Right now the Department of Human Settlements Graduate Internship Programme is offering 38 paid internships of R8,174.75 per month, and the deadline is only 16:00 on 21 August 2026. This is a rare chance for unemployed Free State graduates to gain two years of public‑sector experience.
What the opportunity is
The Department of Human Settlements will take 38 graduates on a 24‑month contract. Interns will work in IT, engineering, finance, law, planning, human resources, administration and other fields. All positions pay the same stipend of R8,174.75 per month.
Who can apply – eligibility
- You must be a South African citizen who was born in and lives in the Free State.
- You must be unemployed at the time of application.
- You must never have taken part in a Public Service Internship Programme.
- You need a Grade 12 certificate plus a NQF Level 6 qualification (most streams) or Level 7 for specialist streams.
- If your qualification was earned abroad, you need a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation.
Graduates that fit the streams
- IT District Services – 2 posts (Reference HS001/2026): NQF 6 in IT, Computer Systems or Networks.
- Project Management Unit – 15 posts (HS002‑HS006/2026): NQF 6 or 7 in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or related fields.
- Office Administration – 10 posts (HS007‑HS011/2026): NQF 6 in Office Administration or Management.
- Affordable Housing Administrators (HS012/2026): NQF 6 in Public Administration or similar.
- Rental Tribunal (HS013/2026): NQF 7 in Law or LLB.
- Housing Development & Planning (HS014/2026): NQF 7 in Urban or Regional Planning.
- Supply Chain – Bid & Logistics – 2 posts (HS015/2026): NQF 6 in Public Admin, Supply Chain or Financial Management.
- Finance & Budget – Salaries & Tax – 2 posts (HS016/2026): NQF 6 in Accounting or Financial Management.
- Internal Audit (HS017/2026): NQF 6 in Internal Auditing or Financial Information Systems.
- Human Resources Management (HS018/2026): NQF 6 in HR Management, Public Admin or Management.
- Corporate Communication (HS019/2026): NQF 6 in Corporate Communication or Media Studies.
- Labour Relations (HS020/2026): NQF 6 in Labour Relations or HR Management.
What you gain
The 24‑month internship gives you real work experience in government. You will develop:
- Professional communication and reporting.
- Understanding of public‑sector processes.
- Record‑keeping and document management.
- Stakeholder engagement and teamwork.
- Project coordination and accountability.
These skills look strong on any CV after the programme ends.
How to apply – step by step
- Download the new Z83 Application for Employment form (official link from the department).
- Fill the form completely. Use the correct post title, office and reference number that matches your qualification.
- Sign and initialise every required field.
- Attach a recent, comprehensive curriculum vitae with at least two referees (include phone and email).
- Send your application:
- Email to recruit@fshs.gov.za. Put the post name and reference number in the subject line.
- Post to: Head, Human Resource Management Directorate, Department of Human Settlements, P.O. Box 247, Bloemfontein, 9300.
- Hand delivery to one of these offices and place your envelope in the marked security box:
- Bloemfontein – Foyer of OR Tambo House, St Andrews St.
- QwaQwa – Human Settlements Offices, Mampoi St, Phuthaditjhaba.
- Sasolburg – Mora Investments House, Erf 15, Fichard St.
- Welkom – Kopano Complex, 312 Long Rd.
- Do NOT use the old Z83 form and do NOT send faxes.
Tips to improve your chances
- Select the reference number that matches your qualification, not just the nearest office.
- Double‑check that the post title, office and reference number are correct on the Z83.
- Proofread your CV for spelling errors and ensure referee contact details work.
- If you applied under the earlier, withdrawn advert, submit a fresh application with the new Z83.
- Submit well before the 16:00 cut‑off to allow time for corrections.
Conclusion and next steps
If you are a Free State graduate who meets the criteria, this internship can launch your career in the public sector. Gather your documents, choose the correct stream, complete the new Z83 form, and send your application before 16:00 on 21 August 2026. After the deadline, the department will contact shortlisted candidates within four months. Good luck!