You spent years studying. You attended lectures, completed assignments, passed examinations and worked towards a qualification because you believed education would open doors to employment.
But after graduating, you may have discovered one of the most frustrating realities facing unemployed South African graduates.
Employers want experience. But how are you supposed to gain experience when nobody gives you your first opportunity?
Now imagine entering February 2027 with an opportunity to spend two years gaining practical workplace experience, learning from experienced professionals and developing specialised skills in your field.
That is the opportunity being offered through the Petroleum Agency SA Two-Year Internship Programme 2027/2028.
Petroleum Agency South Africa (PASA), a subsidiary of the Central Energy Fund (CEF SOC Limited), is inviting suitably qualified unemployed South African graduates to apply for 10 internship opportunities funded by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA).
These opportunities are based in Cape Town, Western Cape, and cover seven professional disciplines, including:
- Petroleum Geology and Geophysics
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Software Development
- Environmental Sciences and Environmental Management
- Procurement and Supply Chain Management
- Company Secretarial Services
- Licensing and Legal Compliance
The programme is scheduled to run from 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2029.
However, there is one requirement applicants cannot afford to overlook.
You must not have previously participated in an internship programme, whether funded by the MQA or by a company.
Furthermore, applications must reach the agency by Monday, 9 November 2026 at 16:30.
If you have completed one of the required qualifications, this opportunity deserves your attention.
Before applying, consider using the Edupstairs Career and Qualification Explorer to understand how your completed qualification connects with occupations in South Africa’s petroleum, environmental, technology and regulatory sectors.
Quick Overview: Petroleum Agency SA Internship Programme 2027/2028
| Programme Details | Information |
| Organisation | Petroleum Agency South Africa (PASA) |
| Parent Entity | Central Energy Fund (CEF SOC Limited) |
| Programme | Two-Year Internship Programme 2027/2028 |
| Funding | Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) |
| Number of Vacancies | 10 |
| Available Disciplines | 7 |
| Location | Cape Town, Western Cape |
| Duration | 24 Months |
| Starting Date | 1 February 2027 |
| Ending Date | 31 January 2029 |
| Target Applicants | Unemployed South African graduates |
| Minimum Qualifications | Relevant completed qualifications, depending on the internship |
| Previous Internship Participation | Not permitted |
| Monthly Stipend | Not specified in the advertisement |
| Application Method | Email to the relevant internship address |
| Closing Date | Monday, 9 November 2026 |
| Closing Time | 16:30 |
Important: Although the programme is advertised as the 2027/2028 intake, the official dates confirm that the internship is scheduled to continue until 31 January 2029.
Applicants should also understand that the advertisement does not disclose the monthly stipend amount or guarantee permanent employment after completion.
View the official Petroleum Agency SA Internship Programme 2027/2028 advertisement.
About Petroleum Agency South Africa (PASA)
Petroleum Agency South Africa is an organisation operating within South Africa’s upstream petroleum sector.
As a subsidiary of the Central Energy Fund, PASA is responsible for promoting and regulating petroleum exploration and production activities within the country.
Its responsibilities include activities relating to oil and gas resources both onshore and offshore, including regulatory functions under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA).
The agency is also responsible for managing important petroleum exploration and production information.
For example, the exploration and regulation of petroleum resources require different professional disciplines.
Geoscientists study geological formations and subsurface structures.
Environmental specialists help assess environmental impacts and regulatory compliance.
Software developers and GIS professionals support the management, analysis and presentation of technical information.
Legal professionals help administer petroleum rights, permits and legislation.
Procurement professionals support the acquisition of goods and services and compliance with supply chain processes.
This is why the Petroleum Agency SA Internship Programme extends beyond geology and engineering.
You do not necessarily need to be a petroleum engineering graduate to pursue a career connected to the energy sector.
The organisation also requires professionals with qualifications in law, information technology, environmental sciences and supply chain management.
Graduates interested in understanding this wider professional environment can investigate potential career pathways using the Edupstairs Career and Qualification Explorer.
For more information about the organisation, visit the official Petroleum Agency SA website.
Petroleum Agency SA Internship Opportunities Available for 2027/2028 – X10 Positions
The agency has advertised seven internship categories comprising 10 individual opportunities.
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Petroleum Geology / Geophysics Internship – X3 Posts
Minimum Qualification: BSc Honours in Geosciences (4 years)
Available Positions: 3
This programme is intended for graduates interested in developing professional careers in petroleum geology, geophysics and earth sciences.
Successful interns will gain exposure to geological and geophysical applications used in the oil and gas industry.
According to the advertisement, practical learning areas include:
- Fundamentals of geology and geophysics.
- Seismic interpretation.
- Basin modelling.
- Petroleum systems.
- Prospect generation and evaluation.
- South African geology.
- Geological knowledge relevant to local and international petroleum exploration.
These disciplines are important because petroleum exploration requires scientific investigation into geological structures, resource potential and subsurface conditions.
Successful interns will be provided with opportunities to develop knowledge relevant to future employment as Earth Scientists.
Application Email: geologyintern@petroleumagencysa.com
Edupstairs Career Advice: If you studied geology or geophysics, do not limit your career research to traditional mining occupations. Investigate geoscience, environmental consulting, mineral exploration and petroleum-related career pathways through the Career and Qualification Explorer.
