Government Printing Works (GPW) Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027: Complete Guide, Closing Date and How to Apply

The Government Printing Works (GPW) is offering 45 internship positions across 37 placement areas to unemployed South African graduates. This guide covers who qualifies, what each placement requires, how to apply and how to avoid the mistakes that get applications rejected. edupstairs

Key dates: apply before 19 October 2026

Applications close on 19 October 2026. Hand-delivered applications must arrive by 16:00, and email applications by 23:59. That is under two weeks from today, so start your Z83 and CV now. edupstairs

Apply directly

Apply by email: [email protected]

Every application goes to this address, and the subject line must carry the reference number of the placement you want, for example GPW2026/17. GPW’s official website, where its vacancies and notices are published, is www.gpw.gov.za. The Z83 form is available from

The programme at a glance

• Organisation: Government Printing Works, the state’s security printing specialist. Its work includes passports, ID documents, examination materials and the Government Gazette.
• Duration: 24 months
• Stipend: R8 174.75 per month
• Locations: Most posts are in Pretoria. Two Sales posts are at the Regional Warehouse in East London. edupstairs
• Programme period: GPW’s advertisement describes it as the 2027/2029 financial year. Many websites call it “2026/2027”, so don’t be confused by the different labels.

Who can apply

According to the advertisement, you must:

1. Be a South African citizen.
2. Be unemployed.
3. Hold the qualification required for your chosen placement.
4. Never have taken part in an internship programme before.

Be honest about the last point. GPW warns that failing to disclose a previous internship can lead to the contract being terminated. Work experience is not listed as a requirement. The internship exists to give you that experience.

All 37 placements and reference numbers

Your qualification must match the specific post. Each post has its own reference number, and all are in Pretoria unless stated.

Supply chain, logistics and procurement

• GPW2026/01: Strategic Sourcing (2 posts)
• GPW2026/02: Contract Management (2 posts)
• GPW2026/04: Asset and Inventory Management
• GPW2026/14: Demand Planning
• GPW2026/27: Paper Stores Central

Finance, risk and legal

• GPW2026/03: Financial Services (4 posts, the largest placement)
• GPW2026/06: Contracts and Litigation
• GPW2026/07: Enterprise Risk Management
• GPW2026/08: Internal Audit

Administration, strategy and communications

• GPW2026/05: Facilities Management (2 posts)
• GPW2026/09: Office of the CEO
• GPW2026/10: Office of the GM: Corporate Services
• GPW2026/11: Office of the GM: Operations
• GPW2026/12: Communications
• GPW2026/13: E-Gazette Contact Centre
• GPW2026/23: Strategy Planning and Monitoring (2 posts)
• GPW2026/25: Knowledge Management

Operations, sales and technology

• GPW2026/15: Operations Planning
• GPW2026/16: Sales, Regional Warehouse, East London (2 posts)
• GPW2026/17: Digitalization
• GPW2026/24: Enterprise Portfolio Management Office
• GPW2026/20: Rubber Stamps (Graphic Design or Desktop Publishing)

Engineering and technical

• GPW2026/18: Technical Support: Quality, Health and Safety
• GPW2026/19: Technical Support: Technology Planning
• GPW2026/26: ID and Passport Factory
• GPW2026/28: Equipment Maintenance
• GPW2026/29: Service Maintenance (Heavy Current Electrical)

Security and integrity

• GPW2026/21: Security Management
• GPW2026/22: Integrity Management and Investigations

Human resources and wellness

• GPW2026/30: Employee Benefits and Administration
• GPW2026/31: Talent Management
• GPW2026/32: Performance Management and Development System
• GPW2026/33: Organisational Development and Change Management
• GPW2026/34: Recruitment and Selection
• GPW2026/35: Labour Relations
• GPW2026/36: Employee Health and Wellness (Social Work or Psychology)
• GPW2026/37: Occupational Health and Safety

For example, Strategic Sourcing needs a degree in Supply Chain or Logistics Management, Financial Services needs a diploma or degree in Financial Accounting, and Contracts and Litigation needs an LLB or paralegal qualification. Read the full requirement for your post in the official advertisement before applying, because the accepted qualifications vary by post.

