Location: Durban & Pietermaritzburg, KZN
Closing Date: 24 February 2026
Contract: 12-Month Fixed Term
Remuneration: R8,000.00 Monthly Stipend
Company Profile: UKZN Student Support Services
The Student Support Services (SSS) division at UKZN provides a holistic safety net for students. Within the College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science, interns work with a unique student population facing high academic pressure. The unit focuses on the “holistic student,” ensuring that mental health, career direction, and academic performance are supported through professional, evidence-based psychological interventions.
The Role: Psychology Intern
Working under the strict supervision of registered professionals, interns will bridge the gap between academic theory and clinical practice. The role is high-impact, involving direct contact with students who may be experiencing academic exclusion, financial stress, or personal trauma.
Key Responsibilities
- Psychotherapy & Counselling: Providing individual and group psychosocial interventions.
- Specialized Support: Facilitating career and academic counselling tailored to Science and Engineering disciplines.
- Crisis Intervention: Providing immediate support and stabilization for students in acute psychological distress.
- Developmental Workshops: Designing and facilitating life-skills workshops and webinars on topics like stress management, resilience, and study habits.
- Training Programme: Active participation in the HPCSA-accredited Intern Training Programme.
Minimum Requirements
- HPCSA Status: Registration as a Master’s student in a Counselling or Educational Psychology program.
- Educational Background: The qualification must be part of a professional Psychology discipline (not Education).
- Academic Readiness: Evidence of successful completion of M1 examinations by the start of 2026.
- Clinical Experience: Prior experience in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment/intervention.
- Language: Proficiency in isiZulu is a significant advantage for serving the local student population.
Interview Preparation: The Clinical Perspective
Internship interviews at UKZN are designed to test your clinical readiness and ethical grounding.
1. Understanding the Student Context
The CAES student population often deals with high “imposter syndrome” and burnout.
2. Potential Interview Questions
- “How would you handle a walk-in student expressing active suicidal ideation?”
- Tip: Focus on Crisis Protocols. Mention risk assessment, containment, not leaving the student alone, and the immediate escalation to your supervisor/campus security.
- “How do you balance your dual identity as a trainee and a professional in a diverse university setting?”
- Tip: Discuss Ethical Boundaries. Mention the importance of informed consent (notifying the student you are an intern under supervision) and maintaining professional distance while remaining empathetic.
- “Describe your preferred therapeutic modality and how you would adapt it for a short-term student counselling model.”
- Tip: Most student centers use Brief Term-Limited Therapy or CBT. Show how you can identify “low-hanging fruit” to help a student stabilize quickly so they can return to their studies.
Career Advice: Navigating the Internship Year
1. Supervision is Your Lifeline
The HPCSA requires rigorous supervision hours. Do not just wait for your scheduled time; be proactive in presenting “stuck” cases to your supervisor. This is the year where you develop your “clinical voice.”
2. Master the Referral Network
A good university intern knows they cannot solve everything alone. Familiarize yourself with UKZN’s internal network: Financial Aid, the Disability Unit, and the Clinics. A successful intervention often involves a “warm handover” to another department.
3. Prepare the Document Pack Correctly
UKZN has a strict “Incomplete submissions will not be considered” policy. Ensure your CV includes your supervision hours to date and that your referees include both a clinical and a research supervisor.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the UKZN Career Portal.
Required: Detailed CV, Post-grad Academic Transcripts, HPCSA Registration Certificate, and Contact Details for 3 Referees.