The DTIC: Graduate Internship Programme 2026
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is inviting applications for its 24-month Internship Programme. This is a high-profile opportunity for unemployed South African graduates to gain experience in policy development, economic research, and industrial development within the national government.
1. Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Employer | The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) |
| Location | Sunnyside, Pretoria (Gauteng) |
| Closing Date | 15 May 2026 |
| Duration | 24 Months |
| Stipend | R7,000 – R11,000 per month (Qualification dependent) |
2. Target Fields of Study
The DTIC is looking for graduates with degrees or diplomas in the following areas:
Economics & Finance: Economics, Econometrics, Accounting, Financial Management, Auditing.
Law: LLB, Commercial Law, Public Law.
Business & Administration: Business Management, Public Administration, Office Management.
Science & Engineering: Industrial Engineering, Environmental Science, Statistics.
Social Sciences: International Relations, Development Studies, Communications, Human Resources.
3. Minimum Requirements
Education: A completed National Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, or Honours/Master's Degree in a relevant field.
Status: Must be currently unemployed.
Age: Must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Citizenship: South African citizen with a valid ID.
Previous Participation: Must not have participated in any previous government internship programme.
4. Key Responsibilities
Interns at the DTIC are involved in the "engine room" of the South African economy:
Economic Analysis: Assisting with research into trade trends, industrial sectors, and competition policy.
Policy Support: Helping draft documents related to black economic empowerment (B-BBEE), industrial incentives, and export promotion.
Project Administration: Organizing stakeholder consultations, managing databases, and assisting with departmental reporting.
Regulatory Compliance: Assisting in the monitoring of various economic regulations and trade agreements.
5. How to Apply
The DTIC generally uses a specialized application process.
Application Form: Use the New Z83 Form (2021 edition). Ensure it is signed and dated.
Reference Number: You must quote the Reference Number specific to the field you are applying for (listed in the detailed advert).
Required Documents:
A comprehensive CV.
A Covering Letter indicating your field of interest.
Copies of your ID and Qualifications (plus academic transcripts).
Submission:
Online: via the
DTIC Careers Portal .Hand Delivery: The DTIC Campus, 77 Meintjies Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0002.
6. Important Advice for 2026
The "Two-Year" Advantage: Unlike many 12-month internships, this is a 24-month contract, giving you much more time to build significant professional experience and network within the government.
Writing Skills: The DTIC is a policy-heavy department. In your cover letter, demonstrate that you have excellent writing and analytical skills.
Global Context: If you are an Economics or International Relations graduate, mention your interest in global trade trends or the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Transcripts: Always include your full academic record (transcripts) so recruiters can see the specific modules you excelled in (e.g., Statistics or Research Methodology).
7. Why Join the DTIC?
Strategic Exposure: You will gain insight into how the South African government manages trade and industrializes the economy.
Professional Environment: The DTIC campus in Pretoria is a world-class facility with a highly professional work culture.
Networking: You will be exposed to leaders in both the public and private sectors, including heads of industry and international trade delegates.
Tip: For those with a technical or engineering background, focus your application on the Industrial Development or Special Economic Zones (SEZ) divisions, where your technical analytical skills are highly valued.
.jpeg)
