Graduate programmes and graduate jobs in South Africa
Graduate programmes are entry routes for people with a recent degree or diploma: a structured first year or two, often with rotations and training. These are the open adverts with "graduate" in the title.
Never pay for a graduate programme. Real learnerships, internships and jobs never ask you for money: not for an application, registration, training material, a uniform, a background check or to "secure your place". If someone asks you to pay or to deposit money first, it is a scam. The Department of Employment and Labour says no one may charge a work seeker a fee for finding them work.
How graduate programmes work
Large employers such as banks, insurers, mines, auditing firms and retailers take a group of graduates each year. Programmes usually ask for a qualification in a stated field, completed recently, and some set a minimum average mark. Many recruit for the next year's intake months in advance, so check each programme's closing date.
Government departments and state-owned companies also advertise graduate posts and internships for graduates, mostly in the Public Service Vacancy Circulars.
Applying
Expect online tests and interviews, and have your certified qualification, academic record and ID ready. Tailor your CV to the field the programme is for.
Questions
- Do I have to pay to join a graduate programme?
- No. Employers pay graduates on their programmes; they never charge you to apply or to be selected. Treat any request for money as a scam.
- Is a graduate programme the same as an internship?
- Not quite. Graduate programmes are usually paid posts with a salary, training and sometimes rotations across the business. Internships are mostly work experience with a stipend for a fixed period. Read each advert to see which it is.
- When do graduate programmes open?
- It differs by employer. Many open months before the intake starts, so check the closing date in each advert and apply early.
- What do I need to apply?
- Usually a completed degree or diploma in the field the advert names, your academic record, a CV and a certified ID. Some ask for a minimum average or for South African citizenship.
Sources
- Public Service Vacancy Circulars (DPSA)
- Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA), Department of Employment and Labour
- Work seekers warned not to pay for employment (Department of Employment and Labour, 5 February 2024)
Rules and programmes change: confirm details in each advert and with the organisation that runs it.
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