Discovery invites South African unemployed graduates and young professionals to apply for its 12-month Internship Opportunities for 2026. These internships are designed to provide structured workplace experience, practical skills, and real exposure within one of South Africa’s leading financial services groups.
The programme is ideal for graduates who have completed their studies but have not yet had the opportunity to gain formal work experience.
About Discovery
Discovery’s core purpose is to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. The organisation is known for innovation across insurance, investments, employee benefits, and financial services. Discovery invests heavily in young talent and has a strong track record of converting interns into permanent employees after completion of the programme.
Since the internship programme launched in 2006, Discovery has supported hundreds of graduates, with a high percentage securing permanent roles after the 12-month period.
About the Discovery Internship Programme
The Discovery Internship Programme is a structured, full-time programme for unemployed graduates who need workplace exposure. Interns receive on-the-job training, mentorship, and support while contributing meaningfully to business operations.
Programme duration is 12 months. Interns are placed in real business units and gain experience aligned with their qualifications and career goals.
Internship Opportunity 1: Internship Programme – Group Life
This internship is based within Discovery Corporate and Employee Benefits, specifically supporting Group Life Operations.
Key Purpose of the Role
Interns will assist with operational and administrative functions across underwriting, billing, disability management, lump sum claims, and back-office processes. The role provides exposure to group life insurance operations and systems.
Key Responsibilities
Interns may assist with:
- Preparing broker reports using internal systems
- Indexing and managing documentation
- Coordinating medical requirements for members
- Loading member information onto systems
- Managing billing portfolios under supervision
- Monitoring work pools against service level agreements
- Assisting with claims assessments and follow-ups
- Supporting reporting for Global Education Protector claims
Education and Requirements
- Matric is required
- BCom Degree or Honours
- No previous internship or graduate programme
- No formal work experience
- Age between 18 and 30
- South African citizen by birth or naturalisation before 27 April 1994
Internship Opportunity 2: Internship – Service Consultant (Discovery Invest)
This role is based within Discovery Invest and focuses on client service and call centre operations.
Key Purpose
Service Consultants provide professional support to investors, brokers, and franchises. The role focuses on delivering excellent customer service, resolving queries, and maintaining strong client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Handling inbound calls and email queries
- Resolving client and broker queries
- Logging and tracking all interactions
- Meeting service and quality standards
- Updating clients on request progress
- Ensuring compliance with risk and regulatory requirements
- Accurate record-keeping and administration
Education and Experience
- Matric
- Minimum 2 years call centre experience
- At least 1 year experience in financial services
- LISP experience is advantageous
- BCom degree is advantageous
- Computer literacy is essential
Internship Opportunity 3: Internship – Servicing Administrator (Discovery Invest)
This internship focuses on administrative support within Discovery Invest, particularly related to retirement and investment transfers.
Key Purpose
The role supports the administration of Section 14 and Section 50 transfers from Discovery’s platform to other insurers and institutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Processing Section 14 and Section 50 transfers
- Following up on outstanding documentation
- Handling email and telephonic queries
- Managing escalations and service recovery
- Monitoring tasks against service level agreements
- Assisting with system testing and implementations
- Maintaining quality and compliance standards
Education and Experience
- Matric
- Minimum 2 years LISP administration experience
- Knowledge of Long-Term Insurance Act and Pension Fund Act
- Understanding of retirement products
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be unemployed at the time of application
- Meet the qualification and experience requirements of the specific internship
- Be committed to completing a 12-month internship
- Align with Discovery’s values and service standards
Employment Equity targets will be considered, and candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Why Apply for a Discovery Internship
Discovery internships offer more than work experience. Interns gain exposure to real systems, real clients, and real responsibilities. The programme builds confidence, professional skills, and improves employability in the competitive financial services sector.
Many interns are absorbed into permanent roles after completing the programme.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through Discovery’s official careers platform. Each internship role is applied for separately.
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated CV
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Accurate contact details
APPLY: Internship Programme – Group Life
APPLY: Internship – Service Consultant (Discovery Invest)
APPLY: Internship – Servicing Administrator (Discovery Invest)
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Final Notes
Discovery does not charge any fees for internships. If you are contacted and asked to pay, do not proceed.
