Government Printing Works Graduate Internship Programme 2027: Everything You Need to Know Before You Apply

Updated October 12, 2026

Applications close on 19 October 2026, so you have roughly two weeks left.

The Government Printing Works (GPW) has opened its Graduate Internship Programme for the 2027/2029 financial year. It offers 45 paid places, a 24-month contract and a monthly stipend of R8 174.75. If you are an unemployed South African graduate with no work experience yet, this could be your first real step into a government career.

This guide covers what the programme is, who can apply, which posts are open and how to submit a correct application.

Quick Facts

Programme: GPW Graduate Internship Programme 2027/2029
Number of posts: 45, across 37 placement areas
Duration: 24 months
Stipend: R8 174.75 per month
Locations: Pretoria (Gauteng) and East London (Eastern Cape)
Closing date: 19 October 2026 (16:00 for hand delivery, 23:59 for email)
Apply by email: [email protected]

Direct Links to Apply

GPW does not use an online application portal. You apply by email or by hand delivery.

Send your application here:
GPW official website (jobs and vacancies).
New Z83 form (download): www.gov.za, under the government forms section. You can also get it from any Public Service department.
Hand delivery address: Government Printing Works, 389 Sophie De Bruyn Street, Pretoria

What Is the Government Printing Works?

GPW is a South African state entity. It prints and publishes official material for government, including the Government Gazette. It also produces secure documents such as identity documents and passports.

Many people only think of printers and paper, but GPW also employs people in finance, law, supply chain, engineering, HR, IT, communications and security. That is why this programme accepts so many different qualifications.

What Does the Internship Offer You?

The programme is designed for graduates who have studied but have not yet had a chance to work. Over 24 months you can expect:

Structured workplace exposure in the field you studied
On-the-job training from people who do the work every day
Mentorship from experienced staff
Professional networking inside a national government entity
A monthly stipend of R8 174.75 while you learn

Two years is a long time for an internship. It is enough to build real skills and a solid CV. Keep in mind that an internship does not guarantee a permanent job at the end, so treat the 24 months as your chance to prove yourself.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, you must:

Be a South African citizen
Be currently unemployed
Hold the exact qualification required for the post you choose
Never have taken part in an internship programme before

The last point catches many people out. Earlier GPW adverts warned that failing to disclose a previous internship at a government or state institution can lead to the contract being terminated for dishonesty. Be honest on your form.

Earlier GPW programmes also had an age range of 18 to 35. The 2027 summaries I found don’t clearly repeat this, so check the official advert on the GPW website to confirm.

Available Placement Areas and Reference Numbers

Every post has its own reference number. You must use the correct one in your email subject line. Here is the full list, grouped by field.

Supply Chain, Finance and Audit

Strategic Sourcing (2 posts): GPW2026/01. Degree in Supply Chain or Logistics Management.
Contract Management (2 posts): GPW2026/02. Degree in Supply Chain Management or Procurement.
Financial Services (4 posts): GPW2026/03. National Diploma or Degree in Financial Accounting.
Asset and Inventory Management (1 post): GPW2026/04. Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics or Accounting Management.
Internal Audit (1 post): GPW2026/08. Diploma or Degree in Internal Auditing or Accounting Science.
Demand Planning (1 post): GPW2026/14. Diploma or Degree in Logistics or Supply Chain Management.
Paper Stores Central (1 post): GPW2026/27. Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain or Logistics Management.

Law, Risk and Integrity

Contracts and Litigation (1 post): GPW2026/06. LLB or Paralegal qualification.
Enterprise Risk Management (1 post): GPW2026/07. Diploma or Degree in Risk Management, Law, Business Management, Finance or Commerce.
Integrity Management and Investigations (1 post): GPW2026/22. Diploma or Degree in Investigation, Policing, Law or Social Sciences.
Security Management (1 post): GPW2026/21. Diploma or Degree in Security Management.

Administration and Management Offices

Facilities Management (2 posts): GPW2026/05. Diploma or Degree in Public Administration, Public Management or a facilities-related field.
Office of the CEO (1 post): GPW2026/09. Diploma or Degree in Public Management, Public Administration, Office Management or Business Management.
Office of the GM: Corporate Services (1 post): GPW2026/10. Diploma or Degree in Office Management and Technology.
Office of the GM: Operations (1 post): GPW2026/11. Diploma or Degree in Public Management, Public Administration, Office Management and Technology or Operations Management.
Strategy Planning and Monitoring (2 posts): GPW2026/23. Diploma or Degree in Public Administration, Public Management or Business Management.
Knowledge Management (1 post): GPW2026/25. Diploma or Degree in Information Science, Information Management or Records Management.

Communications, Sales and Customer Service

Communications (1 post): GPW2026/12. Diploma or Degree in Communication, Marketing or Media Studies.
E-Gazette Contact Centre (1 post): GPW2026/13. Diploma or Degree in Contact Centre Management or a related field.
Sales, Regional Warehouse East London (2 posts): GPW2026/16. Diploma or Degree in Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Management or Public Administration.

