The application deadline was 20 August 2026.
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission is recruiting eight graduate interns for its Companies and Close Corporations environment in Sunnyside, Pretoria. The CIPC Graduate Internship Programme runs for 24 months and pays a monthly stipend of R12,000. It is aimed at unemployed South African graduates aged 18 to 35 who have completed a relevant Diploma or Degree but have little or no workplace experience in their field. The current intake is particularly aligned with Law, Public Administration and Business Management qualifications.
CIPC Graduate Internship Overview
- Organisation: Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)
- Programme: Graduate Internship Programme – Companies and Close Corporations
- Location: Sunnyside, Pretoria
- Positions: 8
- Duration: 24 months
- Monthly Stipend: R12,000
- Reference: CIP260806-1
- Closing Date: 20 August 2026
Academic Fields
The current programme accepts graduates with qualifications in Law, Public Administration or Business Management. These fields connect directly with the regulatory and administrative environment in which CIPC operates. The internship is not advertised as a general placement for every qualification, so applicants should make sure their completed degree or diploma matches one of the specified areas.
Companies and Close Corporations Environment
The placement sits under Business Regulation and Reputation, within the Corporate Registers division and the Companies and Close Corporations department. This area is connected with the records and regulatory processes used for South African companies and close corporations. For a graduate entering the workplace, that creates exposure to formal business-regulation systems rather than a generic office internship.
Law graduates can gain context around company regulation and statutory processes, while Public Administration and Business Management graduates can see how a national regulator manages services, records and administrative requirements. The exact tasks assigned to interns will depend on the department and learning plan.
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens
- Applicants between 18 and 35 years old
- Currently unemployed graduates
- Candidates who completed a recognised Diploma or Degree in a relevant field
- Graduates with little or no relevant work experience
- Applicants who have not previously participated in an internship programme
The programme is intended to provide first workplace exposure linked to the applicant’s qualification. Someone who already has substantial relevant experience would therefore fall outside the core target group described for the internship.
Programme Length and Stipend
The 24-month duration gives interns a longer period of workplace exposure than a short six- or twelve-month placement. The official recruitment information for the current intake specifies a monthly stipend of R12,000. Successful applicants are expected to enter into a Graduate Internship Programme Agreement for the placement.
Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the documents requested by the recruitment system, including a CV, South African ID, qualification and academic transcript. Current recruitment guidance for this vacancy requires the supporting information to be uploaded through the online application process rather than sent separately by email, post, fax or hand delivery.
About CIPC
CIPC is a national regulator within the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition environment. Its work includes company and co-operative registration, intellectual property administration and related business-regulation functions. An internship in Corporate Registers can therefore introduce graduates to the systems and governance processes behind formal business registration in South Africa.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through CIPC’s official eRecruitment system. Search for reference CIP260806-1 and complete the Graduate Internship Programme application for Companies and Close Corporations.
Apply for the CIPC Graduate Internship Programme
