The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers a wide range of internship opportunities for both local and international students and graduates. These internships span research, healthcare, biotechnology, climate change, community development, and more.
UCT’s internship programmes are available through various faculties and research units, such as the Global Surgery Division, African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI), and specialized labs in biotechnology and biomedical engineering. Internships are available year-round, with intakes typically every quarter or for specific summer/winter periods.
Internships and careers at UCT provide exposure to cutting-edge research, academic administration, corporate services, and community engagement initiatives. Whether you’re interested in academia, research, IT, finance, human resources, or student support services, UCT offers diverse roles that cater to various fields and skill sets.
Popular Internship and Career Roles at the University of Cape Town
As of May 2025, approximately 5–15 internship positions are estimated to be available, based on trends from www.uct.ac.za and careers.uct.ac.za. UCT prioritizes diversity, encouraging applications from youth (18–35), women, people with disabilities, and designated groups (Black, Coloured, Indian candidates) under its Employment Equity Plan.
Common internship roles suitable for minimal or no experience include:
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Research Assistant Intern: Supports faculty research projects (e.g., data collection, literature reviews).
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Administrative Intern: Assists with departmental tasks like data entry and event coordination.
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Teaching Assistant Intern: Aids in tutoring or lab facilitation (e.g., Mathematics, Sciences).
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IT Support Intern: Provides basic technical support for campus systems.
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Communications Intern: Supports social media, newsletters, and stakeholder engagement.
Salaries and Stipends for UCT Internships and Careers
UCT internships offer competitive, tax-free stipends, reflecting Cape Town’s cost of living. Below are approximate stipend ranges for 2025, based on regional academic internship trends and UCT’s part-time role data:
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Research Assistant Intern: R5,000–R8,000 per month (approx. R60,000–R96,000 annually).
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Administrative Intern: R4,000–R6,500 per month (approx. R48,000–R78,000 annually).
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Teaching Assistant Intern: R5,000–R7,500 per month (approx. R60,000–R90,000 annually).
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IT Support Intern: R4,500–R7,000 per month (approx. R54,000–R84,000 annually).
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Communications Intern: R4,000–R6,500 per month (approx. R48,000–R78,000 annually).
These estimates align with UCT’s tutor salaries (R50–R100/hour, equating to ~R4,000–R8,000/month for part-time work) and similar programs (e.g., PathCare at R4,500–R8,500/month). Stipends vary by role, faculty, and duration (6–12 months). Benefits include mentorship, access to UCT’s world-class facilities, and networking opportunities, but typically exclude health insurance or paid leave due to the temporary nature of internships.
Requirements for UCT Internships and Careers
UCT internships target students and recent graduates with minimal qualifications. General requirements include:
Education:
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Research/Teaching Assistant Intern: Current enrollment in or recent completion of a Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7) in a relevant field (e.g., Sciences, Humanities); postgraduate students preferred for research roles.
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Administrative/Communications Intern: Grade 12/Matric; enrollment in or completion of a diploma or Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 6–7) in Business Administration, Communications, or related fields.
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IT Support Intern: Grade 12/Matric; a diploma or degree in Information Technology or Computer Science is an advantage.
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International qualifications require a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate.
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Experience: No prior work experience required (<6 months). Academic projects, volunteer work, or student leadership (e.g., tutoring, society involvement) are advantageous. On-the-job training provided.
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How to Apply for UCT Internships and Careers
Application Process
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Visit Official Portals:
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UCT Careers Portal: www.jobs.uct.ac.za or careers.uct.ac.za (primary platforms for internships and student opportunities).
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MyCareer Portal: careers.uct.ac.za (exclusive to UCT students/alumni for internships advertised by external employers).
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