The University of the Free State (UFS) Announced New Graduates Internship Programme for the Accounting degree (NQF Level 7) ,UFS is offering 4 Finance Internship positions (18-month contracts) at the Bloemfontein Campus,
About UFS
The University of the Free State (Afrikaans: Universiteit van die Vrystaat; Sesotho: Yunivesithi ya Freistata) is a multi-campus public university in Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State and the judicial capital of South Africa. It was first established as an institution of higher learning in 1904 as a tertiary section of Grey College.
Programme Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | University of the Free State Graduate Internship Programme 2026 |
| Department | Finance |
| Location | Bloemfontein Campus, Free State |
| Duration | 18 months (contract internship) |
| Number of Positions | 4 |
| Qualification Required | Bachelor’s degree or B-Tech (NQF Level 7) in Accounting |
| Experience Required | No formal work experience allowed |
| Citizenship | South African citizens or permanent residents |
| Application Method | Online only via UFS careers portal |
| Closing Date | 25 March 2026 |
What the Internship Offers
The UFS Graduate Internship Programme 2026 is designed to provide practical training in finance and accounting.
Selected interns will gain hands-on experience in:
- Financial transaction processing
- Institutional accounting workflows
- Data capturing
- Account adjustments
- Handling finance-related enquiries
- Supporting administrative finance operations
Most importantly, interns will work with PeopleSoft, a widely used enterprise resource planning system in large institutions.
That experience alone significantly strengthens a graduate’s employability profile.
Duties and Responsibilities During the Internship
Interns placed in the Finance division will gain exposure to multiple accounting support functions.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Processing financial transactions on PeopleSoft
- Capturing finance-related data accurately
- Performing journal adjustments and rectifications
- Supporting account management processes
- Assisting with general finance enquiries
- Working with institutional finance documentation
- Supporting administrative accounting workflows
These are exactly the types of responsibilities employers expect from entry-level finance administrators and junior accounting assistants.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the UFS Finance Internship Programme 2026, applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria.
You must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree OR B-Tech degree (NQF Level 7) in Accounting
- No formal work experience
- South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Availability during working hours if currently studying
- Willingness to sign an internship agreement with UFS
- Not currently participating in another internship or learnership programme
This internship targets first-time entrants into the accounting profession.
Recommended Skills That Will Strengthen Your Application
Although not compulsory, UFS indicates that candidates with the following strengths may perform better:
- Sound knowledge of general accounting principles
- Good computer literacy
- MS Word proficiency
- MS Excel proficiency
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work in teams
- Ability to assist students and staff professionally
These are practical workplace readiness indicators employers look for when selecting interns.
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Required Supporting Documents for Application
UFS clearly states that incomplete applications will not be considered, so make sure your submission is complete.
You must upload:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae
- Copies of qualifications OR official proof of completion
- SAQA evaluation (if qualification obtained outside South Africa)
- Copy of South African ID or passport (for permanent residents)
Important technical note:
The UFS system allows a maximum of eight attachments, so applicants should combine documents into fewer files if necessary before uploading.
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Who Should Apply for This Internship
This opportunity is ideal for:
- Accounting graduates without work experience
- Recent BCom Accounting graduates
- B-Tech Accounting graduates
- Graduates seeking university administration exposure
- Candidates preparing for finance careers in government
- Applicants planning careers in institutional finance environments
If you already have formal accounting employment experience, you will likely not qualify.
How to Apply University of the Free State (UFS) Announces Graduate Internship Programme 2026
Applications submitted through email or third-party platforms will not be accepted.
Application Deadline and Contact Information
Closing date: 25 March 2026
Enquiries can be directed to:
Phone:
051 401 2979
051 401 9813
051 401 9848
Email:
JardineS@ufs.ac.za
Recruit@ufs.ac.za
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the UFS Graduate Internship Programme 2026?
It is an internship programme offering finance-related work experience for graduates.
Where is the internship located?
At the Bloemfontein Campus in the Free State.
What is the duration of the programme?
18 months.
How many positions are available?
4 positions.
What qualification is required?
A Bachelor’s degree or B-Tech in Accounting.
Is work experience required?
No, applicants must not have formal work experience.
Who can apply?
South African citizens or permanent residents.
How do I apply?
Apply online via the UFS careers portal.
What is the closing date?
25 March 2026.
Is this a paid internship?
Details on stipend may be provided in the official advert.
Can I apply if I have work experience?
No, this programme is for candidates without formal work experience.
What skills are important?
Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and communication skills.
Is the internship full-time?
Yes, it is a full-time contract internship.
Will I get a job after the internship?
Not guaranteed, but it improves your chances.
Can international students apply?
Only South African citizens or permanent residents are eligible.
Do I need certified documents?
Yes, typically required during the application process.
Is the programme competitive?
Yes, due to limited positions.
What department will I work in?
The Finance Department.
Why should I apply?
To gain experience and start your career in finance.
Can I apply late?
No, late applications are not accepted.
