Author – Ritesh Ranjan: The Xenowatch Research Internship 2026 at the University of the Witwatersrand, also known as Wits University, is a valuable paid opportunity for graduates interested in migration studies, human rights, xenophobia monitoring and social justice research. Hosted by the African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS) in Johannesburg, this internship offers practical exposure to real-world research while contributing to an important public-interest project.
The internship is a part-time, six-month paid research role running from 1 July to 31 December 2026. Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of R10,000. Interested candidates must submit their applications before the deadline of 17 June 2026.
About Wits University and ACMS
The University of the Witwatersrand is one of South Africa’s leading higher education institutions and is widely recognised for its academic excellence, research output and social engagement. Its location in Johannesburg also makes it an important centre for studying urban migration, inequality, community relations and social change.
The internship is hosted by the African Centre for Migration & Society, a research centre focused on migration, mobility, social transformation and policy-related work. ACMS has contributed significantly to migration research in Africa and continues to support evidence-based discussions on the rights, experiences and challenges of migrant communities.
By joining this internship, selected candidates will become part of an academic and research environment that values data, field knowledge, critical thinking and social impact. This makes the role especially relevant for graduates who are planning careers in research, policy, advocacy, development or humanitarian work.
About the Xenowatch Project
The internship is linked to the Xenowatch Project, a respected monitoring and research initiative that tracks xenophobic violence, discrimination and exclusion in South Africa. The project focuses on collecting reliable data, verifying incidents and producing evidence-based insights that support advocacy, public awareness and policy development.
Xenowatch plays an important role in documenting incidents affecting migrant communities and helping researchers, civil society organisations and policymakers better understand migration-related challenges in South Africa.
What the Internship Offers
The selected Research Intern will work closely with the Xenowatch team and support key research and monitoring activities. The role includes tracking xenophobia-related incidents across traditional media and social media, verifying reports, updating the project database and assisting with administrative tasks.
The intern may also support stakeholder engagement with partner organisations, civil society groups and community-based networks across South Africa. This makes the internship especially useful for candidates who want to gain experience in applied research, data management, social policy and human rights work.
This is not just an administrative internship. It provides a chance to contribute to a nationally significant project that responds to urgent social issues and supports the protection of vulnerable communities.
Who Can Apply?
The Xenowatch Research Internship 2026 is suitable for recent graduates who have a strong interest in migration, social justice and human rights. Applicants must hold an Honours degree in Migration Studies or a relevant Social Science discipline.
Candidates should have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, good communication abilities and the capacity to work independently. Previous research experience will be an advantage, but it is not compulsory.
Motivated early-career researchers who are passionate about migration-related challenges, xenophobia, community rights and evidence-based advocacy are encouraged to apply.
Why This Internship Matters
Reliable data is essential for understanding xenophobia, discrimination and exclusion. Through Xenowatch, interns will gain hands-on experience in incident verification, monitoring systems, collaborative research and stakeholder communication.
The internship can strengthen the professional profile of graduates who wish to build careers in academia, advocacy, development, policy research, humanitarian work or social justice organisations. It also allows interns to contribute to work that has real-world impact on affected communities.
Internship Details
Host Institution: University of the Witwatersrand
Centre: African Centre for Migration & Society
Project: Xenowatch Project
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Internship Duration: 1 July to 31 December 2026
Mode: Part-time
Monthly Stipend: R10,000
Application Deadline: 17 June 2026
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae
- Cover letter of no more than one page
- Contact details of two referees
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their application documents by email to:
Applications must be submitted before 17 June 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.
Final Thoughts
The Xenowatch Research Internship 2026 at Wits University is an excellent opportunity for graduates who want to gain practical research experience while contributing to migration justice and human rights work. With a monthly stipend of R10,000, hands-on project exposure and the chance to work with a respected research centre, this internship can be a meaningful step for early-career researchers interested in social impact.
FAQs
- What is the Xenowatch Research Internship 2026?
The Xenowatch Research Internship 2026 is a six-month paid research internship hosted by the African Centre for Migration & Society at Wits University. It focuses on migration research, xenophobia monitoring and human rights-related work. - How much is the monthly stipend for the internship?
Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of R10,000 during the internship period. - Who is eligible to apply for the Xenowatch Research Internship?
Applicants must have an Honours degree in Migration Studies or a relevant Social Science discipline. Candidates should also have strong analytical, communication and independent working skills. - What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline is 17 June 2026. - How can candidates apply for the internship?
Candidates must email their CV, a one-page cover letter and contact details of two referees to Jean.Misago@wits.ac.za before the deadline.