University of Free State
The University of the Free State (UFS) offers several internship opportunities, most notably through its Unit for Professional Training and Services in the Behavioural Sciences (UNIBS), which annually provides internships in counselling psychology. These internships are designed to fulfill the internship requirements for registration as a counselling psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
An internship or career at the University of the Free State (UFS) offers a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in one of South Africa’s premier universities while contributing to meaningful initiatives that enhance education, innovation, and community development. With diverse roles spanning teaching, engineering, IT, finance, HR, marketing, and more, UFS is an attractive destination for students, graduates, and professionals passionate about higher education and societal transformation.
Popular Internship and Career Roles at UFS
1. Teaching and Academia
- Teaching Intern : Assists lecturers in preparing course materials, conducting tutorials, and grading assignments.
- Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) : Supports lecturers in teaching, mentoring undergraduate students, and facilitating practical sessions.
- Research Intern : Assists faculty members in conducting research, analyzing data, and publishing findings.
2. Information Technology (IT)
- IT Support Intern : Provides technical assistance and resolves hardware/software issues.
- Systems Analyst Trainee : Learns to manage databases and ensure the smooth operation of IT systems used in academic operations.
- E-Learning Specialist Trainee : Gains experience in developing and managing online learning platforms and tools.
3. Finance and Administration
- Finance Intern : Assists in financial reporting, budgeting, and accounts payable/receivable processes.
- Administrative Assistant Trainee : Handles general office tasks such as scheduling, filing, and correspondence.
4. Human Resources (HR)
- HR Intern : Assists with recruitment, employee onboarding, and HR administrative tasks.
- Training and Development Intern : Helps design and implement training programs for staff and students.
5. Marketing and Communications
- Communications Intern : Assists in creating content for newsletters, reports, and social media platforms.
- Public Relations Officer Trainee : Gains experience in managing the university’s reputation and public image.
Salaries and Stipends for UFS Internships and Careers
UFS internships provide tax-free stipends, reflecting the cost of living in the Free State. The stipend for 2025, based on recent data, is:
All Internship Roles: R9,100.50 per month (approx. R109,206 annually for 12-month contracts).
This figure is confirmed for roles like Education Technology and Administrative Internships (Job IDs 6019, 6020), per www.studentroom.co.za, and aligns with the Sign Language Interpreting Internship (Job ID not specified), per za.indeed.com.
Stipends are consistent across roles and campuses, paid for the contract duration (6–12 months). Benefits include mentorship, exposure to academic environments, and skill development, but typically exclude medical aid or paid leave due to the temporary nature of internships.
Requirements for UFS Internships and Careers
Educational Qualifications
Internships :
Enrolled in or recently completed a relevant degree or diploma program (e.g., education, IT, business, social sciences). Strong academic performance is preferred.
Full-Time Roles :
A bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field is typically required. Advanced degrees (e.g., master’s or PhD) may be advantageous for specialized roles, especially in academia.
How to Apply for UFS Internships and Careers
There are several ways to apply for internships and full-time roles at the University of the Free State:
Official Website
- Visit the official website of University of the Free State : www.ufs.ac.za .
- Navigate to the “Careers” or “Vacancies” section to view current internship and job openings.
- Create an account, upload your CV/resume, and apply directly to the positions that match your qualifications.