Competition Commission Work-Integrated Learning 2026: Apply by 13 Feb for Paid Stipend Opportunities

For many students in their final year, the biggest challenge of graduating isn’t just passing exams. It’s showing that you can succeed in the real world. The Competition Commission WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING 2026 program aims to help students who need more than classroom knowledge. It’s perfect for those who must complete practical training but also want their experience to truly matter in South Africa’s public sector.

With the job market becoming tougher, especially for entry-level roles, this program arrives at a key time when unpaid internships are under scrutiny and real-world experience is increasingly valued.

Why This Work-Integrated Learning Program Is Important Now

South Africa has many graduates, but there’s a clear gap in structured pathways to help students move from being qualified to being employable.

Many students finish their studies with excellent grades but without any real experience in a work environment. Others find themselves unable to graduate because their programs require practical training, which can be hard to find.

The Competition Commission WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING 2026 program directly addresses this issue. It offers six months of meaningful, supervised experience within a national regulatory body — not just a mock project or observational role. This kind of exposure is especially valuable for students in fields like law, economics, finance, IT, human resources, communications, and supply chain management.

It’s important to note that this is not a guaranteed job opportunity. Instead, it offers practical training with clear expectations, which fosters honesty and transparency.

Also consider applying for the Western Cape Government Graduate Internship 2026.

What the Six-Month Experience Looks Like

This is a fixed-term, six-month program that is mainly designed for:

• Final-year students who need practical experience to graduate, or
• Recent graduates who have finished their studies but lack workplace exposure.

During the program, participants work in real teams under the guidance of coaches in an organization focused on competition law, market regulation, investigations, and economic analysis.

Expect a structured learning experience, but also be ready to meet expectations.

Interns are expected to contribute by researching, writing, collaborating, and upholding professional standards. The Commission pays attention to analytical thinking, communication skills, and awareness of public interest, beyond just technical skills.

At the end of the program, participants will receive:

• A certificate of attendance
• A recommendation letter from their coach.

However, no permanent job offer comes after the program. This honesty helps set realistic expectations for applicants.

Who Should Apply (and Who Shouldn’t)

The Competition Commission WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING 2026 program is designed for specific candidates, and that’s by choice.

It is meant for:

• South African citizens only,
• Students or recent graduates who have no work experience in the same field,
• Final-year students or those who have obtained a Degree or National Certificate,
• Candidates with strong academic records (a score of 70% or higher is a plus but not a guarantee).

Besides grades, the Commission will look for a quality harder to fake: evidence of initiative, public interest, and community engagement beyond regular coursework. This could include:

• Student leadership positions,
• Participation in community or service projects,
• Research involvement,
• Volunteer work that supports social impact.

If you are merely looking for an easy internship to “fill a spot on your CV,” this program probably isn’t right for you.

What the Commission Provides

This program includes a stipend, which is important in a landscape where many students are expected to work for free.

Additionally, it offers:

• A supportive environment focused on learning,
• Opportunities for further training,
• Hands-on experience in competition law and economics,
• Practical training that meets academic needs.

The Commission actively encourages applications from candidates with disabilities and promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace.

However, it’s important to keep in mind the following realities:

• Placement will depend on the organization’s priorities and budget,
• Not every advertised position may be filled,
• Only shortlisted candidates will receive feedback.

This level of transparency is both rare and necessary.

How to Apply

To apply, you must submit your application online only through the Competition Commission recruitment portal.

You’ll need to provide:

• A one-page CV,
• Your academic records,
• A copy of your ID,
• Proof of registration (if you are a final-year student),
• SAQA accreditation (for those with international qualifications).

Make sure to apply before 13 February 2026 at 5 PM.

Successful candidates will undergo security vetting, and keep in mind that late or incomplete applications will likely not be considered. Attention to detail matters, just like in the work you’ll be doing.

Apply for the Competition Commission WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)