SANRAL Engineering Internship Programme 2026

If you’re a young South African graduate hungry for real engineering experience, national exposure, and a chance to shape the country’s road infrastructure, the SANRAL Engineering Internship Programme 2026 is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss.

Whether your passion lies in Asset Management or Research and Innovation, SANRAL offers a high-impact, 24-month internship that goes far beyond routine tasks. This programme is designed to help you grow, contribute, and transform your future career journey with one of the most respected infrastructure organisations in Africa.

Quick Overview

Programme	SANRAL Engineering Internship Programme 2026
Internships Available	Engineering (X3)
Categories	Asset Management (X2) / Research & Innovation (X1)
Stipend	R96 000 per annum
Duration	24-Month Fixed Internship Programme
Location	SANRAL Head Office, 48 Tambotie Avenue, Val de Grace, Pretoria
Application Closing Date	12 December 2025
Appointment Type	Full-time Internship
Organisation	South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL)

About SANRAL

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) is the state-owned entity responsible for planning, managing, and maintaining South Africa’s national road network. With a mandate to ensure safe, reliable, and world-class roads, SANRAL plays a crucial role in national mobility, economic activities, and social development.

Founded in 1998, SANRAL has grown into one of the most advanced national road authorities on the continent. The agency uses cutting-edge technologies, advanced research methodologies, and globally aligned infrastructure standards to maintain and improve over 22 000 km of national roads.

By joining SANRAL as an intern, you are stepping into a highly technical and innovative environment where learning is continuous and excellence is the standard.

Why This Internship Matters

Many engineering graduates struggle to enter the job market because they do not have practical experience. SANRAL designed this internship to bridge that gap by offering structured exposure under qualified engineers, project managers, and research specialists.

During the 24-month programme, interns gain:

Hands-on technical experience
Access to national engineering projects
Mentorship from professionals
Exposure to industry standards and systems
Insight into real-world problem solving
Opportunities to contribute to national road safety and innovation

This is more than a graduate placement — it’s a head start into the professional engineering world.

Internship Categories and What You Will Learn

SANRAL is offering three internship positions for 2026:

Asset Management (2 positions)
Research & Innovation (1 position)

Below is a detailed breakdown of what interns will actually experience.

Asset Management Internship (X2)

Asset Management is one of SANRAL’s most critical departments. As an intern here, you will work under the supervision of a Project Manager and Road Network Manager. This exposure is ideal for graduates who want to understand the backbone of South Africa’s national road system.

You will gain hands-on experience in:

Traffic Monitoring & Structures

Introduction to TMH3 Traffic Monitoring Specifications
Understanding TMH14 Traffic Data Formats
Loading and updating traffic monitoring station data
Preparing documentation for tenders
Performing data quality checks on traffic and structural information
Introduction to TMH19 Visual Assessment of Structures
Updating the structure database
Allocating structure identification numbers
Cleaning and verifying structure data

Road Network Management

Introduction to TMH22 Road Asset Management Manual
Understanding the administrative processes behind ISO 55001 certification
Capturing Procurement Gate project data
Performing configuration and trail section data verification
Working with 3D LiDAR establishment technology
Supporting national road asset monitoring and reporting tasks

If you studied Civil Engineering and have an analytical mindset, this internship is a perfect fit.

Research & Innovation Internship (X1)

This internship suits graduates excited by research, development, road safety, and data-driven innovation.

You will work under a Research, Innovation and Road Safety Education Manager and get involved in high-level national research programmes.

Key experiences include:

Project Management & Research Administration

Coordinating workshops to review and prioritise research needs
Supporting external peer reviews for research proposals
Coordinating quarterly technical progress meetings
Managing research project budgets
Reviewing and accepting project milestones
Uploading critical data into the ITIS Research Module
Preparing quarterly research impact assessment reports
Coordinating presentations at national industry seminars
Supporting Master’s and PhD students with mentorship structures
Updating the panel of researchers every 3 years
Ensuring documents are properly uploaded into the electronic records system
Preparing documentation for Research & Innovation focus groups
Producing progress and budget reports

Stakeholder Engagement & Technical Advisory

Supporting communication among research teams
Responding to queries from internal/external stakeholders
Maintaining the research database (projects, publications, outputs)
Participating in functional working groups
Providing administrative and technical support to the Research & Innovation Manager

This role is perfect for graduates who love research, policy, innovation, and impact-driven work.

Minimum Requirements

Research & Innovation Internship Requirements

NQF 7 qualification in Public Administration & Management

Asset Management Internship Requirements

NQF 6 or higher qualification in Civil Engineering

How to Apply

APPLY FOR THE SANRAL ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE

Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application

IMPORTANT:
Applicants must clearly indicate which internship they are applying for in their application.

Employment Reference Checks

All shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo employment reference checks. A consent form must be signed allowing SANRAL to verify your credentials and store your information for recruitment purposes.

These documents are confidential and used strictly by SANRAL’s HR department.

Edupstairs Advice

To increase your chances of success:

Submit a professional CV

Use the Edupstairs Simple CV Builder to create one quickly.

Highlight your academic projects

Include research papers, final-year projects, or engineering software experience.

Show your passion

SANRAL values curiosity, innovation, and willingness to learn.

Clearly indicate your internship choice

Write this clearly in your email subject line AND your cover letter.

Submit early

Do not wait for the final week. Send your application as early as possible.

Career Growth Path After This Internship

Completing the SANRAL internship can open doors to several exciting career paths, such as:

For Asset Management Interns:

Civil Engineering Technician
Road Asset Data Analyst
Traffic and Transport Analyst
Structural Assessment Technician
Road Network Management Officer
Junior Project Engineer

For Research & Innovation Interns:

Research Officer/Coordinator
Public Sector Innovation Specialist
Policy Analyst
Road Safety Researcher
Programme Administrator
Junior Project Manager

Many previous SANRAL interns have progressed into permanent roles either within SANRAL or in major engineering, consulting, and government sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who qualifies for the SANRAL Engineering Internship Programme?

Graduates with NQF-aligned qualifications: NQF 6+ in Civil Engineering or NQF 7 in Public Administration & Management.

How long is the internship?

It runs for 24 months.

Is this internship full-time?

Yes, it is a full-time programme based at SANRAL Head Office in Pretoria.

Do interns receive a stipend?

Yes. The stipend is R96 000 per annum.

Can I apply if I stay outside Gauteng?

Yes, but you must be willing to relocate to Pretoria.

How many interns will be selected?

A total of three (3): two for Asset Management and one for Research & Innovation.

Will I be permanently employed after the internship?

There is no guarantee, but strong performers often secure opportunities within SANRAL or other engineering organisations.

What documents must I attach?

CV
Certified ID copy
Certified qualifications
Academic transcript
Cover letter indicating your preferred internship stream

What is the closing date?

12 December 2025.

Where can I apply?

Applications are submitted via SANRAL External (www.nra.co.za).

CLOSING DATE: 12 DECEMBER 2025

You can also:

Disclaimers

Edupstairs is not a recruitment agency.
We do not accept applications on behalf of SANRAL.
Always apply directly through the official SANRAL website.
Opportunity details may change; always confirm on the official site before applying.

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