Graduates, you have a timely chance to start a career in the public sector. The Department of Correctional Services is now accepting applications for its Public Service Graduate Internship Programme 2026 – a 24‑month paid placement that can give you the work experience you need right now.
What is the internship?
The programme is a 24‑month graduate internship with the Department of Correctional Services. It offers practical exposure in a range of fields while you receive a monthly stipend of R8 174.75. The internship is open across South Africa – at the national head office, training colleges and regional centres.
Who can apply?
You must hold a recognised qualification (National Diploma, Degree or Trade Certificate) that matches the field you choose. The internship is only for South African citizens who have graduated but still need workplace experience. Below is a quick guide to the fields and the minimum qualification required.
Head Office fields
- Built Environment – Ref HO 2026/06/01 – Architecture, Civil or Structural Engineering (ND/Deg).
- Legal – Ref HO 2026/06/02 – Bachelor of Laws.
- Finance – Ref HO 2026/06/03 – Financial Accounting or Management (ND/Deg).
- Psychology – Ref HO 2026/06/04 – Degree in Psychology.
- Social Work – Ref HO 2026/06/05 – Degree in Social Work.
- Information Technology – Ref HO 2026/06/06 – IT (ND/Deg).
- Supply Chain Management – Ref HO 2026/06/07 – Supply Chain (ND/Deg).
- Theology – Ref HO 2026/06/08 – Theological Studies (ND/Deg).
- Correctional Service Management – Ref HO 2026/06/09 – Studies in Correctional Services, Penology, Criminology or Security Management (ND/Deg).
Training college fields
- Kroonstad Training College – IT (Ref KSC 2026/06/10), Supply Chain (Ref KSC 2026/06/11), Theology (Ref KSC 2026/06/12).
- Zonderwater Training College – IT (Ref ZWC 2026/06/13), Supply Chain (Ref ZWC 2026/06/14), Theology (Ref ZWC 2026/06/15).
Regional fields (selected examples)
- Gauteng – Correctional Service Management (Ref GP 2026/06/16), OHS (Ref GP 2026/06/17), IT (Ref GP 2026/06/18), Supply Chain (Ref GP 2026/06/19), Agriculture (Ref GP 2026/06/20), Kitchen/Bakery (Ref GP 2026/06/21), Artisans (Ref GP 2026/06/22).
- Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West – same fields plus Clothing & Textile (Ref LMN 2026/06/30).
- Western Cape – Correctional Service Management (Ref WC 2026/06/31) and similar supporting fields.
- Eastern Cape – Correctional Service Management (Ref EC 2026/06/38) and similar supporting fields.
- KwaZulu‑Natal – Correctional Service Management (Ref KZN 2026/06/44) and similar supporting fields.
- Free State & Northern Cape – Correctional Service Management (Ref FS/NC 2026/06/50) and similar supporting fields.
What will you gain?
The 24‑month placement lets you develop real‑world skills, understand how a government department operates and build a CV that stands out for future public‑service or private‑sector jobs. You will also earn a stipend of R8 174.75 per month, which can help cover living costs while you learn.
How to apply – step by step
- Download the official Z83 application form from the Department of Correctional Services website.
- Complete the form carefully. Include:
- Your full contact details.
- The correct reference number for the field you are applying for.
- A detailed curriculum vitae that matches the qualification requirements.
- Attach only the CV to the Z83 form. Do not add extra documents at this stage.
- Send your application:
- By email – use the correct address listed below and put the reference number in the subject line.
- Or hand‑deliver / post – to the address shown for the relevant office or region.
- If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to bring certified copies of your qualifications and other documents before the interview.
- Apply separately for each internship you are interested in – one complete set per reference number.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check the reference number. A single typo can disqualify your application.
- Tailor your CV to the specific field. Highlight relevant coursework, projects or work experience.
- Make sure the Z83 form is fully completed; missing fields are treated as incomplete.
- Submit before the deadline – late applications are not considered, even if they are otherwise perfect.
- Keep a copy of everything you send and note the date of submission.
Where to send your application
National Head Office
Email: HQHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: 124 WF Nkomo Street, Poyntons Building, Pretoria, 0001
Postal: Private Bag X136, Pretoria, 0001
Gauteng Region
Email: GPHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: 1077 Forum East Building, Arcadia Street, Hatfield, Pretoria
Postal: Private Bag X393, Pretoria, 0001
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West
Email: LMNHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: Corner Johannes Ramokhoase & Paul Kruger Street, 196 Masada Building, 9th Floor, Pretoria
Postal: Private Bag X142, Pretoria
Western Cape
Email: WCHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: Peninsula Drive, Monte Vista, 7460
Postal: Private Bag X14, Goodwood, 7459
Eastern Cape
Email: ECHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: Moore Street, Block E Ocean Terrace, Quigney, East London, 5211
Postal: Private Bag X9013, East London
KwaZulu‑Natal
Email: KZNHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: Correctional Services, Eugene Marais Road, Napierville, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Postal: Private Bag X9126, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Free State & Northern Cape
Email: FSNCHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: 103 Zastron Street, Agrimed Building, Bloemfontein, 9300
Postal: Private Bag X20530, Bloemfontein, 9300
Enquiry contacts
If you have questions, call the numbers below (use the appropriate region):
- National Head Office – 012 307 2176 / 012 307 2078 / 012 305 8188
- Gauteng – 012 420 0146 / 012 420 0176
- Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West – 012 306 2112
- Western Cape – 021 550 6078
- Eastern Cape – 043 706 7840
- KwaZulu‑Natal – 033 355 7300 / 033 355 7360
- Free State & Northern Cape – 051 404 0200 / 051 404 0288
Important reminders
- Submit before 09 July 2026 at 15:45. Late applications will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be asked for certified copies of qualifications.
- The department will conduct security clearance, vetting and qualification verification before finalising any appointment.
- The department may leave some positions unfilled if suitable candidates are not found.
Next steps
Gather your documents, choose the reference number that matches your qualification, and complete the Z83 form today. This internship can be the bridge from graduation to a rewarding public‑service career.