Explore how to apply for the SACE Graduate Internship Programme, a 24-month opportunity offering young graduates real work experience.
Are you a young graduate looking for an opportunity to launch your career in a meaningful way? The SACE Graduate Internship Programme offers a two-year structured internship designed to give you hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and an insight into the workings of the education system in South Africa.
If you’re passionate about contributing to the development of education, law, ethics, or research, this internship could be your perfect starting point.
What Is the SACE Graduate Internship Programme All About?
The SACE Graduate Internship Programme is an initiative by the South African Council for Educators (SACE), aimed at offering unemployed graduates practical workplace experience in relevant disciplines. The programme runs from 2025 to 2027 and spans a full 24 months.
It’s more than just a placement. It’s a structured programme that provides:
- Practical training in real work environments
- Mentorship from professionals who guide and support you
- A monthly stipend to ease financial stress
- Exposure to the education system, legal processes, and research frameworks
This is your chance to grow both professionally and personally in a supportive setting.
Who Should Apply for the SACE Graduate Internship Programme?
To be eligible for the programme, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be unemployed and under the age of 35
- Have completed a qualification at NQF Level 7 or Level 8 (e.g., Degree or Honours)
- Have no prior internship or formal work experience in your field
- Be available for a full-time, 24-month commitment
This programme is ideal for fresh graduates ready to enter the professional world and make a contribution to South Africa’s education system.
Internship Positions Available in the SACE Graduate Internship Programme
There are two key roles in this programme. Depending on your area of study and interest, you can apply for one of the following:
1. Monitoring, Evaluation & Research Intern (5 Posts)
Reference Number: PMERR-001
Fields of Study: Education, Public Administration, Humanities, Research, Social Sciences
You’ll work closely with SACE’s research and evaluation teams. Your tasks may include:
- Assisting in education-related research
- Supporting monitoring and evaluation efforts
- Preparing reports, summaries, and presentations
- Collecting and analyzing data from schools or institutions
This role is perfect if you enjoy critical thinking, writing, and want to influence education policy through research.
2. Legal and Ethics Intern (3 Posts)
Reference Number: ETHICS-002
Fields of Study: Law or Paralegal Studies
In this role, you’ll support the ethics and legal division. You may be expected to:
- Conduct legal research on educator conduct and policies
- Assist in investigations related to ethics and misconduct
- Support case handling, drafting of legal documents, and compliance monitoring
- Help implement professional codes of conduct within the sector
This internship is ideal for legal minds who want real-world exposure to administrative and education law.
Monthly Stipend Details
As part of the SACE Graduate Internship Programme, interns will receive a monthly stipend depending on their qualification level:
- R6,500 per month for NQF Level 7 (Bachelor’s Degree)
- R7,500 per month for NQF Level 8 (Honours Degree)
This stipend is meant to support you during your internship while you focus on learning and contributing.
How to Apply for the SACE Graduate Internship Programme
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you through the application process.
Step 1: Prepare Your Application Documents
Make sure you have the following:
- A completed and signed application form (SACE Employment Application Form)
- A detailed, professional CV
- Certified copies of:
- Your South African ID
- Academic qualifications (Degree or Honours certificate)
- If applicable, SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications
- Academic transcripts
All documents should be certified within the last six months.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
You can submit your application either:
- By email: Make sure your email subject line clearly states the Reference Number of the position you’re applying for (e.g., “Application for PMERR-001”)
- Or by hand: Deliver to the SACE Head Office in Centurion, addressed to the Human Resources department
Applications should be emailed to recruitment@sace.org.za (Reference in subject box is
the position applied for), hand deliver or Courier to Human Resource Unit, SACE Building
Block 1, at 240 Crossway Park Offices, (Corner Jean) Centurion. Correspondence is limited
to short-listed candidates. If not contacted within 3 months of the closing date of this
advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. The closing date for
applications is the 26 August 2025. Direct your Queries to Mary Chauke: 012 663 0429 or
Motsatsi Makgoba: 012 663 0423
Only one application per position is allowed. Do not send applications to multiple addresses or without the correct subject line.
Step 3: Wait for Shortlisting
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- If you don’t hear back within three months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful
- Always double-check deadlines and ensure your documents are properly submitted
When Is the Application Deadline?
The closing date for the SACE Graduate Internship Programme typically falls in late October (e.g., 25 October 2024 for the 2025 intake).
Be sure to submit your documents well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Why You Should Apply for the SACE Graduate Internship Programme
Here are a few reasons this internship is worth your time:
Real Exposure – You’re not fetching coffee; you’ll be doing real work that impacts real people
Structured Support – You’ll be mentored and guided through your tasks
Career Growth – You’ll gain the experience employers are looking for
Professional Network – Meet and work with educators, legal professionals, and policy makers
Stipend Support – You’ll be able to sustain yourself financially while learning
By the end of your 24 months, you’ll have the skills and confidence to apply for roles across government, education, law, and research institutions.
What Happens After the Internship?
While this internship does not guarantee permanent employment, it will:
- Significantly improve your employability
- Give you practical skills and experience in your field
- Help you build a professional portfolio and references
- Expose you to the inner workings of the education system
Many past interns have gone on to secure jobs in public service, legal environments, or educational research.
Pro Tips for Standing Out as an Applicant
- Customize your CV to reflect the internship you’re applying for
- Be honest and confident in your application—highlight your strengths
- Follow the instructions exactly—small mistakes can disqualify your application
- Show enthusiasm for education, law, or public service in your motivational statement (if included)
- Submit early—early applications are often reviewed first
Your Questions, Answered (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply if I already have work experience?
A: No. This programme is for graduates with no prior internship or work experience in their field.
Q: Is this internship available to international students?
A: No. You must be a South African citizen to apply.
Q: Can I apply for both internship roles?
A: You should choose one role that best suits your qualifications. Multiple applications may disqualify you.
Q: Will I be offered a job afterward?
A: There is no job guarantee, but the internship significantly boosts your chances of employment in related sectors.
Quick Reference: SACE Internship at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | SACE Graduate Internship Programme |
| Duration | 24 Months (2025–2027) |
| Eligibility | Unemployed graduates under 35 with no prior experience |
| Fields Available | Research, Monitoring & Evaluation, Legal & Ethics |
| Monthly Stipend | R6,500–R7,500 depending on qualification level |
| Submission Method | Email or hand-delivered to SACE HR in Centurion |
| Deadline | Usually around 25 October each year |
| Contactable After | Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted |
Final Thoughts: A Life-Changing Opportunity for Young Graduates
The SACE Graduate Internship Programme is more than just an internship—it’s a stepping stone to a meaningful career in education, policy, or legal administration. With a full two years of exposure, support, and development, it provides a platform for young professionals to grow, learn, and contribute to South Africa’s future.
If you meet the requirements, don’t hesitate. Start preparing your documents today, and take the first step toward an exciting new chapter in your professional journey.