The University of South Africa (UNISA) is offering unemployed graduates an opportunity to gain practical workplace exposure through its Internship Programme 2026. The internship is based in Muckleneuk, Pretoria, and focuses on Finance: Budget and Cost Management.
For many graduates, obtaining workplace experience after completing a qualification can be difficult. This programme gives qualifying UNISA graduates a chance to build professional skills, gain industry exposure, and strengthen their career prospects within a structured university environment.
Applications close on 22 May 2026.
About the UNISA Internship Programme
UNISA is inviting unemployed South African graduates to apply for a 12-month internship opportunity within the Finance Department.
The programme is designed to help graduates gain practical workplace experience linked to their qualifications while improving professional and administrative skills.
Preference will be given to persons living with disabilities in line with UNISA’s Employment Equity Plan.
Internship Location
The internship will be based at:
- Muckleneuk, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Applicants should be willing to work in Pretoria for the duration of the programme.
Internship Duration and Stipend
- Duration: 12 Months
- Annual Stipend: R127 576 per annum
- Assumption of Duty: 01 June 2026
The internship offers structured workplace exposure within Budget and Cost Management at UNISA.
Available Internship Opportunity
Finance: Budget and Cost Management Internship
- Reference Number: REF/FIN/BCM/KM
- Department: Finance: Budget and Cost Management
- Number of Posts: 2
Successful candidates will gain exposure to budgeting, financial administration, cost management processes, and related finance functions within the university environment.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet all the following requirements before applying:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be a UNISA graduate
- Be younger than 35 years old
- Hold a completed qualification equivalent to NQF Level 6 or higher
- Have no previous work experience
- Not have worked previously at UNISA or any other organisation
Only qualifying graduates who meet all conditions should apply.
Accepted Qualifications
Applicants must have completed one of the following UNISA qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science in Computing
- BCom in Quantitative Management (Decision Sciences Major)
- BCom in Economics (Financial Modelling Stream)
- Bachelor of Accounting Sciences:
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- BCom Generic with majors in:
- Decision Sciences
- Economics
Candidates should ensure their qualification matches the listed requirements before applying.
Required Competencies
UNISA is looking for candidates who demonstrate:
- Computer literacy in Microsoft Office 365
- Good internet usage skills
- Strong communication skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Professional telephone etiquette
- Ability to work in a team
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure
- Time management skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Ability to multitask
- Professionalism and confidentiality
- Strong English communication skills
These skills are important because interns may work with financial data, administrative processes, and internal stakeholders.
Required Documents
Applicants must upload all documents in PDF format only.
Required documents include:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- One-page motivational letter
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric Certificate
- Certified academic record
- Certified copy of completed UNISA qualification
Certified documents must not be older than 6 months.
Applicants should make sure all files are clear, readable, and correctly uploaded before submitting.
Important Application Notes
Candidates should note the following important instructions:
- Only PDF files will be accepted
- Picture files will not be accepted
- Password-protected documents will not be accepted
- Separate applications must be submitted for multiple positions
- Relocation costs will be the applicant’s responsibility
- Background checks may be conducted on successful candidates
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Tips Before Applying
Before submitting your application:
- Ensure your CV is updated and professional
- Include the correct reference number
- Keep your motivational letter short, clear, and relevant
- Double-check all PDF uploads
- Ensure certified documents are still valid
- Use a professional email address and contact number
A clean and organised application can improve your chances of being shortlisted.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official UNISA Internship Programme application process.
Applicants should ensure that the correct reference number is included during submission:
- REF/FIN/BCM/KM
Candidates should apply before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical problems.
Enquiries
For enquiries related to the internship programme, applicants may contact:
- Contact Person: Kagiso Maphoto
- Telephone: 012 429 3446
These contact details should only be used for official internship-related enquiries.
Closing Date
The closing date for the UNISA Finance Internship Programme 2026 is:
- 22 May 2026
Late applications may not be considered.
Conclusion
The UNISA Finance Internship Programme 2026 offers unemployed graduates a valuable opportunity to gain workplace experience within Budget and Cost Management at one of South Africa’s largest universities.
With a 12-month contract, professional exposure, and a yearly stipend, this internship can help graduates strengthen their practical finance and administrative skills while improving future employability.
Candidates who meet the requirements should prepare their documents carefully and submit their applications before 22 May 2026.