Right now, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is inviting unemployed South African graduates to apply for its Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028.
What is the internship?
The Graduate Internship Programme runs for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 financial years. It gives fresh graduates hands‑on experience in mining, petroleum, finance, law and public administration. The internship is offered in all nine provinces: Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Free State, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, North West and KwaZulu‑Natal.
Application closing date: 08 May 2026.
Interns must arrange their own accommodation and transport while on placement.
Who can apply?
- South African citizen.
- Unemployed graduate with a National Diploma or Degree in a relevant field.
- Has not taken part in any previous government internship programme.
- Willing to relocate (costs are the applicant’s responsibility).
- Strong academic record and appropriate qualifications.
What you will gain
The placement provides:
- Practical exposure to government operations in the mineral and petroleum sectors.
- Professional skills in finance, law, administration, engineering and environmental management.
- Networking opportunities with senior officials and industry experts.
- A solid résumé entry that can help you secure future employment.
Internship fields
Finance & Economics
- Investment Promotion
- Fuel Pricing Mechanism
- Office of the CFO
- Financial Accounting & Reporting
- Management Accounting
- Fuel Levies and Margins
Legal & Compliance
- Petroleum Compliance and Enforcement
- Legal Services
- Mineral Laws Administration
Administration & Management
- Mineral and Petroleum Titles Registration
- Public Administration / Office Management
- Human Resources
- Technical Support Unit
- Supply Chain / Contract Management
Engineering, Mining & Environment
- Mine Economics
- Mineral Information Management (GIS, Environmental Science)
- Mine Environmental Management
- Social and Labour Plan
How to apply – step by step
- Download and complete the Z83 Application Form.
- Prepare an up‑to‑date CV.
- Gather a digital copy of your ID, qualification certificates and transcripts (you will only need to certify them if you are shortlisted).
- Submit the form and CV online via the official portal: https://erecruitment.dmpr.gov.za.
- If you prefer, you may send a printed application by post to:
The Director‑General
Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources
Private Bag X59
Pretoria
0001 - Or hand‑deliver the documents to the Trevenna Campus, Corner Meintjies and Francis Baard Street, Pretoria.
Tips to improve your chances
- Attach a letter from your institution if you need experiential training.
- Make sure every field in the Z83 form is filled; incomplete applications are rejected.
- Highlight any coursework or projects that relate to the listed internship fields.
- Emphasise any volunteer work, especially if it involved people with disabilities or community development.
- Proofread your CV and letter for spelling or grammar errors.
Final thoughts
The DMPR Graduate Internship Programme 2026 offers a realistic pathway into government work and the broader mining and energy sectors. It does not guarantee a job, but it equips you with valuable experience and contacts. Apply before 08 May 2026 to be considered for this competitive opportunity.