IT, Design and Projects

Digitalisation (1 post): GPW2026/17. Diploma or Degree in IT, Software Programming, Computer Systems, Engineering, Printing or Technology Management.
Enterprise Portfolio Management Office (1 post): GPW2026/24. Diploma or Degree in ICT or Project Management.
Rubber Stamps (1 post): GPW2026/20. Diploma or Degree in Graphic Design or Desktop Publishing.

Engineering, Production and Technical Support

Operations Planning (1 post): GPW2026/15. Diploma or Degree in Operations Management, Production or Project Management.
Quality, Health and Safety Technical Support (1 post): GPW2026/18. National Diploma in Quality Management, Operations Management, Engineering or Printing.
Technology Planning Technical Support (1 post): GPW2026/19. National Diploma in Industrial or Chemical Engineering.
ID and Passport Factory (1 post): GPW2026/26. Diploma or Degree in Industrial or Mechatronic Engineering.
Equipment Maintenance (1 post): GPW2026/28. Diploma or Degree in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering.
Service Maintenance (1 post): GPW2026/29. Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current).

Human Resources and Wellness

Employee Benefits and Administration (1 post): GPW2026/30. Diploma or Degree in Human Resources Management or Public Administration.
Talent Management (1 post): GPW2026/31. Diploma or Degree in Human Resource Development, Management of Training or Human Resources Management.
Performance Management and Development System (1 post): GPW2026/32. Same qualification fields as Talent Management.
Organisational Development and Change Management (1 post): GPW2026/33. Diploma or Degree in Work-study, Operations Management, Management Services, Production Management or Industrial Psychology.
Recruitment and Selection (1 post): GPW2026/34. Diploma or Degree in Human Resource Management.
Labour Relations (1 post): GPW2026/35. Diploma or Degree in Labour Relations or Labour Law.
Employee Health and Wellness (1 post): GPW2026/36. Degree in Social Work or Psychology.
Occupational Health and Safety (1 post): GPW2026/37. Diploma or Degree in Safety Management or an OHS-related field.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Pick your post. Find the placement that matches your qualification and write down its reference number.
Download the new Z83 form. GPW only accepts the new version, so the old one will not do. Complete it fully and sign it.
Prepare a short, clear CV. Include your education, your qualification and any projects, volunteer work or skills that relate to the post.
Write your email. Attach only your CV and your signed Z83. Do not attach certificates, IDs or anything else at this stage. Keep the total size under 2 MB.
Add the subject line. Use the exact reference number, for example: REFERENCE NUMBER: GPW2026/17.
Send it to [email protected] before 23:59 on 19 October 2026.
Or hand deliver to 389 Sophie De Bruyn Street, Pretoria, before 16:00 on the same day.

If you qualify for more than one post, send a separate email for each one. Each needs its own Z83 and its own reference number.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Match your qualification exactly. A Supply Chain degree will not qualify you for a Law post. Read each requirement closely.
Get the reference number right. A wrong or missing number can get your application rejected.
Keep the email plain. Avoid screenshots, zip files and photos of documents. Use PDFs where possible.
Sign your Z83. An unsigned form is an incomplete form.
Do not wait for the last day. Email servers fail, and queues form at delivery points.
Keep your documents ready. Only shortlisted candidates are asked for certified copies of qualifications, or evaluations of foreign qualifications. Prepare these in advance anyway.
Be honest about your history. If you have done an internship before, you are not eligible, and hiding it can end your contract later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the old Z83 form
Attaching too many files or going over 2 MB
Applying for a post that does not match your qualification
Forgetting the reference number in the subject line
Sending your application after the closing time
Paying anyone to “secure” a place

On that last point: GPW does not charge a fee for internship applications. Anyone who asks for money in exchange for a placement is a scammer. Report them and don’t pay.

What Happens After You Apply?

Government entities often receive thousands of applications, so the process can take time. Typically, applications are screened against the requirements, shortlisted candidates are contacted for the next stage, and successful candidates go through verification and security vetting. Unsuccessful applicants are often not contacted individually, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back quickly.

While you wait, keep applying elsewhere. Look at other graduate programmes, learnerships and bursaries so that you have more than one option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many positions are available?
There are 45 posts across 37 placement areas.

What is the stipend?
R8 174.75 per month.

How long is the internship?
24 months.

Where are the posts?
Most are in Pretoria. Two sales posts are in East London.

Can I apply if I am employed?
No. Only unemployed graduates qualify.

Do I need work experience?
No. The programme exists to give you that experience.

Can I apply for more than one post?
Yes, if you hold a qualification that matches each one. Send a separate application for each.

Is there an online portal?
No. Apply by email or by hand delivery.

Final Word

This is a valuable chance to start your career with a national government entity, and there is still time to apply. Check your qualification against the list, finish your Z83 and CV, and send your email early.

Important: I compiled these details from several current sources, which report the information as taken from GPW’s advert. Before you submit, confirm the closing date, email address and requirements on the official GPW website at www.gpw.gov.za.

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