UNISA Internships 2026 open for unemployed graduates under 35. A paid 12-month programme with placements across South Africa.
For many UNISA graduates, finding work after graduation hasn’t been about laziness or lack of effort — it’s been about opportunity. With youth unemployment still painfully high in South Africa, UNISA’s 12-month Internship Programme for 2026 arrives at a moment when thousands of qualified graduates are still waiting for their first real break.
This call is strictly for UNISA graduates, under 35, with no prior work experience, and the window to apply closes on 6 February 2026. If you qualify, this could be the difference between another year of waiting and a year of real, paid work experience inside one of the country’s largest universities.
Why UNISA Internships 2026 Matters Right Now
South Africa produces more graduates every year than the labour market can absorb. For distance-learning students in particular, the challenge is sharper: many graduate with solid theory but limited workplace exposure.
UNISA’s internship programme is designed to close that gap.
This is not casual volunteering or short-term exposure. It is a full 12-month internship, with a stipend of R127,576 per year, structured supervision, and placement in operational university departments where real work gets done.
Importantly, applicants must have no previous work experience. That alone makes this opportunity rare — and valuable — for graduates who keep losing out because employers want “experience” they’ve never been given a chance to gain.
Who Can Apply — And Who Cannot
This internship is not open to the general public. UNISA is clear about who qualifies.
You may apply if you:
- Are a South African citizen
- Are unemployed
- Are 35 years or younger
- Have completed a UNISA qualification (NQF Level 6 or higher)
- Have no prior work experience
- Have never been appointed at UNISA or any other organisation
You will not be considered if:
- You studied at another institution
- You have already worked formally before
- You were previously appointed as an intern or employee elsewhere
- You submit incomplete or incorrect reference details
Applicants living with disabilities are strongly encouraged, and appointments will align with UNISA’s Employment Equity Plan.
Fields of Study and Internship Placement Areas
UNISA is offering internships across multiple departments and regions, including Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Gauteng. These are not generic roles — each placement requires a specific qualification.
Key study areas include:
- ICT / Computer Science
- Information Science & Library Studies
- Administration, Office & Business Management
- Public Administration
- Finance, Accounting & Supply Chain
- Communication Science & Marketing
- Life Sciences (Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Physiology)
Departments include:
- Student Administration & System Integration
- Library and Information Services
- Institutional Advancement
- CAES Laboratories
- Regional Service Centres
Each position has a unique reference number, and applications must be submitted separately if you apply for more than one role.
What the UNISA Internships 2026 Will Actually Expect From You
This is not an “easy year”. Interns are expected to function like junior staff members under supervision.
Core competencies include:
- Computer literacy (Microsoft Office 365 and internet tools)
- Professional communication and telephone etiquette
- Time management and multitasking
- Confidentiality and attention to detail
- Working under pressure and meeting deadlines
- Clear written and verbal English
In return, interns gain:
- Real workplace exposure
- Administrative and technical experience
- Professional references
- A structured routine that strengthens employability
For many graduates, this kind of experience is what finally unlocks future job opportunities.
Application Details You Must Get Right
Small mistakes will cost you this opportunity.
Before applying, make sure:
- Your UNISA student number is correct
- The position reference number matches the role
- You apply through the official UNISA internship portal
- Each application is submitted individually
Internship duration: 12 months
Start date: 01 March 2026
Stipend: R127,576 per annum
Closing date: 06 February 2026
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What This UNISA Internships 2026 Opportunity Is — And What It Isn’t
This internship does not guarantee permanent employment. UNISA does not promise absorption, and applicants should be honest about that expectation.
What it does offer is:
- A credible institution on your CV
- Daily work experience
- Skills that employers actually recognise
- A bridge between graduation and the job market
In today’s economy, that bridge matters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply if I studied at another university?
No. This internship is strictly for UNISA graduates.
Can I apply for more than one position?
Yes, but each application must be submitted separately with the correct reference number.
Is this internship paid?
Yes. The stipend is R127,576 per year.
Do I need work experience?
No. In fact, having prior work experience will disqualify you.
Where do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the official UNISA Internship Programme 2026 application form, accessible only to UNISA students and graduates.
Final Thought
For unemployed UNISA graduates, opportunities like this don’t come often — and they don’t stay open for long. Whether you see this internship as a stepping stone, a confidence builder, or simply a way back into structured work, it is worth serious consideration before the 6 February 2026 deadline.
Sometimes progress doesn’t come as a dream job — it comes as a door that finally opens.
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