Internship: Counselling Psychologist – Department of Student Affairs

About the job
UP Professional and Support DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS INTERN: COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST (FIVE POSTS) ONE-YEAR CONTRACT (2026/2027) – July 2026 to June 2027 OR SIX-MONTH CONTRACT – July 2026 to December 2026 In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy. The University of Pretoria’s commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development. Job Purpose This post is related to the professional counselling psychology internship training programme. The incumbent will be responsible for rendering counselling psychology services to students/young adults to promote academic success and emotional wellness. This will include psychotherapeutic services and the development and identification of preventative and self-help programmes for the purposes of the promotion of well-being, and to enhance the academic success of students/young adults. The incumbent will have to comply with the requirements of the HPCSA in the above regards.

Responsibilities The successful candidate will actively participate in the following areas:

Psychotherapeutic counselling services to students/young adults, to promote academic success and emotional wellness:
Rendering counselling services (individually and group work), and present programmes to enhance student emotional wellness;
Providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents and other client profiles at other campuses and sites, as part of training requirements;
Consultation with Head: Student Counselling, internship supervisors, and colleagues;
Development of preventative and self-help, academic and therapeutic programmes in view of the identified needs of students:
Developing new programmes according to the identified needs;
Co-operating and receiving feedback from internal role players according to applicable data and research;
Career testing and academic support services and programmes:
Developing and delivering academic support services and programmes;
Providing feedback to students and parents after testing/counselling;
Consulting with academic personnel, relevant internal and external role players, and students, to determine needs, problems and possibilities for programmes and other relevant interventions;
Research:
Contributing to research to support the department in developing tailor-made programmes in line with the academic and emotional needs of the student population at the University of Pretoria;
Professional development:
Enhancing personal level of knowledge by way of studying applicable literature and research to ensure continuous learning and training;
Participating in case presentation for the purpose of evaluation by supervisors and/or other professionals;
Undergoing mandatory weekly supervision;
Participation in institutional activities:
Participating as a team member within the Student Counselling Unit in all its activities and its networks within the University.
Minimum Requirements

Proven current registration and / or previous completion of MA/MSc in Counselling Psychology at an accredited university/college;
Successful completion of course work as part of the first year MA/MSc Counselling Psychology training programme at an accredited university;
Successful completion of practical work as part of the first year MA/MSc Counselling Psychology training.
Registration as student/intern with HPCSA;
Compliance in the above with the HPCSA and University regulations;
Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes) Knowledge of the following:

Psychological interventions at a professional level;
Short term and brief therapy techniques;
A range of psychometric assessments;
The Code of Ethics and Conduct for Psychologists (HPCSA);
Ability to diagnose psychological problems and psychopathology within the scope of practice for Counselling psychologists;
Ethical insight and reliability.
Personal / Interpersonal Skills And Behavioural Attributes

Flexibility as the service demands require;
Good interpersonal skills to foster a productive working environment;
Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team;
Efficient planning, organising and prioritisation skills;
Ability to work under pressure and manage crisis interventions;
Professionalism, confidentiality and sensitivity towards the diversity of students;
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal);
Proficient computer skills in MS Word, PowerPoint and e-mail;
Added Advantages And Preferences

Practical experience within a clinic environment;
Experience with psychological assessments and psychometric tests;
Experience with report writing;
Registration with the Professional Board for Psychology of the HPCSA as an intern Psychologist, prior to or simultaneous to, taking up the position.
The total remuneration package for this position is R174 000.00 per annum as determined by UP policy guidelines. Incumbents will be offered the option to accept living arrangements / university accommodation near the campus as part of the cost to company.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In Applying For This Post, Please Attach

A short cover letter and narrative self-evaluation (1 page, font Ariel 11)
A comprehensive CV;
Certified copies of registration as a current MA or MSc Counselling Psychology student; or if completed, certified copies of completed degree in MA or MSc in Counselling Psychology (no other degree may qualify for this internship training position)
Certified copy of registration as a current Student Psychologist with the HPCSA;
Certified copies of undergraduate qualifications;
Certified copies of academic results;
Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact;
Ensure that ALL attachments and documents are scanned together and uploaded to the Careers@UP portal to facilitate easy processing.

CLOSING DATE: 11 June 2026

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Ms. Neo Kwadibane, email: neo.kwadibane@up.ac.za for application-related enquiries, and Dr. Zuleikha Ahmed; email: zuleikha.ahmed@up.ac.za for enquiries relating to the post content and the internship programme.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 August 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups. All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process. The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.