Only two graduates will join the UNISA Finance Internships 2026 programme. The deadline is 22 May 2026, and the 12-month contract starts on 01 June 2026. You will earn R127 576 per year while working in the Budget and Cost Management department at the Muckleneuk campus in Pretoria.
What You Will Do
This internship gives you structured workplace experience. You will work inside the Finance: Budget and Cost Management team for 12 months.
The programme helps unemployed graduates who studied at UNISA to gain practical skills. You will handle financial records, support budget processes, and learn how large institutions manage costs.
UNISA gives preference to persons living with disabilities. This aligns with their Employment Equity Plan.
Who Can Apply
You must meet every requirement below. Many applicants struggle because they miss one small detail.
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must be a UNISA graduate.
- You must be younger than 35 years old.
- You need a qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher.
- You must have no previous work experience at all.
- You must never have worked at UNISA or any other organisation.
This opportunity is strictly for first-time job seekers who completed their studies at UNISA.
Which Qualifications Qualify?
Your degree must match one of these options exactly:
- Bachelor of Science in Computing
- BCom in Quantitative Management (Decision Sciences Major)
- BCom in Economics (Financial Modelling Stream)
- Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Financial Accounting
- Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Management Accounting
- BCom Generic (Decision Sciences major)
- BCom Generic (Economics major)
Check your certificate before you start your application. If your major is not listed, your application will not succeed.
What You Will Gain
You receive a yearly stipend of R127 576. This covers the 12-month contract period from 01 June 2026.
You will also develop these professional skills:
- Computer literacy in Microsoft Office 365
- Communication and interpersonal abilities
- Telephone etiquette
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Working under pressure
- Meeting strict deadlines
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Problem-solving
- Time management and multitasking
- Strong English communication
These skills will help you find permanent finance jobs after the internship ends.
How to Apply Step-by-Step
Follow these steps carefully. Missing documents or wrong formats cause most rejections.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
You need these six documents in PDF format only. Do not use picture files or password-protected documents. UNISA will reject them.
- Your Curriculum Vitae
- One-page motivational letter
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your Matric Certificate
- Certified Academic Record
- Certified copy of your completed UNISA qualification
All certified copies must be less than six months old.
Step 2: Complete the Online Form
Submit your application through the official online portal only. Do not email or hand-deliver documents.
Reference Number: REF/FIN/BCM/KM
You must include this reference number in your application. Use this link to apply: Official UNISA Internship Application Portal.
Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline
The closing date is 22 May 2026. Submit early to avoid website crashes or last-minute stress.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Competition is high for these two posts. Here is how to stand out.
Write a specific motivational letter. Do not repeat your CV. Instead, explain how your UNISA qualification prepared you for budget and cost management work. Show that you understand accuracy and deadlines matter in finance.
Check your documents twice. Many applicants upload scanned images instead of PDFs. Convert everything to PDF. Ensure your ID and certificates are certified within the last six months.
Apply for this post only. If you want other UNISA positions, submit separate applications for each one. Do not combine them.
Prepare for background checks. If shortlisted, UNISA will verify your details. Be honest about having zero work experience.
Cover your own transport. You must pay your own relocation costs if you do not live in Pretoria.
Need Help?
If you have questions about the internship, contact Kagiso Maphoto.
Telephone: 012 429 3446
What Happens Next
After you submit, wait for direct contact from UNISA. If you do not hear anything within 30 days after 22 May 2026, consider your application unsuccessful.
Start preparing your documents today. Gather your certified copies now. Write your motivational letter this week. Only two graduates will join this programme, but proper preparation puts you in the best position to be one of them.
Take the first step today. Check your qualification against the list above, certify your documents, and submit before 22 May 2026.