SETA Internships for N6 Graduates in 2025: Stipends, Opportunities, and Application

South Africa’s TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) system is designed to produce job-ready graduates. One critical part of this system is the requirement for N6 students to complete 18 months of in-service training or internship before they can qualify for their National N Diploma.

Thanks to South Africa’s SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) system, these internships are not only accessible but also come with monthly stipends that help students gain valuable work experience without the financial burden. In this article, we’ll unpack what SETA internships offer N6 graduates in 2025, how much you can earn, and how to apply effectively.

What Are SETA Internships?

SETA internships are structured workplace experience programmes offered through the 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in South Africa. They aim to equip graduates and final-year students with hands-on, practical workplace training in their field of study.

For N6 graduates, internships form part of the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component needed to obtain the National N Diploma. These programmes typically run for 12 to 24 months and are supported by government funding.

Interns are placed with host employers—private companies, government departments, or non-profit organisations—where they apply their classroom learning in a real-world environment.

What Is the Monthly Stipend for N6 Internships?

One of the biggest advantages of SETA internships is the stipend, which helps cover transport, meals, and other living expenses. The stipend amount varies based on the SETA, host employer, and qualification level.

Here are the typical stipend ranges for N6 internship programmes in 2025:

SETA	Stipend Range (Monthly)	Duration	Target Fields
CATHSSETA	R5,600	12–24 months	Hospitality, Tourism, Events, Arts
AgriSETA	R4,500 – R5,500	24 months	Agriculture, Project Admin, Public Management
W&RSETA (TVET Interns)	R3,000	18 months	Wholesale, Retail, Office Admin
W&RSETA (Graduate)	R4,500	12 months	Retail Management, Marketing, Finance
MICT SETA	R4,000 – R5,000	12–18 months	IT, Multimedia, Media Studies
HWSETA	R3,500 – R4,500	12–24 months	Health, Social Work, Public Health
Services SETA	R3,200 – R4,200	12 months	Office Admin, HR, Management

These stipends are usually paid monthly, directly into the intern’s bank account. SETAs typically require the host employer to submit attendance registers and progress reports for stipend release.

Who Qualifies for a SETA Internship?

To qualify for a SETA-funded internship as an N6 graduate, you must meet these general requirements:

Completed N6 Certificate from a registered TVET college in South Africa.
Seeking 18 months of workplace experience to qualify for your National Diploma.
Must be unemployed at the time of applying.
Must be a South African citizen between 18–35 years old.
Have no prior work experience related to the N6 qualification.
Willing to commit to a 12–24-month programme full time.

Each SETA and employer may have additional criteria—such as driver’s licence, proficiency in certain skills, or location-specific requirements.

Which SETAs Offer Internships for N6 Graduates?

1. CATHSSETA

This SETA supports the hospitality, tourism, arts, culture, and sports sectors. In 2025, they launched a nationwide internship programme offering R5,600 monthly stipends to eligible TVET and university graduates.

✔ Fields: Hospitality Management, Tourism, Events Management, Professional Cookery
✔ Duration: 12 to 24 months
✔ Closing dates: Some opportunities close as early as August 2025

Website: https://www.cathsseta.org.za

2. AgriSETA

AgriSETA supports N6 students in agricultural and rural development fields, including public admin and project management.

✔ Fields: Agriculture, Admin, Environmental Practice
✔ Stipend: R4,500 – R5,500
✔ Duration: 24 months
✔ Also includes mentorship and work readiness training

Website: https://www.agriseta.co.za

3. W&RSETA (Wholesale & Retail)

This SETA targets N6 graduates in wholesale, retail, marketing, and admin roles. They offer two main streams:

TVET N6 Internships: R3,000/month for 18 months
Graduate Placements: R4,500/month for 12 months

Website: https://www.wrseta.org.za

4. MICT SETA

Ideal for N6 students in Information Technology, Computer Science, or Digital Media.

✔ Fields: Software Development, IT Support, Networking, Digital Design
✔ Stipend: R4,000 – R5,000
✔ Duration: 12–18 months

Website: https://www.mict.org.za

How to Apply for a SETA Internship

Here’s a step-by-step guide for N6 graduates:

✅ Step 1: Update Your CV

Include your academic qualifications, soft skills, and any short courses (e.g., First Aid, Customer Service, Microsoft Office).

✅ Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Certified ID copy (not older than 3 months)
Certified N6 certificate / results
Proof of residence
Bank confirmation letter
Motivation letter
College letter confirming you need 18 months in-service training

✅ Step 3: Check SETA Websites

Visit your relevant SETA’s website to view internships, application forms, and employer partnerships. You can also find listings on:

✅ Step 4: Apply to Host Employers

Send your application to SETA-accredited host employers, which may include:

Hotels, lodges, and tourism companies (CATHSSETA)
Supermarkets, wholesalers, and retail outlets (W&RSETA)
Agricultural co-ops, farms, and food processors (AgriSETA)
IT and media agencies (MICT SETA)

Tips for Success

Apply early—some internships close applications months in advance.
Be proactive—visit companies near you and ask if they’re accredited for SETA internships.
Prepare for interviews—practice answering common questions and explaining your motivation.
Keep a copy of your logbook—you’ll need this to claim your National N Diploma later.

Real Student Experience

Nomvula Dlamini, a 24-year-old Hospitality N6 graduate from Durban, joined a CATHSSETA-funded internship in a coastal hotel.

“I earned R5,600 a month, which helped me pay for transport, food, and even send some money home. After 12 months, they offered me a permanent position as a front office assistant.”

Where to Apply – Quick Links

Here are direct links to current or recurring internship opportunities:

In 2025, SETA internships provide vital opportunities for N6 graduates to gain real-world experience and earn a modest income while completing the final requirement for their diploma. With stipend support ranging from R3,000 to R5,600, these programmes are not only educational but also life-changing.

By applying early, preparing a strong application, and targeting the right SETA for your field, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful career. Whether your dream is to work in hospitality, IT, retail, agriculture, or admin—there’s a funded opportunity waiting for you.