How to apply, step by step

Step 1: Choose your post. Match your qualification to one placement and note its reference number. You may apply for more than one if you qualify, but each application is separate.

Step 2: Complete the new Z83. GPW will not consider the old Z83. Each application needs its own form with the correct reference number. Make sure page 2 is signed.

Step 3: Update your CV. Keep it current, with your qualification, contact details and any volunteering, projects or practical work. Fresh graduates should highlight research projects, work-integrated learning and leadership roles.

Step 4: Send your email.

• Send it to [email protected].
• Put the reference number in the subject line, for example “REFERENCE NUMBER: GPW2026/34”.
• Attach only your CV and completed Z83. Keep the email under 2MB, and don’t send screenshots, zipped files or image files.

Step 5: Or hand-deliver. One source lists the delivery address as 389 Sophie De Bruyn Street, Pretoria. GPW’s 2025 advertisement listed a different street address (149 Bosman Street), so phone HR on (012) 748 6277 or 012 748 6297 to confirm before travelling. Those numbers come from the 2025 advert. e

Documents: what to send now and later

You only need the CV and Z83 at the start. Certified copies of your qualifications and other supporting documents are requested only from shortlisted candidates, on or before the interview date. If you hold a foreign qualification, you must provide a South African Qualifications Authority evaluation. Keep certified copies of your ID, matric certificate and highest qualification ready so you can respond quickly if shortlisted.

What interns do

Interns receive structured workplace exposure and training in their field, working on projects under experienced professionals. Expect to learn how a state-owned printing and security production environment works. A Finance intern might support payroll or reconciliations, while an Engineering intern might work alongside maintenance teams on printing equipment.

Common mistakes that get applications rejected

• Wrong or missing reference number. This is the most common error.
• The old Z83. It is not accepted.
• Too many attachments. GPW asks for the CV and Z83 only at this stage.
• Oversized or zipped files. Stay under 2MB.
• Applying for a post you don’t qualify for. A suitable qualification for one post does not automatically suit another.
• Hiding a previous internship. This can end the contract.
• Leaving it until the last day. Email servers fail, and late applications are not considered.

Tips to stand out

1. Be specific in your CV. “Supported reconciliation of 200+ invoices during my WIL placement” beats “hard-working team player”.
2. Show you understand GPW. Know that it prints passports, IDs, Gazettes and exam papers, and that it operates under strict security.
3. Prepare for the interview. Expect questions about your studies, why you chose that placement, how you handle deadlines, and confidentiality in a secure environment.
4. Keep your phone and email active. Shortlisting messages can arrive quickly.
5. Apply elsewhere too. Competition is high, so don’t rely on one application.

Beware of scams

GPW does not charge application fees, and nobody can sell you a place on the programme. Never pay anyone who promises an internship or interview. Send applications only to the official GPW address listed above.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an online application portal? The advert gives two routes, email and hand delivery, and no portal.

Can I apply if I’m working? No. Applicants must be unemployed.

Will I be hired afterwards? GPW is under no obligation to employ graduates when the programme ends. It also reserves the right to fill or not fill posts.

Can I apply for more than one post? Yes, if you meet each requirement. Send a separate application with its own Z83 and reference number for each.

What if I miss the deadline? Late applications are not considered, so aim to submit at least a day early.

Final checklist

• Placement chosen and reference number noted
• New Z83 completed and signed
• CV updated
• Email subject line shows the reference number
• Only CV and Z83 attached, under 2MB
• Sent to [email protected] before 19 October 2026
• Certified documents ready in case you’re shortlisted

Details can change, so check the official advertisement and GPW’s website before you submit.

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