The merSETA Internship Programme 2026 is a Government-backed, 24-month structured skills development opportunity offering 42 internship posts across South Africa — open to unemployed graduates with a National Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, or Honours qualification.
If you are a South African graduate between 18 and 35 years old who has never before participated in an internship programme, this is one of the most impactful SETA opportunities available in 2026. Placements are available at merSETA’s Head Office in Parktown (Johannesburg) and regional offices nationwide. The closing date is 20 April 2026.
Quick Overview: merSETA Internship Programme 2026
| Programme | merSETA Internship Programme 2026 |
| Duration | 24 Months (Fixed-Term) |
| Total Posts | 42 Nationwide |
| Location | Head Office (Parktown, JHB) + Regional Offices |
| Age Requirement | 18 to 35 Years |
| Stipend (NQF Level 6) | R10 000 per month |
| Stipend (NQF Level 7) | R11 000 per month |
| Stipend (NQF Level 8+) | R12 000 per month |
| Closing Date | 20 April 2026 |
| Application Method | Email, WhatsApp, PNet, or LinkedIn |
What Is merSETA?
merSETA stands for the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority. It is a public entity established under the Skills Development Act, overseen by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
merSETA funds training in the automotive, metals, plastics, and chemical sectors — making it one of the key SETAs bridging the skills gap for South African youth.
Internship Posts Available: Full Department Breakdown
Head Office — Parktown, Johannesburg (32 Posts)
- Learning Programmes & QA — 4 posts
- Grant Management — 4 posts
- Finance — 3 posts
- Sector Skills Planning / Research & Innovation / Chambers — 3 posts
- Human Resources — 2 posts
- Assets — 2 posts
- Marketing and Communications — 2 posts
- Supply Chain — 2 posts
- Company Secretariat — 2 posts
- Legal and Compliance — 1 post
- Travel — 1 post
- Project Management — 1 post
- Monitoring & Reporting — 1 post
- Quality Management — 1 post
- ICT Networks — 1 post
- ICT Development — 1 post
- ICT Library / Information Science — 1 post
Regional Offices — Client Services (16 Posts Across 8 Regions)
Two (2) Client Services internship posts are available in each of the following regions:
- Gauteng South A & B
- Gauteng North
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Western Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Mpumalanga & Limpopo
- Free State & Northern Cape
merSETA Internship 2026 Stipend
Unlike many internship programmes with flat, below-minimum-wage payments, merSETA pays according to your NQF qualification level. This tiered structure rewards academic progression and helps cover living costs throughout the 24-month placement.
| Qualification | NQF Level | Monthly Stipend |
| National Diploma | NQF Level 6 | R10 000 |
| Bachelor’s Degree / BTech | NQF Level 7 | R11 000 |
| Honours / Postgraduate | NQF Level 8+ | R12 000 |
Requirements for the merSETA Internship Programme 2026
Minimum Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be between 18 and 35 years of age
- Must hold a National Diploma (NQF Level 6), Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7), or Honours / Postgraduate Qualification (NQF Level 8+)
- Must NOT have previously participated in any internship programme
- Must be currently unemployed
Preference Will Be Given To
- Affirmative Action candidates
- Persons living with disabilities
Fields of Study Eligible
Graduates from the following qualification areas are encouraged to apply:
Business Administration, Finance Management, Accounting, Human Resource Management, Labour Law, Industrial Psychology, Project Management, Office Administration, Training / Skills Development, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Commerce, Social Sciences, Quality Systems, Operations Management, Engineering, Communications Networks, Computer Science, System Development, Library and Information Science, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Public Administration, Law, and Tourism.
Note: Both university graduates and qualifying TVET College National Diploma holders (NQF Level 6) are eligible to apply.
Documents Required to Apply
Prepare the following documents before submitting your application:
- Updated CV — tailored to your target department
- Certified copy of your South African ID document
- Certified copies of your qualification certificates (National Diploma, Degree, or Honours)
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of residence (if required)
- Motivation letter (strongly recommended)
Pro Tip: Documents must be certified copies — not originals and not plain photocopies. You can certify your documents at a South African Police Service (SAPS) station or before a Commissioner of Oaths.
How to Apply for the merSETA Internship Programme 2026
Applications are managed by Rapid Recruiting on behalf of merSETA. You can apply through any of these four (4) channels:
Option 1: Apply via Email
- recruit@rapidrecruiting.co.za
- shanelle@rapidrecruiting.co.za
Option 2: Apply via WhatsApp
WhatsApp Number: 033 880 0263
Option 3: Apply via PNet
Visit www.pnet.co.za and search for “Rapid Recruiting” to find the merSETA 2026 listing.
Option 4: Apply via LinkedIn
Search for the merSETA Internship Programme 2026 on LinkedIn and apply directly through the platform.
| Application Strategy: Apply through at least two channels to increase visibility. Email and PNet are highly recommended. Customise your CV and motivation letter specifically for your target department. Apply early — before deadline pressure drives up submission volumes. |
Closing Date for merSETA Internship 2026
CLOSING DATE: 20 APRIL 2026
Late applications will not be considered. Apply today.
If you do not receive a response within two (2) weeks after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a permanent job?
No. The merSETA Internship Programme is a 24-month fixed-term programme. It does not guarantee permanent employment. However, the structured workplace experience and NQF-aligned skills gained can significantly improve your employability in South Africa’s job market.
Can TVET College graduates apply?
Yes. Graduates with a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 from a TVET College qualify to apply, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria, including the age requirement and having no prior internship experience.
Can I apply if I already completed another internship?
No. Applicants must not have previously participated in any internship programme. This is a strict eligibility criterion that will disqualify your application.
Do I need to relocate?
Possibly. Placement depends on available posts per department or region. If you apply for a regional Client Services post, you may need to be based in that province.
Does merSETA charge an application fee?
No. merSETA does not charge any application or registration fees. Any request for payment is fraudulent. Report suspicious activity immediately.
Where is the official advertisement?
The official merSETA internship advertisement (PDF) is available on the merSETA website at www.merseta.org.za. You can also apply via PNet or LinkedIn through Rapid Recruiting.
Disclaimer | This is an informational post. The details published here are based on the official merSETA Internship Programme 2026 advertisement. Always verify the final details — including the closing date, requirements, and application channels — directly on the official merSETA website (www.merseta.org.za) before submitting any personal documents. studentdaily.co.za is not affiliated with merSETA or Rapid Recruiting.
