The South African National Parks (SANParks) invites applications from unemployed South African graduates for its Internship Programme 2026.
SANParks is the leading conservation authority in South Africa, managing over 3.7 million hectares of protected land across 20 national parks. This internship programme offers graduates the opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience within various departments.
Internship Overview
- Programme Duration: 24 Months
- Stipend: R6,335.69 per month
- Closing Date: 22 April 2026
- Location: Various SANParks offices across South Africa
SANParks is not obligated to offer permanent employment after completion of the programme.
Fields of Study and Placement Areas
Applicants must have a National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in one of the following fields:
Tourism and Marketing
- Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Finance, Accounting
Wild Card / CRM and Loyalty
- Tourism Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications
Socio Economic Transformation – Kruger National Park
- Administration
Socio Economic Transformation – Knysna, George, Plettenberg Bay and Port Elizabeth
- Business Management, Economics, Supply Chain Management or related
Communications
- Information Science
- Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Marketing, Communications
- Events Management, Hospitality, Public Relations
ICT
- Information Technology, Computer Science, Web Development
- Computer Science (or equivalent)
Finance
- Accounting
Socio Economic Transformation – Groenkloof
- Environmental Education, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences
Socio Economic Transformation – Port Elizabeth
- Social Sciences (Anthropology, Sociology, Community Development, Environmental Management, Public Administration, Development Studies, Heritage Studies)
Legal Services
- LLB
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Have completed a National Diploma (NQF Level 6) from a recognised South African institution
- Be unemployed
- Not have previously participated in an internship programme
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Academic qualifications and transcripts
Important Notes
- Applications must be submitted online and via email
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- Applicants applying outside their area must arrange their own accommodation and transport
- Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- SANParks reserves the right not to make an appointment
How to Apply
Follow both steps below:
- Apply online: https://forms.office.com/r/j0EbJ47mcN
- Email your documents to: recruitments@sanparks.org
Enquiries: Ms Nomawethu Dudumashe – 012 426 5041
Final Thoughts
The South African National Parks Internship Programme 2026 is an excellent opportunity for graduates to gain practical experience in conservation, administration, ICT, finance, and more.
If you meet the requirements, make sure to apply before the closing date to secure your chance to work within South Africa’s national parks system.