure is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Importantly, this is not framed as a guaranteed job pipeline. It is practical training with defined limits, and honesty matters.
ALSO APPLY FOR Western Cape Government Graduate Internship 2026
What the Six-Month Experience Actually Looks Like
This is a fixed-term, six-month programme, designed primarily for students who either:
- Are in their final year and require practical experience to graduate, or
- Have completed a qualification but lack workplace exposure
Participants work within real teams, under coaches, in an organization that deals with competition law, market regulation, investigations, and economic analysis.
Expect structured learning, but also expectations.
Interns are required to contribute, research, write, collaborate, and meet professional standards. The Commission emphasises analytical thinking, communication skills, and public-interest awareness — not just technical competence.
At the end of the programme, students receive:
- A certificate of attendance
- A recommendation letter prepared by their coach
What you do not receive is a promise of permanent employment, and that clarity protects applicants from false hope.
Who the Programme Is Really For (and Who It Isn’t)
The Competition Commission WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING 2026 programme is not for everyone, and that’s intentional.
It is aimed at:
- South African citizens
- Students or recent graduates with no prior work experience in the same field
- Final-year students or those who have completed a Degree or National Certificate
- Candidates with strong academic records (70%+ is an advantage, not a guarantee)
Beyond marks, the Commission looks for something harder to fake:
evidence of initiative, public interest, and engagement beyond coursework.
This might include:
- Student leadership
- Community or service projects
- Research involvement
- Voluntary work aligned with social impact
If you’re looking for a low-effort internship to “fill space on your CV,” this probably isn’t it.
What the Commission Offers
The programme includes a stipend, which matters in a landscape where many students are expected to work for free.
It also offers:
- A supportive, learning-focused environment
- Exposure to training opportunities
- Hands-on experience in competition law and economics
- Practical training aligned with academic requirements
The Commission is also explicit about Employment Equity, encouraging applications from persons with disabilities and committing to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Still, there are realities to acknowledge:
- Placement depends on organisational priorities and budget
- Not all advertised positions may be filled
- Only shortlisted candidates receive feedback
Transparency like this is rare and necessary.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted online only through the Competition Commission recruitment portal.
You’ll need:
- A one-page CV
- Academic records
- ID copy
- Proof of registration (for final-year students)
- SAQA accreditation (for international qualifications)
Applications close on 13 February 2026 at 5pm.
Security vetting applies to successful candidates, and incomplete or late applications are unlikely to be considered.
This process rewards attention to detail, which is exactly what the work itself demands.
Apply for the Competition Commission WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Competition Commission WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING 2026 a paid internship?
Yes. The programme offers a stipend for the full six-month duration.
Does completing the programme guarantee a job at the Commission?
No. Participants receive a certificate and recommendation letter, not automatic employment.
Can graduates apply, or only students?
Both final-year students and graduates with no prior work experience in the same field may apply.
Is prior work experience required?
No. In fact, applicants must not have prior experience in the same field.
Are persons with disabilities encouraged to apply?
Yes. The Commission explicitly supports equity, diversity, and inclusion
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