DHET Internship Programme 2025: 125 Posts Open for South African Graduates

Explore the DHET Internship Programme 2025 offering 125 placements across South Africa. Learn eligibility, application steps, training benefit
What Is the DHET Internship Programme?
The DHET Internship Programme engages recent tertiary graduates across its national and provincial offices. With 125 positions in areas such as administration, finance, research, and communications, this year-long programme offers practical workplace training designed to bridge the gap between academic study and impactful employment in the education sector.
Why the DHET Internships Matter
Real Work Experience
As an intern, you contribute to meaningful projects—supporting education policy, communication campaigns, data analysis, and administrative systems.
Mentorship and Career Development
Each intern receives guidance from seasoned public-sector professionals and performance feedback to help build workplace confidence.
Sector Exposure
You gain insight into how education policy, funding, and delivery operate—enabling informed career decisions in government or related sectors.
Stipends Provide Financial Stability
Interns receive a monthly stipend—allowing you to focus on learning rather than financial stress during the programme.
Eligibility: Are You a Fit for This Role?
To apply, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Hold a National Diploma, Bachelor’s, or Honours degree from an accredited institution
- Not have previously completed a government internship
- Be culturally and academically suited to a learning environment in government
- Commit full-time to the one-year structured placement
What Roles Are on Offer?
Internship posts are available in a range of departments, including:
- Administrative Support – managing correspondence, documentation, and client queries
- Finance and Budgeting – assisting with budget tracking, audits, and fiscal reporting
- Communications and Events – supporting public engagement and campaign materials
- Research and Monitoring – compiling education metrics, conducting literature reviews, assisting with policy assessments
Each position is tailored to help you gain practical experience aligned with the DHET’s mandate to enhance learning outcomes and higher education access.
How the Internship Programme Is Structured
Orientation
Begin with a two-week induction to understand DHET systems, protocols, and key strategic objectives.
Thematic Placement
Interns spend time across relevant units, contributing to workflow, attending technical sessions, and gaining operation-level insight.
Performance Reviews
Mid-year and year-end feedback sessions ensure you meet objectives, improve skills, and prepare for certification or pathways forward.
Conclusion
The programme wraps up with a performance review and discussion of next steps—be it further public-sector roles or graduate studies.
What Skills You’ll Gain
- Soft Skills: Effective communication, time management, interdepartmental coordination, and report writing
- Technical Skills: Document management, basic budgeting, data analysis, and research methods
- Public Service Fluency: Understanding governance structures, public accountability, and policy implementation
- Professionalism: Adhering to institutional protocols and ethical practice
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Visit the official DHET careers platform or provincial government website during the application window (typically around mid‑year).
- Register and create a profile, carefully completing all fields.
- Upload necessary documents: certified ID, academic transcripts, and proof of residence.
- Submit your resume, academic qualifications, and a brief statement highlighting your interest and suitability.
- Await confirmation for shortlisting, which is followed by interviews and administration checks.
What Past Interns Say
“Working with the policy unit gave me real confidence in my research skills.”
“Handling administrative tasks and data collection helped me understand how government supports education.”
Feedback from previous cadets highlights how meaningful—and career launching—these placements can be.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Highlight volunteer, research, or academic project experience relevant to education or public service
- Add references from academic supervisors or prior employers
- Be punctual and thorough with your documentation
- Prepare for interviews with clear examples of your teamwork, drive, and adaptability
- Familiarise yourself with DHET’s mission to support equitable access to higher education
Summary Table: DHET Internship at a Glance
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Duration | 1 year full-time |
Number of Posts | 125 placements across national and provincial offices |
Fields | Admin, finance, research, communication |
Qualifications Required | National Diploma/Bachelor’s/Honours |
Eligibility | SA citizen, unemployed graduates, fresh internships only |
Learned Skills | Research, data analysis, governance understanding, professionalism |
Final Thoughts
If you’re an eager graduate with a relevant qualification and a commitment to public service, the DHET Internship Programme 2025 is a valuable opportunity. It offers a structured learning environment, mentorship, real exposure to government operations, and a stepping stone to fulfilling careers in higher education or civil service.
Commit to professional growth and get ready to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s education architecture—your internship could be where your public service journey begins.