South African Tourism Graduate Internship Programme 2026 – Your First Step into a Global Tourism Career
If you just finished university or a college diploma and have a real interest in tourism, marketing, data, or technology, this internship is a chance to start your professional journey. South African Tourism, the main body that promotes the country as a travel destination, has opened a 24‑month paid internship at its office in Sandton, Gauteng. The programme is open to 23 new graduates who want to learn real work skills, meet mentors, and help shape how South Africa is seen around the world. The application deadline is 30 January 2026, so grab this opportunity before it’s gone.
Quick Facts
- Company: South African Tourism
- Programme: Graduate Internship 2026
- Number of slots: 23
- Duration: 24 months
- Location: Sandton, Gauteng (main office)
- Minimum qualification: National Diploma, Degree or BTech (NQF 6 or 7)
- Experience needed: None – fresh grads welcome
- How to apply: Online via PNET
- Deadline: 30 January 2026
Anyone with a disability is strongly encouraged to submit a CV – diversity is an important part of this role.
Who Should Apply?
You’re a good fit if you meet all of the following:
- You’re a South African citizen.
- You hold a 3‑year tertiary qualification (National Diploma, Degree or BTech) at NQF Level 6 or 7.
- You have not done an internship before (that’s actually a good thing – we want fresh eyes).
- You love the idea of working in tourism or public service and want to make a difference.
What Departments Need You
| Department | Field | Posts | Key Skills | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office of the CEO | PR / Marketing / Communications | 1 | Strong organisation, stakeholder talking | SAT101 |
| Legal | Law | 1 | Attention to detail, confidentiality | SAT102 |
| Strategic Planning, Evaluation & Project Management | Public Management | 1 | Strategic thinking | SAT103 |
| Brand & Marketing / PR | Digital Marketing, PR | 2 | Creative, social media, copywriting | SAT104 |
| Insights & Analytics | Data, Statistics | 2 | Curious, data visualisation | SAT105 |
| Finance & Supply Chain | Finance, Logistics | 4 (2 Finance, 2 Supply Chain) | Problem‑solving | SAT106 |
| National Convention Bureau | Events, Marketing | 3 (Strategic Events, MICE, Business Events) | Digital marketing, Photoshop | SAT107 |
| Tourism Grading Council | Hospitality | 2 (Quality Assurance, Assessment) | Detail‑oriented, customer focus | SAT108 |
| Global Trade | Marketing | 1 | Digital marketing, design | SAT109 |
| Human Capital | HR | 1 | Emotional intelligence, confidentiality | SAT110 |
| ICT | IT, Cybersecurity | 2 | Troubleshooting, learning new tech | SAT111 |
| Tourism Execution | Marketing, Events | 3 | Social media, content creation | SAT112 |
If you’re unsure where to start, pick the field that feels most exciting – every post gives you hands‑on experience on real projects.
What You’ll Get
- A paid 24‑month internship where you’ll do real work, not just office chores.
- Guidance from senior staff who will help you grow and give you honest feedback.
- A chance to meet people from government, tourism boards, and private companies.
- The foundation for a future in tourism, marketing, analytics, tech, or public administration.
How to Submit Your Application
- Go to the PNET site and search for the reference number that matches the post you want (for example, SAT104 for a marketing internship).
- Upload a detailed CV that lists your education, skills, and any projects you’ve done.
- Attach a certified copy of your South African ID, your Grade 12 certificate, and your academic transcript.
- Mention the reference number in your application so we know which post you’re applying for.
Apply now for the Graduate Internship Programme:
Apply for the South African Tourism Graduate Internship Programme 2026
Interested in marketing?
Marketing Internship Programme
Looking for tech or data roles?
ICT / Research / Data Analytics Internship Programme
Final Tips
- Double‑check you’ve used the right reference number – that keeps your application in the right queue.
- Make sure all documents are complete – missing items will automatically disqualify you.
- Only candidates who pass the initial screen will be contacted.
- If you have a disability, you’re especially welcome to apply – we want a broad mix of talent.
Don’t let the date slip by – 30 January 2026 is the closing day.
This internship could be the launchpad for a career that shapes how people see South Africa. If you’re ready to learn, to build, and to help grow a national brand, click the links above and submit your application today. Good luck!