The University of Johannesburg is recruiting a graduate intern to join its AI Hub within the Johannesburg Business School, offering young technology graduates the chance to work on artificial intelligence and digital innovation projects.
The opportunity forms part of the university’s experiential learning initiatives aimed at strengthening South Africa’s digital skills pipeline. The selected candidate will support research and development work in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, machine learning and data analysis.
Applications close on 6 March 2026, with the internship scheduled to begin on 16 March 2026.
Short-Term Internship Inside UJ’s AI Innovation Hub
The AI Hub Internship is a temporary experiential learning placement designed to give graduates practical exposure to research and innovation environments.
The intern will work alongside researchers, developers and project teams within the Johannesburg Business School’s Centre for Entrepreneurship.
Position: AI Hub Intern (Experiential Learner)
Contract duration: 4 months
Location: University of Johannesburg
Faculty: Johannesburg Business School – Centre for Entrepreneurship
Programme start date: 16 March 2026
The role focuses on helping support projects that explore new digital technologies and artificial intelligence solutions.
About the UJ AI Hub
The UJ AI Hub is a research and innovation centre that focuses on advancing digital technologies and supporting South Africa’s technology ecosystem.
Key focus areas include
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Data science
- Cybersecurity
- Emerging digital technologies
Through industry partnerships and training initiatives such as the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars Programme, the hub provides opportunities for students and graduates to develop practical skills relevant to the digital economy.
What the Intern Will Work On
The experiential learner will assist with ongoing research and technology development projects.
Key responsibilities include
- Developing and testing artificial intelligence prototypes
- Supporting research experiments and testing activities
- Conducting coding tasks and debugging systems
- Training machine learning models using frameworks such as TensorFlow
- Assisting with data analysis and research documentation
- Preparing reports and summaries for research projects
- Contributing to presentations and stakeholder updates
The intern will work in collaboration with researchers and project teams across the AI Hub.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7) in a computing or technology-related field.
Relevant fields include
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Informatics
- Software Engineering
- Data Science
- Information Systems
- Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- Robotics
Equivalent qualifications in digital technology fields may also be considered.
An Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) will be advantageous but is not required.
Technical Knowledge Expected
Candidates should demonstrate basic understanding in areas such as
- Programming principles and algorithms
- Databases and data analysis
- Artificial intelligence or machine learning concepts
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
Programming languages may include
- Python
- SQL
- R
Knowledge of machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow and experience with data visualisation tools may be beneficial.
Understanding ethical data handling and information security practices is also important.
Experience Requirements
This internship is designed for graduates entering the technology sector. No formal work experience is required.
However, the following will be advantageous
- Participation in hackathons or coding competitions
- Academic software development projects
- Experience using AI tools or cybersecurity platforms
- Exposure to research projects or prototyping environments
Personal Skills and Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate
- Strong communication abilities
- Team collaboration skills
- Logical problem-solving ability
- Curiosity and willingness to learn new technologies
- Good time management
- Professional conduct and reliability
- Ability to respond to feedback and improve performance
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents by email
- Certified copies of highest qualifications
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Updated CV
How to Apply
Email applications to: motlatsor@uj.ac.za
Enquiries
Job content enquiries
Ms Carol Keshy
carolk@uj.ac.za
Remuneration and benefits enquiries
Mrs Chandni Hira-Fakir
chandnih@uj.ac.za
Important Notes
The University of Johannesburg promotes employment equity and encourages applications from historically disadvantaged groups and persons with disabilities.
The university also reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within 21 weeks after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
Application Deadline
Closing date: 6 March 2026
Graduates interested in artificial intelligence and digital innovation are encouraged to apply before the deadline.