The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD) is inviting unemployed graduates to apply for its 2026–2028 Internship Recruitment Programme. This is a 24-month paid internship, running from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028, designed to give young graduates practical, professional and technical workplace experience.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | KZN DARD Internship Recruitment Programme 2026–2028 |
| Duration | 24 Months (1 April 2026 – 31 March 2028) |
| Who may apply | Unemployed SA graduates residing in KwaZulu-Natal |
| Monthly Stipend | Determined by NQF level and DPSA guidelines |
| Total Posts Advertised | 62 (various degrees & diplomas) |
| Closing Date | 05 December 2025 |
| Application Form Required | Z83 Form |
| Application Delivery | Post or Hand Delivery (Addresses listed below) |
About the Department
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is a government department responsible for advancing agriculture, food security, land care, environmental conservation, and rural economic development in the province.
As one of the largest agricultural departments in South Africa, KZN DARD provides structured training and skills development opportunities that prepare graduates to enter the formal job market confidently.
This internship programme forms part of the department’s commitment to:
- youth empowerment,
- professional development, and
- capacity building within public service.
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Available Internship Fields & Reference Numbers
Graduate Internships (24-Month Contract)
Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degrees
- Grassland Science – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/19/2025
- Microbiology (Hons) – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/20/2025
- Chemistry (Hons) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/21/2025
- Biochemistry (Hons) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/21/2025
- Plant Pathology (Hons) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/22/2025
- Entomology – 1 post – Ref: HR5/23/2025
- Biometry/Statistics – 1 post – Ref: HR5/24/2025
- Agriculture: Horticulture – 1 post – Ref: HR5/25/2025
- Agriculture: Pasture Science – 1 post – Ref: HR5/26/2025
- Advanced Diploma/BSc Consumer Science – 1 post – Ref: HR5/27/2025
- Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness – 1 post – Ref: HR5/28/2025
National Diplomas & ND/B-Tech Qualifications
- Animal Health – 3 posts – Ref: HR5/29/2025
- Office Administration / Management Assistance / Business Management – 11 posts – Ref: HR5/30/2025
Agriculture, Engineering & Management Fields
- BSc Agriculture/Civil Engineering (NQF 8) – 1 post – HR5/1/2025
- BTech/Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering (NQF 7) – 2 posts – HR5/2/2025
- Advanced Diploma: Agriculture/BTech Agriculture (NQF 7) – 1 post – HR5/3/2025
- ND/Advanced Diploma: Agriculture (NQF 6) – 4 posts – HR5/4/2025
- Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management – 1 post – HR5/5/2025
- ND/Degree in Human Resource Development/Management – 1 post – HR5/6/2025
- ND/Degree in Labour Relations – 1 post – HR5/7/2025
- Operations Management/Production Management – 1 post – HR5/8/2025
- ND/BTech/BCom: Financial Management/Accounting – 2 posts – HR5/9/2025
- Risk Management/Internal Control – 1 post – HR5/10/2025
- ND/Diploma/BTech: Supply Chain Management – 3 posts – HR5/11/2025
- ND/Degree Postgraduate/Honours: Public Policy – 1 post – HR5/12/2025
- ND/Diploma/Degree: Information Technology – 2 posts – HR5/13/2025
- ND/BTech: Public Relations/Media/Journalism – 1 post – HR5/14/2025
Science & Agriculture Specialisations
- BSc Agriculture (Specializing in Soil Science) – 1 post – HR5/15/2025
- BSc GIS (Technologist) – 1 post – HR5/16/2025
- BSc Agrometeorology & Hydrology – 1 post – HR5/17/2025
Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be unemployed and reside in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Be applying for the first time to a Public Service internship.
- Hold a completed National Diploma, Degree, Honours or Postgraduate qualification in the relevant field.
- Submit all required supporting documents (see application steps).
- Meet the specific qualification requirements listed per reference number.
Preference will be given to:
- Previously disadvantaged groups
- Persons living with disabilities
- Applicants from specified areas (as indicated in advert)
Former interns may NOT apply.
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How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Download the Z83 Application Form
You can download the Z83 application form here
Prepare Certified Supporting Documents
You must attach:
- Application letter
- Certified copy of matric certificate
- Certified academic qualifications
- Statement of results
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of ID
- Affidavit confirming residence/address
Submit Your Application
POSTAL SUBMISSION
Address to:
The Director: Human Resource Development
Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Private Bag X9059
Pietermaritzburg
3200
HAND DELIVERY – CEDARA OFFICES
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
R103, Cedara Road
Reception Area, Ground Floor, Main Building
HAND DELIVERY – SOUTH SERVICE CENTRE
4 Pin Oak Avenue
Hilton
3245
NORTH SERVICE CENTRE – RICHARDS BAY
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Richards Bay, Lot 11634
Corner of Verbena and Aloe Loop Street
Velden Vlei, Richards Bay
Keep Copies of Everything
Missing documents = automatic disqualification.
Wait for Feedback
If you do not hear back within 3 months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is this internship paid?
Yes. Interns receive a monthly stipend based on NQF level and DPSA guidelines.
- Can I apply if I’m not living in KwaZulu-Natal?
No. Only residents of KwaZulu-Natal may apply.
- Are previously appointed interns allowed to re-apply?
No. Former interns are strictly excluded.
- Must documents be certified?
Yes. Only certified copies will be accepted.
- Where can I get the Z83 form?
You can get the Z83 application form here
Disclaimer
Edupstairs.org is not a recruitment agency. We do not charge any fees and do not influence the selection process. All information in this article is extracted from the official advert issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE
