The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) has officially announced the opening of applications for its Young Graduate Programme for the 2025 and 2026 intake. This national graduate initiative is designed to place qualified young professionals within South African municipalities, offering structured workplace exposure, technical mentorship, and practical experience in the public infrastructure sector. MISA Young Graduate Programme 2026
For graduates in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Town & Regional Planning, this programme represents a rare opportunity to gain credible, career-building experience while contributing directly to service delivery and infrastructure development at municipal level.
With unemployment among graduates remaining a serious challenge in South Africa, programmes like this play a critical role in bridging the gap between academic qualifications and real-world professional experience.
What Is the MISA Young Graduate Programme?
The MISA Young Graduate Programme is a structured internship and workplace exposure programme aimed at newly qualified graduates. Unlike short-term casual internships, this programme is aligned with professional development pathways and focuses on building technical capacity within municipalities.
Programme Overview
- Programme Name: MISA Young Graduate Programme
- Intake Years: 2025 and 2026
- Programme Type: Structured graduate internship / workplace programme
- Target Group: University and University of Technology graduates
- Placement Area: Municipalities across all 9 provinces
- Application Method: Email submission with supporting documents
- Closing Date: 01 February 2026 at 23:59
- Late Applications: Not accepted
Fields of Study Accepted
MISA has clearly outlined the disciplines eligible for the 2026 intake. Applicants must apply only for a discipline that matches their qualification.
1. Building Construction / Civil Engineering
Required Qualifications:
- BTech Degree in Civil Engineering
- BSc in Civil Engineering
- BEng in Civil Engineering
Graduates in this stream will support municipal infrastructure projects such as roads, stormwater systems, buildings, and basic service delivery infrastructure.
2. Electrical Engineering
Required Qualifications:
- BTech in Electrical Engineering
- BSc in Electrical Engineering
- BEng in Electrical Engineering
This discipline focuses on municipal electrical systems, distribution networks, maintenance planning, and energy infrastructure support.
3. Town and Regional Planning
Required Qualifications:
- BTech Degree in Town & Regional Planning
- BSc in Town & Regional Planning
Important Requirement:
Applicants must be eligible for SACPLAN registration. This is a non-negotiable requirement and a key professional pathway for planners.
Where Will Graduates Be Placed?
Successful applicants will be placed in municipalities across South Africa, based on organisational needs and municipal capacity.
Provinces Covered
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- North West
- Gauteng
- Free State
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Northern Cape
- Western Cape
- Eastern Cape
Placements are determined after the selection process, and some municipalities may only be confirmed once final deployment decisions are made.
Important:
Applicants must select both a discipline and a preferred province when applying.
Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply?
To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must hold a qualification from a University or University of Technology
- Qualification must match one of the approved disciplines
- Must be a graduate (qualification completed)
- May be unemployed or have limited post-qualification work experience
- Maximum allowed experience: 36 months
Graduates who have participated in short internships, contract work, or vacation employment are still eligible, provided they do not exceed the experience limit.
Required Documents for Application
Many applications are rejected not because candidates are unqualified, but because documents are missing or incorrectly submitted.
Mandatory Documents
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Proof of residential address
- Academic record (if available)
Important Tips:
- All documents must be clear and readable
- No blurred, cropped, or incomplete scans
- Certification must be recent
How to Apply for the MISA Young Graduate Programme 2026
Applicants must complete the official MISA application form and submit it together with all supporting documents.
Application Submission Method
- Combine all documents into one PDF file
- Email your application to:
young.graduates2025@misa.gov.za
MISA has stated that incorrectly submitted applications may not be considered.
Application Closing Date
- Closing Date: 01 February 2026
- Closing Time: 23:59
Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to avoid technical or network delays.
How to Improve Your Chances of Selection
1. Strengthen Your CV
Your CV should include:
- A professional profile summary
- Qualification details and institution
- Key technical modules and subjects
- Software skills (AutoCAD, Excel, GIS, etc.)
- Practical exposure (WIL, projects, vacation work)
2. Submit One Professional PDF
Combine documents in this order:
- CV
- Certified ID
- Qualifications
- Academic record
- Proof of address
3. Use a Professional Email Subject Line
Example:
MISA Young Graduate Programme 2025–2026 – Civil Engineering – Gauteng
4. Apply Early
Waiting until the last day increases the risk of disqualification due to email delays or system issues.
5. Apply for the Correct Discipline
Applying for a discipline that does not match your qualification leads to automatic rejection.
Career Development After the Programme
While MISA does not guarantee permanent employment, the experience gained opens strong professional pathways.
Civil Engineering Career Path
Possible roles include:
- Graduate Civil Engineer
- Municipal Engineering Technician
- Infrastructure Site Supervisor
- Roads and Stormwater Technician
- Infrastructure Project Assistant
- Assistant Project Manager
Electrical Engineering Career Path
Possible roles include:
- Graduate Electrical Engineer
- Electrical Technician
- Distribution Network Assistant
- Maintenance Planning Technician
- Energy Infrastructure Support Officer
Town & Regional Planning Career Path
With SACPLAN registration, graduates may progress into:
- Candidate Planner
- Assistant Town Planner
- Development Planning Officer
- Land Use Management Officer
- Human Settlements Planning Support Officer
The most valuable outcome is credible municipal work experience, which significantly improves employability and professional credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the MISA Young Graduate Programme a learnership?
No. It is a structured graduate internship and workplace exposure programme.
Can I apply without work experience?
Yes. The programme is specifically designed for graduates with little or no experience.
Is there an application fee?
No. Legitimate graduate programmes do not charge application fees.
Can TVET college graduates apply?
No. This programme is limited to University and University of Technology graduates.
Can I apply if I am still studying?
No. You must have completed your qualification and provide certified proof.
Is permanent employment guaranteed?
No. Employment after completion is not guaranteed.
Where can I get the application form?
From the MISA website or by requesting it via young.graduates2025@misa.gov.za
What happens if I apply late?
Late applications will not be considered.
Final Thoughts
The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) Young Graduate Programme 2026 is one of the most valuable public sector graduate opportunities currently available in South Africa. It combines professional development, national exposure, and meaningful contribution to infrastructure delivery.
For graduates serious about building a long-term career in engineering or planning, this programme offers a solid foundation that few opportunities can match.
Apply early, submit a professional application, and take the first step toward a career that truly matters.
Thato Sabethwa is a passionate education advocate and digital content creator dedicated to helping young South Africans access valuable career and learning opportunities. With a strong belief in the power of skills development, Thato writes informative articles about learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job readiness. Through OnlineLearnership.co.za, Thato aims to guide students and job seekers toward the right opportunities that can shape their future. Her content focuses on practical advice, career tips, and reliable updates to empower readers to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.
