The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has announced a large national internship programme for 2026, offering graduate opportunities across several provinces.
The internships provide workplace experience in areas such as environmental management, forestry, biodiversity, compliance monitoring, administration, finance, science and information technology.
Successful interns will receive a monthly stipend of R7 860.50 and will be placed at regional offices, forestry estates and environmental programme facilities across the country.
Applications close on 31 March 2026 at 16:00.
Programme Overview
- Programme: DFFE Internship Programme 2026
- Organisation: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
- Monthly Stipend: R7 860.50
- Location: Multiple provinces across South Africa
- Closing Date: 31 March 2026 at 16:00
Where Interns Will Be Placed
The internship programme covers placements in several provinces.
These include:
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- Gauteng
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Northern Cape
- North West
- Western Cape
Interns will work in regional environmental offices, forestry estates and departmental facilities.
Departments and Units Involved
The programme includes opportunities across multiple environmental and administrative divisions.
These include:
- Biodiversity and Conservation (B&C)
- Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (CWM)
- Fisheries and Marine Management (FIM)
- Forestry Operations Management (FOM)
- Climate Change and Air Quality (CCAQ)
- Environmental Programmes (EP)
- Finance Management Services (FMS)
- Regulatory Compliance and Support Management (RCSM)
- Office of the Director-General (ODG)
Each unit focuses on different aspects of environmental governance and public sector administration.
Internship Locations
Some of the locations where internships are available include:
Eastern Cape
- Bhisho Regional Forestry Office
- Ngqeleni Estate
- Gomo Forest Estate Office
- Keiskammahoek Forest Estate
- Port St Johns Forest Estate
- Bomvana Forest Estate
- Afromontane Forest Estate
Free State
- Bloemfontein Office
- Qwaqwa Nursery
- Gariep Dam
Gauteng
- Pretoria Environment House
- Various units within the national environmental department
KwaZulu-Natal
- Pietermaritzburg Regional Office
- Midmar Dam
- Kwezela State Forest
Limpopo
- Makhado
- Moddervlei Plantation
- Phiphidi Plantation
- Waterberg
- Polokwane
Mpumalanga
- Nelspruit Regional Offices
Northern Cape
- Upington
- Kimberley
- Springbok
North West
- Brits
- Mahikeng
Western Cape
- Cape Town
- Foretrust Building
- Bellville
- Knysna
- Kluitjieskraal
- Sea Point Aquarium
These placements give graduates the opportunity to gain practical experience in environmental management and public sector operations.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents.
- Completed new Z83 application form
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Applications must be submitted as a single PDF document.
Important Application Instructions
Applicants must ensure the email subject line includes:
- Reference number
- Job title
Failure to follow the application instructions may result in the application being rejected.
How to Apply
Applicants must download the official internship circular and follow the instructions for submission.
Applications must include:
- New Z83 form
- Detailed CV
All documents must be combined into one PDF file before submission.
Application Deadline
Closing date: 31 March 2026 at 16:00
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.