The Energy & Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA), the University of Limpopo (UL) and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) have partnered to offer a graduate internship programme aimed at providing unemployed graduates with structured workplace-based learning. The programme is designed to help eligible graduates develop practical occupational competence, strengthen their professional readiness and improve their employability within the water and sanitation sector. The opportunity is specifically targeted at graduates of the University of Limpopo who hold a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Water and Sanitation Sciences and meet the programme’s age, employment and participation requirements. The internship provides an opportunity for qualified graduates to transition from academic learning into a structured professional environment where they can gain practical experience under supervision and mentorship. About the Graduate Internship Programme The EWSETA-UL-DWS Graduate Internship Programme is intended to bridge the gap between university education and practical workplace experience. Through structured workplace-based learning, participants can apply knowledge gained during their studies in real or simulated work environments. The programme is expected to provide participants with exposure to professional responsibilities while helping them develop occupational skills relevant to water and sanitation. The partnership between EWSETA, the University of Limpopo and the Department of Water and Sanitation reflects the importance of developing skilled professionals who can contribute to South Africa’s water and sanitation sector. For unemployed graduates, the internship can provide valuable experience that may strengthen their future applications for employment and other professional opportunities. Who Should Apply? The programme has specific eligibility requirements, and applicants should carefully confirm that they meet all of them before submitting an application. Applicants must: Be graduates of the University of Limpopo; Hold a four-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Water and Sanitation Sciences; Be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application; Be currently unemployed; Be available for the full internship period; Be willing to participate in structured workplace-based learning; Be willing to work under supervision and participate in mentorship; Have not previously participated in an internship programme; and Not currently hold an EWSETA-funded grant. The requirements mean that the opportunity is specifically targeted at recent or unemployed University of Limpopo graduates whose academic background directly relates to water and sanitation sciences. Candidates who do not meet the stated qualification, age, employment or previous-internship requirements should not assume that they qualify and should consult the official programme information before applying. Academic Qualification A major requirement for the internship is possession of a four-year BSc in Water and Sanitation Sciences from the University of Limpopo. This requirement makes the programme particularly relevant to graduates seeking to build careers in water management, sanitation, environmental services, water-resource development and related technical areas. Applicants should ensure that they submit copies of their relevant academic qualifications together with their applications. Workplace-Based Learning Unlike opportunities focused exclusively on academic study, the programme emphasizes practical workplace-based learning. Successful participants will be expected to take part in structured learning within real or simulated work environments. This approach is intended to help graduates develop occupational competence while gaining an understanding of professional workplace expectations. Supervision and mentorship are also important components of the programme. Participants should therefore be prepared to receive guidance from experienced professionals and actively participate in the learning process. The practical experience gained during the internship may help graduates strengthen technical, professional and workplace skills that are difficult to acquire through classroom-based learning alone. Benefits of the Internship The programme can offer several important benefits to eligible unemployed graduates. Participants can gain practical experience in their field of study while developing professional workplace skills. Structured supervision and mentorship can also help interns understand how theoretical knowledge is applied to real-world water and sanitation challenges. The internship may further improve participants’ professional readiness by exposing them to workplace procedures, teamwork, communication, problem-solving and technical responsibilities. For graduates seeking their first professional opportunity, this type of structured experience can strengthen a CV and provide evidence of practical exposure when applying for future positions. Important Participation Requirements Applicants should be aware that the programme has several conditions designed to ensure that selected candidates can fully participate. Candidates must be unemployed and available for the full internship period. They must also be willing to participate in structured workplace learning, supervision and mentorship. Individuals who have previously participated in an internship programme are not eligible under the stated requirements. Applicants must also not currently hold an EWSETA-funded grant. Meeting the academic qualification alone does not guarantee selection. Only candidates who satisfy the full programme requirements and successfully progress through the selection process will be considered. How to Apply Eligible graduates should prepare a current CV and copies of their relevant academic qualifications. Applications should be submitted by email to: tshilidzi.mphephu@ul.ac.za Applicants should use the following subject line: “EWSETA–UL Graduate Internship Programme” Candidates are encouraged to ensure that their application includes all requested documentation and that their academic qualifications are clearly presented. Incomplete applications may not be considered, so applicants should review their documents carefully before submission. Application Deadline The closing date for applications is 25 August 2026. Eligible graduates should submit their applications before the deadline. Applicants are encouraged not to wait until the final day, particularly because email submissions may be affected by technical or connectivity problems. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Enquiries For questions relating to the programme, applicants can contact the Department of Water and Sanitation at the University of Limpopo. The listed contact persons are Prof MM Mphahlele-Makgwane and LS Selane. Enquiries can be directed to: Prof MM Mphahlele-Makgwane: mabel.mphahlele-makgwane@ul.ac.za LS Selane: Lebogang.selane@ul.ac.za The listed telephone contact is: 015 268 4890 Applicants should use the official contact channels for programme-related questions and should not rely on unofficial information when determining their eligibility. Career Opportunities in Water and Sanitation Water and sanitation remain important areas of public infrastructure, environmental management and sustainable development in South Africa. Graduates with specialized training in water and sanitation sciences can potentially pursue careers across government departments, municipalities, utilities, environmental organizations, research institutions and private-sector companies. Practical workplace experience can be particularly valuable for graduates entering this competitive sector. The EWSETA-UL-DWS programme is therefore designed to provide participants with structured exposure that complements their university education. The combination of academic qualifications, workplace learning, supervision and mentorship can help participants develop a stronger foundation for future employment. Key Details at a Glance Programme: EWSETA–UL Graduate Internship Programme Partners: EWSETA, University of Limpopo and Department of Water and Sanitation Location: South Africa Target Group: Unemployed University of Limpopo graduates Required Qualification: Four-year BSc in Water and Sanitation Sciences Age Requirement: 35 years or younger Employment Status: Must be unemployed Previous Internship: Applicants must not have participated in an internship previously EWSETA Grant: Applicants must not currently hold an EWSETA-funded grant Learning Format: Structured workplace-based learning Support: Supervision and mentorship Application Email: tshilidzi.mphephu@ul.ac.za Subject Line: EWSETA–UL Graduate Internship Programme Deadline: 25 August 2026 Telephone: 015 268 4890 Global South Opportunities is not the organization offering this internship. Applicants should verify all programme requirements and application details with the University of Limpopo, EWSETA and the Department of Water and Sanitation before applying. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel