New opportunities added daily · Always free to apply
New opportunities added daily · Always free to apply
UNISA & FASSET Internship
Posted 27 Feb 2026
South African graduates seeking meaningful workplace experience now have a major opportunity to enter the finance and accounting sector. The UNISA & FASSET Internship Programme 2026 Opens with applications officially underway, offering unemployed graduates a structured 12-month internship designed to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and real employment.
This internship is a collaboration between the University of South Africa and the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority. It forms part of a national skills development initiative to strengthen financial sector capacity while helping graduates transition successfully into professional careers.
With a competitive annual stipend of R127,576, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to real finance operations, this programme is one of the most valuable graduate internships currently available in South Africa.
For many graduates, the biggest barrier to employment is the lack of workplace experience. Employers frequently require practical exposure, yet graduates cannot gain experience without first being hired. This cycle has contributed significantly to graduate unemployment in South Africa.
The UNISA & FASSET Internship Programme addresses this challenge directly by providing structured workplace training in critical financial departments.
This programme supports national development priorities, including:
By participating in this internship, graduates gain the professional foundation needed to compete successfully in the labour market.
Here is a summary of the key details:
Programme Name: UNISA & FASSET Internship Programme 2026
Contract Duration: 12 months
Annual Stipend: R127,576
Start Date: 01 April 2026
Application Closing Date: 06 March 2026
Location:
Eligibility:
This internship does not require prior work experience, making it ideal for recent graduates entering the workforce.
The internship placements focus on finance, accounting, auditing, and compliance functions. Interns will be placed in professional environments where they will learn practical financial management skills.
Available departments include:
Interns assist with compliance monitoring, financial reporting, and ensuring institutional financial policies are followed.
This role involves supporting budgeting processes, monitoring expenditures, and assisting with financial planning.
Interns help manage student financial accounts, payments, and financial administration.
This placement focuses on managing cash flow, financial transactions, and revenue recording.
Interns assist in evaluating financial systems, reviewing financial controls, and identifying risks.
This specialized area focuses on fraud detection, financial investigations, and compliance enforcement.
These placements provide valuable exposure to real financial operations within a major academic institution.
To qualify for the UNISA & FASSET Internship Programme 2026, applicants must meet all eligibility criteria.
Applicants must:
Persons living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply as part of inclusive employment initiatives.
This internship programme is open to graduates from finance-related academic fields, including:
These qualifications align with high-demand careers in South Africa’s financial sector.
Although work experience is not required, successful candidates should demonstrate professional competencies.
Key skills include:
These competencies help ensure interns gain maximum value from the programme.
This internship offers significant professional and financial benefits.
Interns receive a stipend of R127,576 annually, helping cover living expenses while gaining experience.
Interns gain hands-on experience in finance, accounting, auditing, and compliance.
Participants receive mentorship from experienced professionals in the finance sector.
The internship improves employability and prepares graduates for professional careers.
Graduates gain valuable experience that strengthens their CV and improves job prospects.
Related Opportunities 2026
• Funding Bursaries
• Youth Opportunities
• Internship Programme
• Learnership Programme
• Online Courses
Completing this internship significantly improves employment prospects.
Graduates may qualify for entry-level roles such as:
Long-term career paths include:
Many interns successfully transition into permanent employment after gaining internship experience.
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
Important document requirements:
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Applications must be submitted through the official UNISA application portal.
Important application tips:
Late applications will not be accepted.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid system congestion near the deadline.
To improve your chances of selection:
Your motivation letter should explain:
Include relevant coursework, achievements, and certifications.
Ensure your CV includes:
A strong application increases your chances of being shortlisted.
The University of South Africa is Africa’s largest open distance learning institution, serving hundreds of thousands of students nationwide.
The Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority is responsible for developing skills in South Africa’s finance and accounting sector.
Together, these organizations provide opportunities that support graduate development and economic growth.
Application Closing Date: 06 March 2026
Internship Start Date: 01 April 2026
Duration: 12 Months
Applicants should apply well before the closing date.
This internship is especially valuable because:
It provides the ideal transition from academic study to professional employment.
No. This is a 12-month internship designed to provide workplace experience.
No. This internship is specifically designed for graduates without work experience.
No. Only graduates from UNISA are eligible.
No. Interns are responsible for their own relocation and accommodation costs.
The internship provides an annual stipend of R127,576.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the application deadline.
Pretoria and Johannesburg UNISA campuses.
The UNISA & FASSET Internship Programme 2026 Opens at a crucial time when graduate employability is a major national priority. This programme provides a structured pathway for graduates to gain real workplace experience, build professional networks, and develop critical skills.
With financial support, mentorship, and practical training, this internship represents a powerful stepping stone into the finance and accounting profession.
Graduates who meet the eligibility criteria should apply before the closing date of 6 March 2026 to take advantage of this valuable opportunity.
