In a bold step to empower South Africa’s young graduates and reduce youth unemployment, the Department of Human Settlements (DHS) is offering an exciting 24-month internship programme. This opportunity is aimed at providing practical work experience to unemployed graduates from universities and universities of technology. The goal is to bridge the gap between academic studies and the real-world job market, especially in the construction and human settlements sectors.
With a generous stipend and a wide range of fields to choose from, this internship programme is a golden chance for youth to kickstart their careers in the public sector.
DHS internship programme Overview
The DHS internship programme runs for 24 months and is based in Pretoria, with a monthly stipend of R7,450.75 provided to successful candidates. Applications are open until 25 May 2025, making it crucial for interested individuals to prepare their documents and apply soon.
The programme is structured to expose interns to different operational areas within the Department. Interns will be mentored and trained to understand the systems, processes, and responsibilities of public sector work, particularly in the development and management of human settlements.
Who Should Apply?
This internship programme is designed specifically for unemployed South African graduates who have never participated in an internship in the public sector before. If you have completed your qualification (degree or diploma) and are looking for a meaningful start in your career, then this opportunity is for you.
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Internship Fields Available
A variety of internship opportunities are available across different disciplines. Each internship is linked to a specific reference number and area of expertise:
- Strategy & Organisational Performance Intern
- Ref: DOHS/01/2025
- Qualification: Public Administration, Business Management
- Town Planner Intern
- Ref: DOHS/02/2025
- Qualification: Town and Regional Planning
- Engineering Intern
- Ref: DOHS/03/2025
- Qualification: Civil or Structural Engineering
- Land Property Management Intern
- Ref: DOHS/04/2025
- Qualification: Property Management or Real Estate
- Land Identification & Planning Intern
- Ref: DOHS/05/2025
- Qualification: Urban Planning or Land Surveying
- Information Technology (IT) Intern
- Ref: DOHS/06/2025
- Qualification: IT or Computer Science
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Intern
- Ref: DOHS/07/2025
- Qualification: GIS, Geography
- Communications & Marketing Intern
- Ref: DOHS/08/2025
- Qualification: Communications, Marketing, PR
- Human Resources Intern
- Ref: DOHS/09/2025
- Qualification: HR Management or Industrial Psychology
- Supply Chain Management (SCM) Intern
- Ref: DOHS/10/2025
- Qualification: SCM, Logistics, Purchasing
- Finance Intern
- Ref: DOHS/11/2025
- Qualification: Finance, Accounting, Auditing
- Audit & Risk Intern
- Ref: DOHS/12/2025
- Qualification: Internal Auditing, Risk Management
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
- A signed and completed Z83 form
- A detailed CV
- Certified copies of academic qualifications and transcripts
- Certified copy of your South African ID
Make sure all documents are up to date and correctly certified. Applications must be submitted via the official channels provided by the Department of Human Settlements. You can find all details and apply online via their official website.
Why You Should Apply
This internship is not just about getting work experience – it’s about shaping the future of South Africa through real work in housing and infrastructure. Interns will:
- Gain valuable on-the-job experience
- Build a network of professionals in their chosen field
- Improve their chances of long-term employment
- Make a real impact on communities by supporting housing development projects
It’s a chance to be part of something bigger while building a solid foundation for your own career.
Check also: Gauteng Provincial Treasury Internship Programmes 2025–2027
The 2025 Department of Human Settlements Internship Programme is more than just a job – it’s a stepping stone toward a brighter, more stable future for South Africa’s young professionals. Whether your passion is in planning, engineering, IT, or finance, this programme offers the opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute to the nation’s development.
