The Competition Commission is inviting applications from high-achieving learners in their final year of study for its 2026 Internship Programme in Pretoria. The six-month internship is designed for students who have no prior work experience in their field and require practical workplace experience to complete the experiential learning component of their qualification.
Successful interns will gain practical exposure to areas including competition law, economics, finance, human capital, information technology, supply chain management and communications. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate of completion and a letter of recommendation from their assigned coach.
If you are looking for an internship opportunity in South Africa that can provide valuable workplace experience while completing your studies, here is everything you need to know about the Competition Commission Internship Programme 2026.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
| Programme | Competition Commission Internship Programme 2026 |
| Company | Competition Commission |
| Opportunity Type | Internship |
| Location | Pretoria, Gauteng |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Contract Type | Fixed-term contract |
| Stipend | Monthly stipend |
| Qualification Fields | Human Capital, IT, Law, Economics, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Communications |
| Reference Number | I1000001 |
| Work Level | Student |
| Closing Date | 21 August 2026 at 17:00 |
| Application Method | Online application |
About the Competition Commission Internship Programme
The Competition Commission Internship Programme is aimed at final-year learners who need practical workplace experience to complete the experiential learning requirements of their academic qualification.
The programme provides participants with an opportunity to experience the work of South Africa’s competition authority while developing practical workplace and professional skills.
Interns will work in a dynamic and development-focused environment where they can learn from experienced professionals, receive coaching and gain exposure to the Commission’s work.
The internship is offered on a six-month fixed-term basis. The supplied vacancy information states the contract period as 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2026. Because the end date appears inconsistent with the stated six-month period, applicants should verify the official advertisement/application portal for the correct contract end date before applying.
Fields of Study
The 2026 intake is open to final-year learners requiring workplace experience in the following fields:
- Human Capital
- Information Technology
- Law
- Economics
- Finance
- Supply Chain Management
- Communications
What You Will Learn / Experience
Successful applicants may gain exposure to:
- Practical workplace experience related to their field of study
- Competition law and economics
- Finance and corporate services
- Research and analytical activities
- Professional workplace practices
- Structured learning and development
- Coaching and mentorship
- The operations of South Africa’s competition authority
- A collaborative and stimulating professional environment
The programme also provides an opportunity for learners to contribute to the Commission’s Vision 2030 of promoting a competitive, dynamic, deconcentrated and inclusive economy.
Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must have no prior work experience in the same field.
- Must be in the final year of theoretical study.
- Must require practical workplace experience to complete their qualification.
- The internship must form part of the applicant’s academic curriculum.
- A strong academic record is required; an average of 70% or above will be an added advantage.
- Must provide evidence of notable academic or extracurricular achievements.
- Must demonstrate involvement in initiatives or community service beyond academic coursework.
- Must have strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
- Must demonstrate sound analytical, research and investigative skills.
- Must be computer literate.
Applicants should carefully check the official vacancy before submitting an application.
Explore other opportunities:
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is intended for final-year learners who need practical workplace experience as part of completing their qualification.
It is particularly suited to students studying Human Capital, Information Technology, Law, Economics, Finance, Supply Chain Management or Communications.
Applicants must not have previous work experience in the same field and must be able to provide evidence that workplace experiential learning is required to complete their qualification.
Stipend / Salary
The Competition Commission states that successful interns will receive a monthly stipend.
The supplied vacancy information does not specify the exact stipend amount. Applicants should therefore not rely on unofficial figures or estimates and should confirm the stipend details through the official application information.
Location
The internship programme is based in Pretoria, Gauteng.
Applicants should check the official advertisement for the exact workplace location and any additional information concerning attendance or workplace arrangements.
How to Apply
Applications for the Competition Commission Internship Programme must be submitted online.
To apply:
- Visit the Competition Commission’s official recruitment/application platform.
- Search for Reference Number I1000001.
- Read the complete internship advertisement.
- Confirm that you meet all the eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your latest academic transcript, experiential learning requirement letter and CV.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required supporting documentation.
- Submit your application before 21 August 2026 at 17:00.
Only online applications will be accepted.
Documents You May Need
Applicants are required to provide the following supporting documentation:
- Latest academic transcript
- Experiential Learning Requirement Letter from the academic institution
- CV
Applicants with international qualifications must also submit a SAQA evaluation certificate.
Make sure all documents are accurate and clearly uploaded before submitting the application.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Competition Commission Internship Programme 2026 is:
21 August 2026 at 17:00
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline. Online applications may not be accepted after the closing time.
Important Information for Applicants
Shortlisted applicants may be required to undergo assessments as part of the recruitment process.
Successful applicants will also be subject to the Competition Commission’s security screening and vetting processes.
The Commission reserves the right not to make an appointment or to withdraw the recruitment process because of budgetary constraints, organisational priorities or other relevant considerations.
The Commission also states that its appointments will take the country’s and organisation’s Employment Equity imperatives into account.
The organisation is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should be cautious of scams. Do not pay anyone to apply for an internship or job opportunity. Applications should be submitted through the employer’s official recruitment platform.
Why This Opportunity Is Worth Considering
The Competition Commission Internship Programme could be valuable for final-year students who need workplace experience to complete their qualifications.
Rather than simply providing theoretical exposure, the programme is designed to give learners practical experience in a professional environment. Participants may also benefit from structured learning, coaching and professional development.
Successful completion of the programme comes with a certificate of completion and a letter of recommendation from the assigned coach, which may be useful when applying for future opportunities.
However, applicants should understand that completing an internship does not automatically guarantee permanent employment unless the employer explicitly states otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Competition Commission Internship Programme 2026 open for applications?
Yes. The Competition Commission is inviting applications for its second intake of the 2026 Internship Programme. The closing date is 21 August 2026 at 17:00.
Who can apply?
The programme is aimed at South African citizens in their final year of study who require workplace experiential learning to complete their qualification and have no prior work experience in the same field.
What fields of study are accepted?
The internship is open to learners studying Human Capital, Information Technology, Law, Economics, Finance, Supply Chain Management and Communications.
How much is the internship stipend?
The Commission confirms that successful interns will receive a monthly stipend, but the exact amount is not stated in the vacancy information provided.
Where is the internship located?
The internship programme is based in Pretoria, Gauteng.
How long is the internship?
The programme is for six months on a fixed-term contract.
What documents are required?
Applicants should provide their latest academic transcript, experiential learning requirement letter from their academic institution and CV. Applicants with international qualifications must also provide a SAQA evaluation certificate.
What is the reference number?
The reference number for the opportunity is I1000001.
When is the closing date?
Applications close on 21 August 2026 at 17:00.
How do I apply?
Applications are accepted online only through the Competition Commission’s official recruitment/application platform. Applicants should search for reference number I1000001 and follow the instructions provided.
Final Thoughts
The Competition Commission Internship Programme 2026 offers final-year students an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience while completing the experiential learning component of their qualifications.
With opportunities across Human Capital, IT, Law, Economics, Finance, Supply Chain Management and Communications, the programme may be particularly valuable for students looking to build practical skills and understand how a major South African public institution operates.
Before applying, carefully verify the official requirements, supporting documents, closing date and contract dates. Make sure your application is complete and submitted online before the deadline.
Always verify the opportunity through the official Competition Commission recruitment platform 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.