Rhodes University Counselling Psychologist Internship 2027 – Makhanda, Eastern Cape – Apply by 16 October 2026

October 5, 2026 Sanelisiwe Comments 0 Comment

Employer: Rhodes University
Position: Internship Counselling Psychologist – 2027
Division: Student Services and Development
Business Unit: Student Affairs – Student Wellness
Department: Student Counselling Centre
Location: Makhanda, Eastern Cape
Employment Type: 12-Month Contract / Internship
Salary: R18,568.90 per month before statutory deductions
Annual Salary: Approximately R222,826 per annum
Closing Date: 16 October 2026

Overview

Rhodes University is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for a Counselling Psychologist Internship for 2027 within the University’s Student Counselling Centre in Makhanda, Eastern Cape.

This 12-month internship provides practical professional experience in delivering comprehensive counselling and psychological support services to university students.

The successful candidate will gain exposure to psychotherapy, psychological and career assessments, crisis intervention, psycho-education, student wellness initiatives and other psychological services under the guidance of experienced psychologists.

Applicants must currently be in the first year of a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology at an accredited university and must be registered as a Student Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Key Responsibilities

The Intern Counselling Psychologist will provide psychological and counselling support to students through a range of services offered by the Student Counselling Centre.

Psychotherapy and Counselling

Responsibilities may include:

– Providing individual psychotherapy to students, primarily on a short-term basis.

– Providing couple therapy.

– Facilitating group therapy in response to identified student needs.

– Participating in family interventions in support of students.

– Providing HIV pre- and post-test counselling to students and staff.

– Participating in crisis intervention as part of the Student Counselling Centre team.

Psychological Assessment

The intern may conduct assessments primarily involving students, including:

Psychological assessments.
Career assessments.

Assessment activities will form part of the broader psychological support provided through the Counselling Centre.

Psycho-Education and Student Wellness

Under the guidance of senior psychologists, the intern will assist with:

Developing training courses for students and staff.
Facilitating training activities on campus.
Developing psycho-educational information materials.
Distributing relevant information and resources.
Promoting student health and well-being.
Supporting educational and preventative mental health initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must:

Currently be studying in the first year of a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology at an accredited university.
Be registered as a Student Psychologist with the HPCSA.

Applicants will be required to provide certified proof of both their Master’s registration and HPCSA Student Psychologist registration.

Required Skills and Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate:

Sound knowledge and understanding of adolescent and early adulthood development.
Genuine interest in working with university students.
Strong evidence-based counselling skills.
Strong psychotherapeutic skills.
Ethical and professional conduct.
Good administrative skills.
Strong organisational ability.
Effective time-management skills.
Computer literacy.
Ability to use word-processing software and spreadsheets.
Ability to use the internet effectively.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to quickly establish rapport with clients.
Ability to develop trusting professional relationships.
Strong verbal communication skills in English.
Strong written communication skills in English.
High levels of self-awareness.
Commitment to continued personal and professional development.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

The ability to speak isiXhosa will be an advantage.

After-Hours Crisis Intervention Requirement

Due to the nature of the University’s crisis intervention service, the successful candidate must be willing and able to respond to emergencies outside normal working hours.

This may include incidents such as the death of a student or another crisis where the presence of a psychologist is required.

The successful candidate must:

Be available for certain after-hours emergency call-outs.
Be able to respond to a crisis within 20 minutes of being contacted.
Live within 16 kilometres of Rhodes University.

Applicants should carefully consider this requirement before applying.

Salary

The internship offers a basic salary of:

R18,568.90 per month before statutory deductions

This equates to approximately:

R222,826 per annum

Required Application Documents

Applicants are required to submit the following:

Comprehensive and updated CV.
Names and contact details of three referees.
Letter of motivation.
Certified proof of registration as a current Master’s in Counselling Psychology student.
Certified proof of registration as a current Student Psychologist with the HPCSA.
Certified copies of undergraduate qualifications.
Certified copy of South African ID or passport.

Applicants should ensure that all requested documentation is submitted, as incomplete applications may be disqualified.

Selection Process

The selection process may include:

Shortlisting.
An assessment and/or presentation.
Formal interview.

The shortlisting date is still to be confirmed.

Candidates who are shortlisted will be informed of the relevant interview arrangements.

Rhodes University also states that employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Possible Interview Questions

Applicants preparing for the Counselling Psychologist Internship may consider questions such as:

Why are you interested in completing your Counselling Psychology internship at Rhodes University?
What interests you about working with university students?
How would you approach short-term psychotherapy with a student?
What psychological challenges are commonly associated with adolescence and early adulthood?
How would you respond to a student experiencing an immediate psychological crisis?
How do you establish rapport with a new client?
How would you maintain professional boundaries when working with students?
What does confidentiality mean within a counselling environment?
Under what circumstances might confidentiality need to be reconsidered?
Tell us about your experience with psychological assessment.
What experience do you have with career assessment?
How would you approach group therapy?
How would you manage a client presenting with significant emotional distress?
How do you manage your own emotional well-being when dealing with difficult cases?
How would you contribute to psycho-education and student wellness programmes?
How do you ensure that your counselling practice remains evidence-based?
How would you work with students from diverse cultural backgrounds?
Are you comfortable participating in after-hours crisis interventions?
How do you manage confidential client records and administrative responsibilities?
What would you like to gain from this internship?

These are suggested preparation questions and are not confirmed Rhodes University interview questions.

CV Tips for Applicants

Highlight Your Master’s Registration

Clearly state your current programme near the top of your CV.

For example:

Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology – First Year
[University Name]
Current Registration: 2026

Include Your HPCSA Registration

Your CV should clearly indicate that you are registered as a Student Psychologist with the HPCSA.

Do not forget to include the required certified proof with your application.

Highlight Relevant Counselling Experience

Include relevant practical experience involving:

Individual counselling.
Psychotherapy.
Group counselling.
Psychological assessments.
Career assessments.
Crisis intervention.
Psycho-education.
Student support.
Community psychology programmes.

Include Relevant Academic and Practical Training

Where applicable, highlight modules, placements and supervised experience relevant to:

Counselling Psychology.
Psychotherapy.
Psychological assessment.
Developmental psychology.
Ethics.
Crisis intervention.
Career counselling.

Include Three Referees

Rhodes University specifically requests the names and contact details of three referees, so ensure these are included in your CV.

APPLICATION PROCESS

APPLY HERE

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