The Government Printing Works (GPW) has released applications for its 2027/2029 Graduate Programme (Internship) which unemployed qualifying graduates can apply for as a way to earn 24 months of work experience.
The internship targets South African citizens who are unemployed with no previous internship experience; the applicants have to apply strictly according to the guidelines provided by the organisation as incomplete and incorrectly completed application forms and late applications will be rejected.
There is a specific closing date for submission of applications which is on 19 October 2026 for both hand delivered and online applications.
Government Printing Works application closing date
The closing date for submission of applications is:
19 October 2026
There are two specified closing times which depend on the application method:
- Hand delivered: 16:00
- Online: 23:59
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
How long is the GPW Graduate Programme?
The Government Printing Works Graduate Programme is a 24 month internship for the 2027/2029 financial year.
The aim of the programme is to provide the successful applicants with work experience and exposure.
The vacancy information provided by the organisation does not give a general stipend information which means that the applicants should not expect a stipend unless it is stated in the specific post they are applying for.
Who can apply for the GPW internship?
The internship is open to qualifying graduates who fit the following criteria:
- South African citizens
- Unemployed
- Meeting the qualification requirements of the specific post
- Not having participated in an internship programme previously
It is important for the applicants to note that those who have been in an internship before should indicate this information.
The organisation warns that failure to do so will result in the termination of a contract on the grounds of dishonest and undue enrichment.
VIEW ALL INTERN POSITIONS HERE
Applicants must use the new Z83 form
The most critical requirement is the new Z83 application form.
The Government Printing Works indicates that applications submitted using the old Z83 form will be rejected.
Each advertised post requires separate application forms.
The applicants should note that the forms have to be:
- Fully completed
- Initialled where required
- Signed
The forms have to be submitted together with the application for the specific post.
The Z83 form can be downloaded from Public Service departments or the government documents website.
What documents must be submitted?
It is important for the applicants to note that for the initial application, they have to submit:
- A copy of the CV
- The completed Z83 form
The applicants should not attach certified copies of qualifications unless they are short listed and instructed to do so.
As per the instructions, the short listed candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and any other supporting documents by the Human Resources department on or before the interview date.
How to apply for the Government Printing Works internship
There are two application methods depending on the advertised post.
Hand delivered applications
The applications can be handed over at:
Government Printing Works
389 Sophie De Bruyn Street
Pretoria
The hand delivered applications have to reach the above address by 16:00 on 19 October 2026.
Online applications
The applicants can apply by email using the email addresses provided in the specific post.
The Government Printing Works advises the applicants to:
- Attach only a copy of the CV and completed Z83 form
- Keep the file size of the email below 2MB
- Use the correct email address as provided in the post
- Include the correct designations in the email subject line
- Indicate the reference number in the subject line
The applicants should therefore ensure that they have read the specific internship advertisement in order to identify the correct email address, subject line and reference number.
Do not use screenshots and ZIP files
The Government Printing Works has specific requirements in terms of files.
The applicants should note that the following file formats are not acceptable:
- Images
- Zipped files
- IMG files
- JPEG documents
The applicants should therefore ensure that their CV and Z83 form are in an acceptable format as specified above.
They should also ensure that the file size is below 2MB.
What happens after applications are submitted?
Only short listed applicants will be contacted.
The short listed candidates will be informed of the interview dates and times by the Government Printing Works.
The organisation may also conduct suitability assessments.
Those appointed will be required to sign an employment contract as well as a performance agreement if applicable.
The organisation also reserves the right to fill or leave any position vacant.
Foreign qualifications
Graduates who gained their qualifications outside South Africa have to bear in mind that the Government Printing Works may require evaluation results from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
The applicants should therefore ensure that their foreign qualifications have been evaluated if necessary.
Applications cannot be submitted by fax
The Government Printing Works does not accept applications by fax.
The applicants have to use either of the two recommended application methods above.
GPW Graduate Internship 2027: Key details
Organisation Government Printing Works Programme Graduate Programme / Internship Financial years 2027/2029 Duration 24 months Target applicants Qualifying unemployed graduates Citizenship South African citizens Previous internship Applicants must not have participated in an internship Application form New Z83 Hand-delivery address 389 Sophie De Bruyn Street, Pretoria Hand-delivery closing time 16:00, 19 October 2026 Online closing time 23:59, 19 October 2026 Email size limit 2MB Initial attachments CV and completed Z83 Certified documents Required from short listed candidates Fax applications Not accepted Late applications Not considered
Common mistakes applicants should avoid
It is vital for the applicants to ensure that they have completed their applications correctly.
The following are some of the common mistakes that they should avoid:
Using the old Z83 form
The Government Printing Works specifically states that the new Z83 form has to be used.
Sending too many documents
The instructions state that initially applicants should only attach their CV and completed Z83 form.
Going over the 2MB email size limit
The applicants should ensure that they check the file size of the email before sending it.
Using the wrong email address
Each advertised post has a specific email address.
The applicants should therefore ensure that they have used the correct email address as specified in the post.
Leaving out the reference number
The applicants have to include the correct job title and reference number in the email subject line.
Applying after the closing date
The applicants should note that the closing date is on 19 October 2026.
Late applications will not be considered.
Failing to disclose a previous internship
The applicants should note that they have to indicate whether they have been in an internship programme before.
Failure to do so may result in them being fired after they are employed.
What graduates should prepare before applying
The applicants can avoid common mistakes by preparing their application well.
Before submitting the application, they should ensure that they have:
- Used the new Z83 form
- Completed the form fully, initialling and signing it
- Attached an updated CV
- Specified the correct job title and reference number
- Used the correct email address
- Attached only the required documents
- Made sure the email is below 2MB in size
- Submitted the application before the closing date
The applicants should also make sure that they have a copy of their submitted application and supporting documents.
Final reminder
The Government Printing Works Graduate Programme 2027/2029 provides qualifying unemployed South African graduates with a 24 months internship to get work experience.
The applications have to be submitted by 19 October 2026.
The hand delivered applications have to reach the address provided by 16:00 and the online applications have to be sent before 23:59.
The most important requirements include using the new Z83 form, an updated CV, correct reference details, 2MB email size limit and following the instructions provided for each advertised post.
No stipend information or qualification and vacancy list has been provided for the organisation’s internship programme.
The applicants should therefore check the specific GPW post to identify the qualification requirements attached to the position they are interested in.
Editorial and fact-checking information
Fact-checking: The program duration, eligibility requirements, closing date, Z83 requirements, document requirements and application procedures for this vacancy report were based on the Government Printing Works internship information provided for publication.
Important: Individual internship vacancies may have different qualification and reference requirements. The applicants should adhere to the instructions on the specific vacancy they are applying for.
Corrections: Any updates to this post should be verified against the latest Government Printing Works vacancy information and reflected in an amended version of this article.
