The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is inviting applications for its Companies and Close Corporations Graduate Internship Programme 2026. The opportunity is aimed at unemployed South African graduates who have completed relevant qualifications and have not yet gained relevant work experience.
Successful applicants will receive practical workplace exposure for 24 months and a R12,000 monthly stipend. Eight internship positions are available, with interns placed at the CIPC Sunnyside Office in Pretoria, Gauteng.
If you are looking for internship opportunities in South Africa, here is everything you need to know about the CIPC Companies and Close Corporations Internship Programme 2026, including the requirements, stipend, location, closing date and how to apply.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
| Programme | Companies and Close Corporations Graduate Internship Programme |
| Company | Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) |
| Opportunity Type | Graduate Internship |
| Reference | CIP260806-1 |
| Number of Positions | 8 |
| Location | Sunnyside, Pretoria, Gauteng |
| Duration | 24 months |
| Stipend | R12,000 per month |
| Minimum Qualification | National Diploma / Degree |
| Fields of Study | Law, Public Administration and Business Management |
| Job Grade | P12 |
| Closing Date | 20 August 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
About the CIPC Companies and Close Corporations Internship Programme
CIPC, a member of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), is offering an internship programme designed to provide unemployed graduates with practical workplace experience that complements their academic qualifications.
The Companies and Close Corporations internship is located within CIPC’s Business Regulation and Reputation business unit, under the Corporate Registers division and Companies and Close Corporations department.
The programme will run for 24 months, giving successful graduates an opportunity to develop workplace skills and gain experience in their respective fields.
A total of eight positions are available.
What You Will Learn / Experience
Successful interns will have the opportunity to gain practical workplace exposure within CIPC’s Companies and Close Corporations environment.
The programme is intended to help graduates:
- Apply knowledge gained through their studies in a professional workplace.
- Gain relevant practical work experience.
- Develop workplace and professional skills.
- Gain exposure to the operations of CIPC.
- Complement their academic qualifications with practical experience.
Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be an unemployed South African graduate from a higher education institution.
- Have completed a relevant degree or diploma.
- Have a National Diploma and/or Degree in Law, Public Administration or Business Management.
- Have not gained relevant work experience in their respective field of study.
- Have never previously participated in an internship programme.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be available to participate in the 24-month internship programme.
- Be willing to work at the CIPC Sunnyside Office in Pretoria.
- Be able to provide the required supporting documentation.
CIPC will conduct qualification and South African citizenship checks on successful candidates.
Applicants with foreign qualifications are responsible for having their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Explore other opportunities:
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is intended for unemployed South African graduates between the ages of 18 and 35 who have completed a relevant qualification but have not yet gained relevant work experience.
Graduates with qualifications in Law, Public Administration or Business Management are eligible to apply, provided they meet the other requirements specified by CIPC.
Applicants who have previously participated in an internship programme are not eligible according to the advertisement.
Stipend / Salary
Successful interns will receive a stipend of R12,000 per month.
The internship will run for 24 months, and successful applicants will be required to sign a Graduate Internship Programme Agreement.
Location
The CIPC Companies and Close Corporations Internship Programme is based at the CIPC Sunnyside Office in Pretoria, Gauteng.
Applicants should ensure that they are able to participate in the programme at the stated location.
How to Apply
To apply for the CIPC Companies and Close Corporations Internship Programme 2026:
- Visit the official CIPC careers/application platform.
- Search for reference CIP260806-1 or the Graduate Internship Programme for Companies and CC.
- Read the full vacancy advertisement carefully.
- Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements.
- Prepare the required supporting documents.
- Upload the documents as instructed on the CIPC application system.
- Complete and submit your application before 20 August 2026.
Important: CIPC states that faxed, emailed, posted and hand-delivered applications will not be considered.
If you experience difficulties when applying, CIPC provides the following recruitment contact numbers:
087 743 7074 / 087 743 7075 / 087 743 7197 / 087 260 1554
Documents You May Need
CIPC specifically instructs applicants to upload:
- Updated CV
- South African identity document
- Academic transcript/academic record
- Relevant qualification
Applicants are instructed to combine/compress the CV, ID, qualification and academic transcript into one document, as the application system will allow the documents to be uploaded once.
Failure to upload all the required documents may result in the application being disqualified.
Always follow the document and upload instructions contained in the official CIPC advertisement.
Closing Date
The closing date for the CIPC Companies and Close Corporations Internship Programme 2026 is 20 August 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
Important Information for Applicants
CIPC will conduct qualification and South African citizenship checks on successful candidates.
Candidates should also be available for selection interviews at a date, time and place determined by CIPC.
CIPC is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Preference will be given to candidates whose appointment will enhance representativity in accordance with the organisation’s approved employment equity plan.
Feedback will only be provided to shortlisted candidates, and CIPC reserves the right not to fill an advertised position.
Applicants should also be aware that CIPC will not consider faxed, emailed, posted or hand-delivered applications.
Applicants should be cautious of scams. Do not pay anyone to apply for an internship or job opportunity. Use the official CIPC application process and verify the vacancy before submitting personal information.
Why This Opportunity Is Worth Considering
The CIPC Companies and Close Corporations Internship Programme provides eligible unemployed graduates with an opportunity to gain 24 months of practical workplace experience while receiving a R12,000 monthly stipend.
The programme may be particularly valuable for graduates in Law, Public Administration and Business Management who need relevant workplace exposure to strengthen their CVs and improve their future employment prospects.
However, applicants should understand that completing an internship does not automatically guarantee permanent employment, unless CIPC explicitly states otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CIPC Companies and Close Corporations Internship Programme 2026 open for applications?
Yes. Applications are open for the 2026 Graduate Internship Programme, with the closing date set for 20 August 2026.
Who can apply?
Unemployed South African graduates aged 18 to 35 who have completed a relevant qualification and meet CIPC’s requirements can apply.
What qualification is required?
Applicants must have a National Diploma and/or Degree in Law, Public Administration or Business Management.
How much is the CIPC internship stipend?
Successful interns will receive a R12,000 stipend per month.
How long is the internship?
The CIPC internship programme will run for 24 months.
Where is the internship located?
Interns will be placed at the CIPC Sunnyside Office in Pretoria, Gauteng.
How many internship positions are available?
There are eight internship positions available.
What documents must I upload?
CIPC requires an updated CV, ID, academic transcript/record and relevant qualification. These documents should be combined into one document for upload as instructed in the advertisement.
When is the closing date?
The closing date is 20 August 2026.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the official CIPC online application platform. CIPC states that faxed, emailed, posted and hand-delivered applications will not be considered.
Final Thoughts
The CIPC Companies and Close Corporations Internship Programme 2026 could be a valuable opportunity for eligible unemployed graduates looking to gain practical experience in Law, Public Administration or Business Management.
With eight positions, a 24-month duration and a R12,000 monthly stipend, the programme offers graduates an opportunity to build workplace experience while developing skills relevant to their qualifications.
Before applying, carefully check the official CIPC requirements, prepare all required documents and ensure that your application is submitted before 20 August 2026.
Always verify the opportunity with CIPC before submitting personal information.
Simphiwe Dube is the Founder and Managing Editor of sa-learnership.co.za, an independent South African platform dedicated to publishing accurate information about learnerships, bursaries, internships and skills development programmes.
He specialises in researching and verifying updates from official government departments, SETAs, TVET colleges and accredited institutions to ensure readers receive clear, reliable and up-to-date guidance.
Simphiwe is committed to simplifying complex education and career information so that South African students, graduates and job seekers can make informed decisions with confidence.