Coega Development Corporation is looking for suitable young people to apply for their Coega Internship Programme Intake 2026 opportunities. The closing date for applications is 24 February 2026.
What’s the Coega Internship all about?
This isn’t a run‑of‑the‑mill internship – it’s a two‑year, hands‑on learning path that blends real work with mentoring and training. Think of it as a bridge that takes you from the university or technical college straight into the workforce, with a clear career ladder behind you.
Day‑to‑day life
- Rotations – You’ll spend time in departments like Operations, Business Development, ICT/Research, and Compliance.
- Mentorship – Each intern gets paired with a seasoned professional who will guide you through projects and give you feedback.
- Projects – You’ll actually build or improve processes, analyse data, draft reports, and sometimes even help design strategies that get rolled out across the company.
Why this is a sweet spot for graduates
- No previous work experience needed – fresh grads, diploma holders, and even recent honours students can apply.
- You’ll earn a salary (exact amount not publicly listed; contact the recruitment team for details).
- After 24 months, you’ll have a portfolio of real‑world achievements that will impress any employer.
Which roles are open and what qualifications do you need?
| Field | Location | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Operations | Gqeberha | NQF Level 6: Diploma in Project Management |
| Business Development | Gqeberha | NQF Level 6: Diploma in Industrial Engineering |
| ICT, Research & Strategy | Gqeberha | NQF Level 6: Diploma in Business Management or Honours in Economics |
| Compliance | Gqeberha | NQF Level 6: Diploma in Office Administration / Public Administration / Business Administration |
| Tshwane Programme | Pretoria | Same as Compliance – any of the three diplomas listed above |
General eligibility
- Diploma (Level 6), Degree (Level 7), or Honours (Level 8) that matches the business unit.
- Must be under 35 years old.
- No prior work experience required – this is a “starter” role.
- Willing to learn, adapt, and stay for the full 24 months.
- People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Get your paperwork ready
- Updated CV (no more than 2 pages).
- Cover letter that mentions the specific business unit and location you want.
- Proof of qualification (degree/diploma transcript, ID).
- Write a clear email subject – e.g., “Operations – Gqeberha Internship Application”.
- Email everything to: internshiprecruitment@coega.co.za.
- Include a brief note – “I’m excited to join Coega’s Internship Programme for the 2026 intake.”
- Send before 24 Feb 2026. Late or mis‑referenced emails might get lost.
Need help with your CV?
- Highlight any projects, leadership roles, or volunteer work.
- Show that you’re eager to learn and ready to take on responsibility.
After you hit send
Coega will run a standard verification process:
- Check your academic credentials.
- Verify identity.
- Run a criminal record check (this is normal for large employers).
If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be contacted for an interview. If you don’t hear back in a month, it probably means you weren’t selected.
Why this could be a game‑changer
- Long‑term career path – After the programme you can move into roles such as Junior Project Manager, Business Development Analyst, Compliance Officer, ICT/Data Strategy Specialist, or public‑sector positions.
- Networking – You’ll meet senior leaders and peers who can become future collaborators or job references.
- Job security – Many former interns land permanent roles either within Coega or in other sectors, thanks to the practical experience they’ve gained.
Quick checklist
- Deadline: 24 Feb 2026
- Age: ≤ 35 years
- Docs: CV, cover letter, ID, qualification proof
- Email: Apply right here before it closes
- Reference: Include business unit and location in the subject line.
Need more info?
- Questions? Send an email to nomathamsanga.dyalala@coega.co.za.
- Want to learn more about Coega’s work? visit their homepage for projects and impact stories.
FAQs in a nutshell
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who can apply? | Diploma, degree or honours holders with relevant qualifications. |
| Is prior experience required? | No, it’s designed for fresh graduates. |
| How long is the programme? | 24 months. |
| Can people with disabilities apply? | Absolutely – they’re encouraged. |
| Where will I work? | Gqeberha or Pretoria, depending on your chosen unit. |
| When does the application close? | 24 Feb 2026. |
Disclaimer – Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a spot. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and all applications must be submitted before the closing date. Late or incomplete submissions may be rejected.
Risk check – This opportunity is listed as Verified / Low Risk on the Edupstairs platform. Still, double‑check details directly on the Coega website or via the recruitment email.
Ready to jump into a real‑world role that pays, trains, and opens doors? Get your documents together, write a clear email, and hit send before the deadline. Good luck, future leaders!
