If you are busy with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, pay attention right now. Rhodes University is hiring a Counselling Psychology Intern for 2027. This is a paid, 12-month placement at the university’s Student Counselling Centre, and applications close on 16 October 2026. The university has also warned that applications may close earlier if the response is big, so the time to prepare is now.
What this opportunity is
Rhodes University is looking for an Intern Counselling Psychologist to work at its Student Counselling Centre in Makhanda, Eastern Cape. The role sits under Student Services and Development, in the Student Affairs Student Wellness unit.
This is a fixed-term, 12-month contract. You will counsel students while experienced psychologists supervise your work. It is a real job with a real salary, not an unpaid student placement.
Key details at a glance
- Institution: Rhodes University
- Programme: Internship Counselling Psychologist 2027
- Division: Student Services and Development
- Unit: Student Affairs Student Wellness
- Placement: Student Counselling Centre
- Duration: 12 months, fixed-term contract
- Location: Makhanda, Eastern Cape
- Basic salary: R18,568.90 per month before statutory deductions (about R222,826.80 a year)
- Minimum study requirement: First year of a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology
- Professional registration: Student Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa
- Closing date: 16 October 2026
- How to apply: Online only
Who can apply
Many applicants get this wrong, so read carefully. This is not a general graduate internship for people holding only a Bachelor’s or Honours degree in Psychology. If that is all you have, you will not qualify for this one.
You must meet two requirements at the same time:
- You must currently be in the first year of a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at an accredited university.
- You must already be registered as a Student Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Both matter. Studying towards the Master’s without HPCSA registration is not enough. Being registered with the HPCSA without the required academic status also does not meet the criteria.
What you will do every day
You will provide counselling and psychological support to Rhodes University students under the guidance of senior psychologists. Your work may cover:
- Individual psychotherapy (mostly short-term)
- Couple therapy
- Group therapy
- Family interventions
- Crisis intervention
- HIV pre-test and post-test counselling
- Psychological assessments
- Career assessments
- Psycho-education
- Student wellness initiatives
- Training and development activities
The work is strongly student-focused. You will need a genuine interest in the developmental challenges of adolescence and early adulthood.
A closer look at the therapy work
Much of your individual psychotherapy will be short-term. Depending on student needs, your exposure can include one-on-one counselling, couple therapy, therapeutic group work, family interventions and crisis support.
A closer look at assessments
You may also take part in general psychological and career assessments of students. You should feel comfortable applying your assessment knowledge in an ethical, professionally supervised environment.
What you gain from this internship
A university counselling centre exposes you to a client group you will not easily find elsewhere. Students arrive with academic pressure, adjustment struggles, relationship problems, identity questions, family challenges, career uncertainty, emotional distress, health concerns and sometimes full crises.
That mix gives you broad practical experience in psychotherapy, assessment, psycho-education and crisis intervention, all within one professional training year. You will also work inside a multidisciplinary university environment while senior psychologists guide you.
How much does it pay?
The basic salary is R18,568.90 per month before statutory deductions. Over a year, that works out to about R222,826.80.
Note that this is described as a basic salary, not a stipend. Do not confuse this professional internship with an unpaid placement or a general learnership allowance. Treat the application with the same care you would give a professional job.
Skills Rhodes University wants to see
You should be able to show:
- Strong evidence-based counselling and psychotherapeutic ability
- Knowledge of adolescent and early-adult development
- A real interest in working with students
- Ethical and professional judgement
- Good administration, organisation and time management
- Computer literacy, including word processing, spreadsheets and internet use
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Strong written and spoken English
- An ability to build trust quickly
- High levels of self-awareness
- Commitment to your own professional development
- Respect for confidentiality
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Speaking isiXhosa is an advantage, but it is not a compulsory requirement.
One rule many applicants miss
The Student Counselling Centre provides crisis intervention services. Sometimes you may be called to assist after normal working hours when a student needs psychological help. You must be able to respond within 20 minutes of being contacted.
For that reason, the successful candidate must live within 16 kilometres of Rhodes University. This is especially important if you currently live outside Makhanda. Do not assume the internship can be done remotely or by commuting from a distant town. Plan your accommodation before you apply.
Documents you must prepare
Gather everything before you start the online form. Incomplete applications can be disqualified, and you should not assume you can send documents later. You will need:
- A comprehensive curriculum vitae
- Names and contact details of three referees
- A motivation letter
- Certified proof that you are currently registered for your Master’s in Counselling Psychology
- Certified proof of your current HPCSA registration as a Student Psychologist
- Certified copies of your undergraduate qualifications
- A certified copy of your South African ID or passport
Choose your referees carefully
Many strong applications fail because of weak referees. Pick three people who can comment meaningfully on your academic, clinical, professional or workplace performance. Contact them first and confirm they are comfortable being approached. Use current contact details, and avoid listing anyone who will not remember your work clearly.
How to apply step by step
- Collect and certify all the documents listed above.
- Confirm your three referees are happy to be contacted.
- Go to the official Rhodes University online application portal.
- Complete every required section carefully.
- Answer the screening questions accurately. The form checks whether you are a registered Master’s student in Counselling Psychology and a registered Student Psychologist with the HPCSA.
- Upload your supporting documents.
- Submit before 16 October 2026.
Handwritten applications are not accepted. Only online applications count.
What happens after applications close?
Shortlisted candidates may go through an assessment, a presentation and an interview. The exact dates have not been confirmed yet, and shortlisted candidates will be told the arrangements.
If you are not contacted within 30 days after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Rhodes University may also run background and employment checks on recommended candidates. With your permission, they may verify your qualifications, employment history, references and other information you supplied. Make sure your CV, academic documents and online form are accurate and consistent.
Tips to improve your chances
This application will be judged on far more than academic eligibility. Many applicants struggle because their motivation letter sounds generic. Avoid empty lines like “I want to help people.” Instead, connect your supervised training, counselling approach, ethical awareness and interest in student mental health directly to a university counselling environment.
Also be honest about the practical side. Confirm that you can live within 16 kilometres of campus and respond to after-hour crises within 20 minutes. Applications that ignore these requirements rarely survive shortlisting.
Finally, do not wait for the final day. Paid psychology internships in South Africa attract strong competition, and the university may close applications early. Submit as soon as your documents are ready.
Final thoughts and next steps
The Rhodes University Counselling Psychology Internship 2027 is a serious, paid opportunity for Master’s students preparing for professional practice. You will gain experience in psychotherapy, assessment, student wellness, psycho-education and crisis intervention, all while earning a monthly basic salary.
If you meet the two requirements, first-year Master’s study in Counselling Psychology and HPCSA Student Psychologist registration, start today. Certify your documents, brief your referees and complete the online application before 16 October 2026.
Opportunities like this reward preparation, not panic. Take it one step at a time, and good luck.