The Competition Tribunal of South Africa is inviting applications for its 12-month paid full-time Internship Programme, designed for students currently enrolled in a Master’s degree in Economics.
The opportunity provides practical exposure to competition economics, case management and the work of an independent adjudicative body responsible for determining competition matters in South Africa.
Based in Pretoria, the internship offers successful candidates the opportunity to work as an Economist, gain on-the-job training and apply academic economics knowledge to real-world competition matters. Applications close at 17h00 on 25 September 2026.
Competition Tribunal Internship 2026 at a Glance
| Opportunity | Competition Tribunal Internship Programme |
|---|---|
| Host organisation | Competition Tribunal of South Africa |
| Field | Economics / Competition Economics |
| Position | Economics Intern / Economist Trainee |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Type | Paid, full-time internship |
| Location | Pretoria, South Africa |
| Study requirement | Currently enrolled in a Master’s in Economics |
| Application deadline | 25 September 2026 at 17h00 |
| Application method | |
About the Competition Tribunal Internship
The Competition Tribunal is an independent adjudicative body established under Section 26 of South Africa’s Competition Act No. 89 of 1998. It has jurisdiction throughout the Republic of South Africa and performs its functions in accordance with the Competition Act and Constitution.
The Tribunal forms part of South Africa’s competition regulatory framework alongside the Competition Commission and the Competition Appeal Court. While the Competition Commission investigates and enforces competition law, the Competition Tribunal adjudicates matters referred to it, while the Competition Appeal Court considers appeals or reviews of Tribunal decisions.
The internship is particularly relevant to Economics students interested in understanding how economic theory and analysis are applied to competition-related cases.
What the Internship Offers
The 12-month programme is intended to introduce graduates and postgraduate students to competition economics in practice while providing exposure to professional working environments.
Successful interns will receive on-the-job training as an Economist and have opportunities to develop practical skills alongside experienced professionals.
The programme can provide exposure to:
- Practical applications of economics in competition matters.
- Competition economics and market analysis.
- Case management processes.
- Real-world competition law matters.
- Professional work within an independent adjudicative institution.
- Tribunal hearings and proceedings.
- The relationship between economic analysis and competition regulation.
- Working alongside practitioners involved in competition matters.
Interns will also have opportunities to observe practitioners in action when attending Tribunal hearings, allowing them to gain insights into how competition matters are considered and adjudicated.
Who Can Apply?
The internship is specifically aimed at students currently enrolled in a Master’s degree in Economics.
Applicants should therefore demonstrate that they meet the academic requirement and have an interest in developing a career in Competition Economics.
The application should demonstrate a genuine interest in the field, as candidates are required to submit a motivation explaining why they are interested in pursuing a career in Competition Economics.
Key Areas of Competition Work
The Competition Tribunal deals with competition matters that can have significant implications for businesses and markets across South Africa.
Its work includes adjudicating matters involving:
- Mergers
- Prohibited practices
- Cartels
- Abuse of dominance
- Other competition matters referred to the Tribunal under the Competition Act.
For an Economics student, this environment can provide an opportunity to understand how economic concepts and evidence are considered alongside competition law and regulatory requirements.
Application Requirements
Interested applicants are required to submit their applications by email.
The application must include:
- A current CV.
- A copy of the applicant’s academic record.
- A brief motivation of no more than 500 words explaining why the applicant is interested in pursuing a career in Competition Economics.
Applicants should ensure that their motivation directly addresses their interest in the field and demonstrates how the internship aligns with their academic and career objectives.
Application Deadline
The closing deadline is 17h00 on 25 September 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their documents before the deadline rather than waiting until the final hours. The Tribunal states that applicants should consider themselves unsuccessful if they have not received communication two weeks after the closing date.
Why Economics Students May Consider the Opportunity
The internship is structured around practical exposure rather than classroom-based learning alone. Students can gain insight into how economic knowledge is applied to actual competition matters and how professionals operate within an adjudicative institution.
The opportunity may therefore be relevant to Master’s students seeking experience in areas such as competition economics, economic regulation, market analysis, competition policy and applied economics.
The Tribunal also states that it is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunity and employment equity employer.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare their CV, academic record and a motivation of no more than 500 words explaining their interest in a career in Competition Economics.
Completed applications should be emailed before 17h00 on 25 September 2026.
For enquiries, applicants may contact the HR Manager, Bellah Kekana, via email  or +27 (0) 12 394 5056.
VISIT HERE TO APPLY
Final Takeaway
The Competition Tribunal South Africa Internship Programme 2026 provides a paid, full-time 12-month opportunity for students pursuing a Master’s degree in Economics to gain practical exposure to competition economics and the work of an independent adjudicative institution.
With training as an Economist, exposure to competition matters and opportunities to attend Tribunal hearings, the programme offers postgraduate Economics students a structured opportunity to develop practical knowledge alongside their academic studies. Eligible candidates should submit their CV, academic record and 500-word motivation before the 25 September 2026, 17h00 deadline.
