Employers are still saying they need experience – and you haven’t gotten your first chance yet. That’s why the Petroleum Agency SA Two‑Year Internship Programme starting in February 2027 could be the break you need right now.
What the internship offers
Petroleum Agency South Africa (a subsidiary of the Central Energy Fund) is funding ten paid internships for unemployed South African graduates. The programme runs from 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2029 and is based in Cape Town, Western Cape. It covers seven professional areas:
- Petroleum Geology & Geophysics
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Software Development
- Environmental Sciences & Management
- Procurement & Supply‑Chain Management
- Company Secretarial Services
- Licensing & Legal Compliance
Who can apply
To be eligible you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be unemployed at the time of application.
- Hold the relevant qualification for the chosen internship (see details below).
- Never have taken part in any internship – whether MQA‑funded or company‑funded.
- Provide all required certified documents (academic record, degree or completion letter, Matric certificate, ID).
- Be able to work in Cape Town for the full 24‑month period.
What you will gain
The two‑year placement is designed to give you real‑world exposure and develop industry‑specific skills. Interns will:
- Join departmental projects and contribute to daily tasks.
- Receive on‑the‑job training relevant to their discipline.
- Attend workshops, conferences and short courses.
- Improve computer literacy (MS Office, project management tools, specialised software).
- Build a professional network within South Africa’s upstream petroleum sector.
Note: the programme does not guarantee a permanent job or a specific stipend amount; these details must be confirmed with the agency.
Internship categories and minimum qualifications
Petroleum Geology / Geophysics – 3 posts
Minimum: BSc Honours in Geosciences (4 years). Subjects include seismic interpretation, basin modelling and petroleum systems.
Apply to: geologyintern@petroleumagencysa.com
GIS – 1 post
Minimum: BSc Honours in Geology, Geophysics or GIS (4 years). Work with Petrel, Kingdom and ESRI ArcGIS.
Apply to: Verify the correct address (GISintern@petroleumagencysa.com) on the official PASA Careers page before sending your documents.
Software Development – 1 post
Minimum: Bachelor’s (NQF 7) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, IT, Computer Engineering, Informatics or Application Development.
Apply to: SDIntern@petroleumagencysa.com
Environmental Sciences / Management – 1 post
Minimum: BSc Honours in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management or Natural Sciences (4 years).
Apply to: environmentintern@petroleumagencysa.com
Procurement Officer – 1 post
Minimum: National Diploma in Supply‑Chain Management or equivalent.
Apply to: Procurementintern@petroleumagencysa.com
Company Secretary – 1 post
Minimum: LLB.
Apply to: Companysec@petroleumagencysa.com
Licensing & Legal Compliance – 2 posts
Minimum: LLB.
Apply to: licensingintern@petroleumagencysa.com
How to apply – step by step
Step 1 – Choose the right internship
Match your qualification to one of the categories above. Do not apply for a role you do not meet the minimum requirement for.
Step 2 – Gather certified documents
Prepare certified copies of:
- Academic record or statement of results.
- Degree certificate or letter of completion.
- Matric certificate.
- South African ID.
Step 3 – Write a concise CV and cover note
Highlight your degree, relevant modules, projects, technical skills and any volunteer or academic work. Keep the email brief and state the exact internship you are applying for.
Step 4 – Send the email
Use the email address listed for your chosen internship. Suggested subject line: Petroleum Agency SA Internship 2027/2028 – [Internship Title].
Step 5 – Meet the deadline
All applications must be received by Monday 9 November 2026 at 16:30. Late submissions will not be considered.
Step 6 – Wait for a response
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you hear nothing within four weeks, assume the application was unsuccessful and move on to other opportunities.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check the email address (especially for GIS) on the official PASA Careers page.
- Ensure every document is certified and clearly legible.
- Tailor your CV to the specific discipline – use keywords from the internship description.
- Proofread your email for spelling and grammar errors.
- Apply early; avoid waiting until the last day.
Next steps
If you meet the eligibility criteria, download the official internship advertisement, prepare your documents and submit your application before the 9 November deadline.
Download the official Petroleum Agency SA Two‑Year Internship Programme 2027/2028 PDF
Visit the Petroleum Agency SA Careers page for any updates or clarification on contact details.
Frequently asked questions
- How many positions are available? Ten internships across seven disciplines.
- When does the programme run? 1 Feb 2027 – 31 Jan 2029 (24 months).
- Where will I work? All posts are in Cape Town, Western Cape.
- Do I need work experience? No – the programme is aimed at unemployed graduates.
- Is there an age limit? No specific age restriction is stated in the advertisement.
- Will I be paid? The PDF does not disclose a stipend; confirm with PASA if needed.
- Can I apply if I have an N6 diploma? Only if the specific internship lists an N6 qualification as a minimum (e.g., Procurement).
- Can I apply for more than one internship? You may, provided you meet the qualifications for each and send separate emails to the correct addresses.
- Is permanent employment guaranteed? No, the internship does not promise a job after completion.
