The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) invites South African unemployed graduates to apply for the Graduate Internship Programme 2026.
Internship Application Closing Date: 31 March 2026
Internship Location: Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, Free State, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape and Western Cape, South Africa
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is offering a 24-month internship programme for unemployed graduates across South Africa. The programme aims to provide graduates with practical work experience, mentorship and professional development opportunities within the environmental and public service sector.
Successful candidates will gain exposure to government operations, environmental management, forestry services, climate change programmes, financial administration, IT systems and other critical public sector functions.
About the Internship Programme
The DFFE Graduate Internship Programme is designed to help unemployed graduates develop workplace skills and improve their employability.
Interns will:
- Gain practical work experience in government departments
- Participate in professional development and mentorship programmes
- Assist with departmental projects and environmental initiatives
- Develop technical, administrative and project management skills
The programme runs for 24 months, giving interns an opportunity to build meaningful experience in the environmental and natural resource management sector.
Internship Fields Available
The Department is recruiting interns across many professional fields including:
- Forestry and Forest Management
- Environmental Science and Environmental Management
- Nature Conservation and Biodiversity
- Marine Science and Aquaculture
- Climate Change and Atmospheric Science
- Information Technology and Data Management
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Public Administration and Public Management
- Human Resource Management
- Supply Chain and Logistics
- Financial Management and Accounting
- Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
- Risk Management and Internal Audit
- Law and Legal Studies
- Project Management
- Knowledge Management and Records Management
- Occupational Health and Safety
These internships are available in regional offices, forestry estates, research units and national department offices across multiple provinces.
Internship Locations
Internship placements are available in the following provinces:
- Gauteng
- Limpopo
- North West
- Free State
- Mpumalanga
- Eastern Cape
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Northern Cape
- Western Cape
This allows graduates to gain experience in regional environmental programmes and national government operations.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be an unemployed graduate
- Must hold a National Diploma, Degree, Advanced Diploma, Honours Degree or Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field
- Must not have previously participated in a government internship programme
Fields of study must match the internship reference number for the post being applied for.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Completed Z83 Application Form
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of:
- Identity document
- Academic qualifications
- Academic transcripts
All applications must be submitted as a single PDF document containing the Z83 form and CV only.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Internships 2026.
Applications must include the correct reference number and job title in the subject line.
Inland Applications (Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, Free State and Mpumalanga)
Send applications to:
InternshipInland@dffe.gov.za
Or submit to:
The Director-General
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Private Bag X447
Pretoria, 0001
Hand-deliver to:
Environment House
Erf 1563 Arcadia Extension 6
Cnr Soutpansberg and Steve Biko Road
Arcadia, Pretoria
Coastal Applications (Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape and Western Cape)
Submit applications to:
Director-General
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Private Bag X4390
Cape Town, 8000
Hand-deliver to:
Foretrust Building
No. 3 Martin Hammerschlag Way
Foreshore, Cape Town
Or
185 Langalibalele Street
Old Mutual Building, 5th Floor
Pietermaritzburg
Applicants must ensure that the reference number of the internship is included in the subject line of the email.