The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (KZNDOE) is inviting applications from unemployed graduates for its 24-Month Graduate Internship Programme (2026–2028). This structured and fully supported programme aims to equip young professionals with valuable workplace experience, strengthen their professional competencies, and enhance their employability within the public service sector, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education X800 Graduate Internship Programme 2026.
Closing Date: 27 February 2026
Location: KwaZulu-Natal Province, Republic of South Africa
About the Programme
The Graduate Internship Programme forms part of the Department’s contribution to national skills development priorities, aligned with the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS), the National Development Plan (NDP), and Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) objectives.
Successful candidates will:
- Participate in a structured 24-month internship
- Receive a monthly stipend/allowance
- Be placed at the Head Office in Pietermaritzburg or various District Offices across KwaZulu-Natal
- Undergo compulsory rotation (except in specialized fields)
This initiative is implemented under the leadership of the MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, reinforcing the department’s vision of “Inspiring New Hope.”
Fields of Internship Opportunities
The programme offers placements across a wide range of professional disciplines as outlined below:
| Ref Number | Field/Directorate | Relevant Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| KZNDE/001/Intern | Human Resource Administrative Services | HR Development, HR Management, Public Administration, Public Management, Office Administration, Labour Law, Business Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, Strategic Planning |
| KZNDE/002/Intern | Information Technology Services | Information Systems, IT, Programming, Networking, MIS, Business Information Systems |
| KZNDE/003/Intern | Communications & Publications (PMB only) | Public Relations, Journalism, Social Media, Photography, Graphic Design |
| KZNDE/004/Intern | Supply Chain Management | SCM, Logistics, Project Management |
| KZNDE/005/Intern | Organisational Development (PMB only) | Work Study, Production Management, Operational Management |
| KZNDE/006/Intern | Legal Services (PMB only) | LLB |
| KZNDE/007/Intern | Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) | Statistics, Data Analytics, Computer Science, GIS, Geography |
| KZNDE/008/Intern | Infrastructure Planning & Delivery | Quantity Surveying, Civil/Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Built Environment, Town & Regional Planning |
| KZNDE/009/Intern | Special Needs & Inclusive Education | Psychology, Social Work, Career Guidance |
| KZNDE/0010/Intern | Library & Information Services | Library & Information Science |
| KZNDOE/0011/Intern | Inter-Governmental Relations | International Relations, Political Science, Policy Development |
| KZNDE/0012/Intern | Occupational Health & Safety | OHS, Safety Management, Disaster Management |
| KZNDE/0013/Intern | Finance | Accounting, Financial Management, Taxation, Internal Auditing |
| KZNDE/0014/Intern | Co-Curricular (Sport & Music) | Sport Management, Sport Science, Music |
Minimum Requirements
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be an unemployed graduate with no relevant work experience
- Not currently studying
- Not have previously participated in a graduate internship programme
- Be willing to sign a contractual agreement
- Be available for placement anywhere in KwaZulu-Natal
- Persons with Functional Needs are strongly encouraged to apply
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- Completed New Z83 Form
- Recently certified copy of South African ID
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of Matric Certificate
- Certified copy of Degree/Diploma Certificate
(TVET graduates must attach a DHET confirmation letter if applicable) - Full Academic Record (showing modules passed)
- Proof of Residence
- Proof of Professional Registration (where applicable)
Important: Incomplete applications will automatically be disqualified.
Where to Submit Applications
Applications must be hand-delivered to the nearest KZN Department of Education office.
Head Office
228 Pietermaritz Street, Ex-NED Building, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
3rd Floor, Old Mutual Building, 185 Langalibalele Street, Pietermaritzburg
District Offices Include:
- Umgungundlovu District – Pietermaritzburg
- Pinetown District – 17 Crompton Street, Pinetown
- Umlazi District – Truro House, Durban
- Ilembe District – KwaDukuza
- Zululand District – Vryheid / Ulundi
- Ugu District – Port Shepstone
- Harry Gwala District – Kokstad
- Uthukela District – Ladysmith
- Umzinyathi District – Dundee
- Amajuba District – Newcastle
- King Cetshwayo District – Empangeni
- Umkhanyakude District – Mkuze
Applicants are advised to submit their documents to the office nearest to their place of residence.
Important Notes
- No transfers will be allowed after placement due to incorrect information.
- Preference will be given to applicants who attach certified qualification certificates.
- If applicants are not contacted within two months after the closing date, they should consider their application unsuccessful.
- The Department reserves the right to place or not place applicants according to operational needs.
Why Apply?
This internship programme provides:
- Hands-on experience in the public education sector
- Professional mentorship and structured development
- Exposure to government systems and service delivery
- A stepping stone toward long-term employment
Graduates passionate about contributing to education development and public service excellence are encouraged to seize this opportunity. Apply before 27 February 2026. Take the first step toward building a meaningful career in public service with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education.
