The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is officially inviting unemployed South African graduates to apply for its 2026/28 Internship Programme. This is a prestigious 24-month appointment designed to provide high-level exposure to national trade policy, industrial development, and economic regulation.
Based at the state-of-the-art dtic Campus in Sunnyside, Pretoria, successful interns will work at the intersection of government and the private sector, gaining skills that are highly valued in both public administration and global commerce.
The DTIC Internship: Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | Department of Trade, Industry and Competition |
| Location | Sunnyside, Pretoria (Gauteng) |
| Duration | 24 Months (01 July 2026 – 30 June 2028) |
| Closing Date | 06 May 2026 |
| Stipend | From R7,860.50 (Varies by qualification) |
| Target | Unemployed Graduates (NQF 6+) |
Technical Insight: The DTIC Economic Mandate
Interns at the dtic do not just perform administrative tasks; they contribute to the department’s core mission of “Dynamic equity within a growing economy.”
- Industrial Development: Exposure to special economic zones (SEZs) and manufacturing incentives.
- Trade Policy: Understanding international trade agreements and export promotion strategies.
- Competition & Regulation: Gaining insight into consumer protection, corporate law, and market competition frameworks.
- Economic Research: Utilizing Econometrics and Statistics to analyze market trends and industrial growth.
Accepted Fields of Study (NQF 6 or Higher)
The department is recruiting across a vast range of disciplines. Ensure your application references the correct field:
- Administration & Law: Public/Business Management, HR, Law, and International Politics.
- Finance & Risk: Accounting, Auditing, Risk Management, and Supply Chain.
- Economics & Science: Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, and Agricultural Economics.
- Technical & STEM: Software Development, Mining Engineering, and Metallurgy.
- Natural Sciences: Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or Bioengineering.
- Specialized: Occupational Health & Safety and Development Studies.
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Nationality: Must be an unemployed South African citizen.
- Education: A relevant tertiary qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher.
- Attributes: High integrity, professionalism, and the ability to work under pressure.
- Equity: Preference will be given to African males and persons with disabilities to meet departmental equity targets.
How to Apply: The Three-Way Submission
You can apply via email, post, or hand delivery. The closing date is 06 May 2026.
1. Email Submission (Preferred)
- Email:
intern2026@thedtic.gov.za - Subject Line Format:
Intern2026 – [Your Field of Study](e.g., Intern2026 – Accounting)
2. Hand Delivery
- Address: DTIC Campus, Corner of Meintjies and Robert Sobukwe Streets, Sunnyside, Pretoria.
3. Postal Submission
- Address: The Director: Human Resources Management, Private Bag X84, Pretoria, 0001.
Mandatory Application Documents
Applications will be disqualified if they do not include:
- New Z83 Form: Must be completed in full and signed. [Download the New Z83 Form here].
- Detailed CV: Must explicitly list your final-year modules/subjects.
- Note: Do not attach certified documents yet. Only shortlisted candidates will need to provide them during the interview stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I have a foreign qualification?
Your qualification must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
2. Can I apply for more than one field?
It is recommended to focus on the field most closely aligned with your degree to demonstrate “specialized intent” to the HR panel.
3. How long until I hear back?
If you have not been contacted by 06 August 2026 (three months after closing), consider your application unsuccessful.
Disclaimer for AfterMatric24: The information provided here is for general career guidance. While we strive for 100% accuracy, candidates are encouraged to verify details on the official dtic website. AfterMatric24 is not a recruitment agency.
Siphesihle Rose Dlamini
Siphesihle Rose Dlamini is the Founder and Lead Content Editor of AfterMatric24, a South Africa–based digital publication (aftermatric24.co.za) that covers education, bursaries, government programmes, and career opportunities. He has extensive experience researching and verifying information from official institutions, universities, and public sector sources.
Contact: info@aftermatric24.co.za