The SASSA Internship and Learnership 2026 is a paid government programme offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) for unemployed South African youth between the ages of 18 and 35. It gives graduates and TVET N6 certificate holders the chance to gain real workplace experience inside one of South Africa’s most important government agencies — while earning a monthly stipend.
SASSA runs two separate pathways under this initiative:
- Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme — for TVET College learners who hold an N6 National Certificate and need practical workplace exposure to complete their qualification.
- Internship Programme — for unemployed graduates who hold a National Diploma, B-Tech, or Degree (NQF Level 6 or 7) and are looking to enter the job market.
Both programmes are structured, salaried, and recognised within the public sector — making them an excellent launchpad for a career in government.
Read also: Citi South Africa — Learnership Graduate Programme 2026
Available SASSA Internship and Learnerships for 2026
SASSA is recruiting across several key departments. The following fields have confirmed posts available for 2026:
1. Internship Programme (Degree/B-Tech/ National Diploma Required)
| Field | Qualification | Ref Number |
| Grant Administration | Public Management / Admin / Social Science | SAS 15/2026 |
| ICT (X1 Post) | Information Technology | SAS 16/2026 |
| Finance | Financial Accounting | SAS 17/2026 |
| Communications | PR / Communication/ Multimedia Journalism / Media Studies | SAS 18/2026 |
2. Work Integrated Learning (N6 Certificate Required)
| Field | Qualification | Ref Number |
| Grant Administration (X3 Posts) | Industrial Engineering / Management Services / Ops Management | SAS 19/2026 |
| ICT (X1 Posts) | IT / Library Info Science | SAS 20/2026 |
| Finance (X2 Posts) | Financial Accounting | SAS 21/2026 |
| Human Capital (X2 Posts) | HR Management / Public Management | SAS 22/2026 |
| Facilities (X2 Posts) | Public Management | SAS 23/2026 |
Stipend Details: How Much Will You Earn?
This is a paid programme. Successful candidates receive an all-inclusive monthly stipend for the full duration of their placement.
| Programme | Duration | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| WIL Programme (TVET N6) | 18 months | R5 639.75 per month |
| Internship Programme (NQF 6/7) | 24 months | R7 860.50 per month |
SASSA’s internship stipend of R7 860.50 is among the stronger government stipend offerings for graduates — significantly higher than many private-sector internships. Both figures are all-inclusive.
Requirements for the SASSA Internship and Learnership 2026
Before you apply, make sure you meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
General Requirements (Both Programmes)
- South African citizen with a valid, bar-coded ID document
- Aged between 18 and 35 years
- Currently unemployed — you must not be working or receiving income
- Not currently enrolled in another learnership, internship, or WIL programme
- Willing to work at the designated SASSA office for the post you are applying for
WIL Programme — Specific Requirement
- Completed N6 National Certificate from a public TVET College in a relevant field
- Requires workplace exposure to complete your National Diploma
Internship Programme — Specific Requirement
- Completed National Diploma, B-Tech, or Degree (NQF Level 6 or 7) in a relevant field from a recognised South African institution
- Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) before applying — this is your responsibility
Employment Equity
SASSA subscribes to the principles of Employment Equity. Persons living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Required Documents for Your SASSA Internship and Learnership Application
Prepare the following documents before submitting your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- ✅ Fully completed and signed New Z83 Form
- ✅ Certified copy of your South African ID document
- ✅ Certified copies of all qualifications and academic transcripts
- ✅ Comprehensive, updated CV
- ✅ Correct reference number quoted clearly on your application form
⚠️ Important: Ensure all copies are recently certified (within three months). Uncertified or outdated copies are a common reason for disqualification.
Closing Date for SASSA Internship and Learnership 2026
| Programme / Location | Closing Date |
|---|---|
| Eastern Cape (East London) — Internship & WIL | 13 March 2026 |
| SASSA Head Office (Pretoria) — Internship | 14 February 2026 (closed) |
Act fast. The Eastern Cape intake closes on 13 March 2026. Late applications are not accepted. Watch the official SASSA website and the DPSA (Department of Public Service and Administration) vacancy circular for additional provincial intakes as they are advertised.
How to Apply for the SASSA Internship and Learnership 2026
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is submitted correctly.
Step 1: Download the Z83 Form
Download the official New Z83 Form from the DPSA website at www.dpsa.gov.za. Ensure you are using the updated 2021 version. An outdated form will disqualify your application.
Step 2: Complete the Z83 Form
Fill in all fields in full, legible handwriting or typed print. Sign and date the form where required. Leave no section blank — write “N/A” where a question does not apply to you.
Step 3: Prepare Your Certified Documents
Get certified copies of your ID, qualifications, and academic transcripts. Visit your nearest police station or commissioner of oaths to certify them. Certification must be recent (within three months of submission).
Step 4: Write a Targeted Cover Letter
Your cover letter should be tailored to the specific post you are applying for. Mention your relevant qualification, your interest in public service, and your willingness to work at the advertised location. Reference the specific post reference number in your cover letter and on the Z83 form.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
For the Eastern Cape (East London) intake, applications must be hand-delivered or posted to:
Attention: Human Capita Management
SASSA
Private Bag X 9001
Chiselhurst
East London
5200
Hand Delivery:
SASSA Offices
BKB Building,
Corner Fitzpatrick & Merino Road
Quigney,
East London
You may also submit to the nearest SASSA office within the Eastern Cape.
⛔ Email applications are NOT accepted for this intake. Applications submitted via email will be automatically disqualified.
For the Head Office (Pretoria) Internship, applications were submitted via email to the contact provided in the official DPSA circular. That intake’s closing date has passed — monitor the DPSA circular for new Head Office intakes.
Step 6: Keep Copies of Everything
Make photocopies of all documents you submit, including your completed Z83 form. Keep them safe in case you are shortlisted for verification.
Step 7: Await Contact
If you have not been contacted within three months of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful for that round. Continue applying for other open intakes.
What Happens After You Apply?
Shortlisted candidates will be subject to the following pre-employment checks — these are compulsory for all government positions:
- Qualification verification
- Criminal record check
- Reference checks
- ITC (credit) screening
- Security vetting
Successful candidates are placed in SASSA offices based on availability, qualifications, and operational requirements.
Note: SASSA does not charge any fee to apply. If anyone asks you to pay for an application, it is a scam. Report it immediately.
This is an informational post compiled from publicly available sources to assist South African job seekers. Always check the official SASSA website (www.sassa.gov.za) and the DPSA Vacancy Circular for final verification of requirements, closing dates, and application instructions before submitting any personal documents. Details may change without notice.
