Petroleum Agency South Africa is opening a Two‑Year Internship Programme 2027/2028 for unemployed South African graduates – and the deadline is fast approaching.
What the opportunity is
The agency will take on ten interns for a 24‑month placement in Cape Town, Western Cape. The programme starts on 1 February 2027 and ends on 31 January 2029. It is fully funded by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA).
Who can apply
To be eligible you must:
- Be unemployed and a South African citizen.
- Hold a relevant HET qualification (NQF level 7 or higher). TVET graduates with an N6 diploma are also considered.
- Not have taken part in any previous internship, whether MQA‑funded or company‑funded.
Preference may be given to candidates from designated groups as prescribed by labour law.
What you will gain
Interns receive hands‑on experience in their field, attend training courses and industry conferences, and may receive basic computer training (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project). You will earn a strong work reference and build a professional network in the oil and gas sector.
Internship positions
Petroleum Geology / Geophysics – 3 places
Exposure to geology, geophysics, seismic interpretation, basin modelling, petroleum systems, prospect generation, and South African geology.
Minimum qualification: BSc Honours in Geosciences (4 years)
Apply to: geologyintern@petroleumagencysa.com
Information Management: GIS – 1 place
Work with GIS, spatial data, petroleum exploration datasets, and software such as Petrel, Kingdom, and ESRI ArcGIS.
Minimum qualification: BSc Honours in Geology or Geophysics and/or a 4‑year GIS degree.
Apply to: GISintern@petroleuagencysa.com
Environmental Sciences / Environmental Management – 1 place
Practical exposure to environmental compliance on on‑shore and off‑shore oil & gas operations, stakeholder engagement and environmental training.
Minimum qualification: BSc Honours in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management or Natural Sciences.
Apply to: environmentintern@petroleumagencysa.com
Software Developer – 1 place
Learn software development, application integration, Microsoft technologies, data management, automation, analytics, Azure, Power Platform and cybersecurity.
Minimum qualification: NQF Level 7 (or higher) Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, IT, Computer Engineering, Informatics or Application Development.
Apply to: SDIntern@petroleumagencysa.com
Procurement Officer – 1 place
Gain experience in supply‑chain administration, RFQs, contracts, supplier compliance, bid committees and procurement reporting.
Minimum qualification: National Diploma in Supply Chain Management or equivalent.
Apply to: Procurementintern@petroleumagencysa.com
Licence & Legal Compliance Officer – 2 places
Work on petroleum rights applications, notice preparation, legal research, and interpretation of government policies and legislation.
Minimum qualification: Relevant legal or regulatory qualification (e.g., LLB, Paralegal, or similar).
Apply to: licensingintern@petroleumagencysa.com
Company Secretary – 1 place
Support corporate governance, secretarial administration, meeting documentation, minutes, registers, legal research and contract administration.
Minimum qualification: Relevant qualification in corporate governance, secretarial studies or law.
Apply to: Companysec@petroleumagencysa.com
Required documents
When you apply, attach certified copies of the following:
- Academic record or statement of results.
- Degree certificate or letter of completion.
- Matric certificate.
- South African ID document.
Applications missing any of these documents will not be considered.
How to apply – step by step
- Read the role description carefully and confirm you meet the minimum qualification.
- Gather the four required documents and have them certified.
- Draft a concise email (no more than one page) stating the position you are applying for and attaching the documents.
- Send the email to the address listed under the relevant internship.
- Note the closing date: 09 November 2026 at 16:30. Late submissions will be rejected.
Tips to improve your chances
- Tailor your email – mention the specific internship and how your studies match the required qualification.
- Proof‑read for spelling and grammar; a clear, professional email makes a good first impression.
- If you belong to a designated group, mention it – it may give you preference.
- Ensure all documents are legible and certified; blurry scans are a common reason for rejection.
- Apply early. Many candidates wait until the last minute, and technical issues can cause delays.
Final thoughts
This is a solid entry point into South Africa’s oil and gas industry. Even if you are not selected, the application process itself is valuable practice. Gather your documents, send a focused email before the deadline, and take the next step toward a professional career.