You can also research mining-related workplace learning through the MQA Programme Hub on Edupstairs.
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Information Management: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Internship – X1 Post
Minimum Qualification: BSc Honours Degree in Geology, Geophysics and/or Geographic Information Systems (4 years)
Available Positions: 1
Geographic Information Systems are increasingly important in sectors that rely on spatial information, mapping and location-based data.
Within petroleum exploration, GIS professionals may work with geological information, geographical datasets and exploration-related information systems.
The successful intern will be introduced to:
- Petroleum exploration and production data management.
- Geographic Information Systems.
- Spatial data management.
- Geological and geophysical datasets.
- Petroleum exploration information.
- Industry-specific interpretation and data management applications.
The advertisement identifies software including Petrel, Kingdom and ESRI ArcGIS.
Experience with these technologies may help candidates understand how specialised spatial and geoscience data supports petroleum exploration activities.
The internship aims to equip the successful candidate with practical knowledge relevant to employment in geoscience and oil and gas data management.
Important application email clarification
The official PDF advertisement prints the GIS application email as GISintern@petroleuagencysa.com
However, another publicly circulated recruitment announcement uses GISintern@petroleumagencysa.com
These addresses differ. The PDF version appears to contain a spelling error in the organisation’s domain.
Applicants should confirm the correct GIS email address directly with Petroleum Agency SA before submitting personal documents. Use the official PASA Careers page or the agency’s published contact number, +27 21 938 3500, to request clarification.
Edupstairs Career Advice: GIS qualifications can connect to several industries, including environmental management, geographic information services, infrastructure planning, agriculture and natural resource management.
Explore these occupational pathways through the National Skills Intelligence Explorer and the Career and Qualification Explorer.
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Information Management: Software Developer Internship – X1 Post
Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7) or higher in one of the following fields:
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Computer Engineering
- Informatics
- Application Development
Available Positions: 1
Many Information Technology graduates imagine working for banks, telecommunications companies or software development businesses.
But software development skills are also required in the petroleum industry.
Petroleum Agency SA is offering an internship that introduces graduates to digital systems supporting upstream petroleum operations.
The successful intern will gain practical workplace exposure involving:
- Software development.
- Application integration.
- Database management.
- Application programming interfaces (APIs).
- Microsoft Power Platform.
- SharePoint.
- Power BI.
- Microsoft Azure.
- Business application design and testing.
- Automation and data analytics.
- Technical documentation and user support.
- Cybersecurity and information governance.
The internship also provides an opportunity to understand how digital technologies support the management of petroleum exploration and production information.
For graduates interested in software engineering, data analytics, cloud technologies or business applications, this is a specialised workplace-learning opportunity.
Application Email: SDIntern@petroleumagencysa.com
Edupstairs Career Advice: Software developers can investigate additional ICT qualifications and skills-development opportunities through the MICT SETA Programme Hub.
Graduates considering further qualifications can also explore university programmes through the Edupstairs University Explorer.
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Environmental Sciences / Environmental Management Internship – X1 Post
Minimum Qualification: BSc Honours in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management or Natural Sciences (4 years)
Available Positions: 1
Environmental management plays an important role in petroleum exploration and production.
Activities such as drilling, seismic surveys and petroleum production can involve environmental considerations that require monitoring, assessment and regulatory oversight.
The successful intern will work within the environmental compliance environment.
According to the advertisement, the intern may gain experience through:
- Working alongside experienced environmental officials.
- Direct engagement with the Lead Environmental Compliance Scientist.
- Exposure to environmental compliance processes.
- Visits to active onshore and offshore operations.
- Exposure to drilling and seismic survey activities.
- Participation in relevant technical discussions.
- Engagement with environmental assessment practitioners.
- Interaction with government departments and regulatory stakeholders.
- Environmental compliance training.
- Industry conferences and petroleum-related learning activities.
The internship also introduces candidates to the environmental and operational responsibilities associated with petroleum development.
Application Email: environmentintern@petroleumagencysa.com
Edupstairs Career Advice: Environmental graduates should investigate career pathways in Environmental Compliance, Environmental Impact Assessment, Conservation, Sustainability and Environmental Science.
The National Skills Intelligence Explorer can help graduates investigate documented occupational research and skills-development priorities relevant to environmental professions.
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Procurement Officer Internship – X1 Post
Minimum Qualification: National Diploma in Supply Chain Management or equivalent
Available Positions: 1
You may have studied Supply Chain Management without realising that the petroleum industry also depends on procurement specialists.
Organisations require professionals who can support purchasing decisions, supplier administration, contract management and regulatory compliance.
This internship offers practical experience within Petroleum Agency SA’s Supply Chain Management environment.
Successful applicants will gain exposure to:
- Procurement administration.
- Supply Chain Management processes.
- Requests for Quotations (RFQs).
- Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
- Contract administration.
- Supplier database management.
- Procurement compliance.
- Bid committee processes.
- Supply chain reporting.
- Relevant procurement legislation and regulations.
The successful intern will work alongside experienced Supply Chain Management personnel and receive relevant workplace training.
Application Email: Procurementintern@petroleumagencysa.com
Edupstairs Career Advice: Supply Chain Management graduates can investigate careers as Procurement Officers, Supply Chain Practitioners, Logistics Coordinators, Contract Administrators and Purchasing Officers through the Career and Qualification Explorer.
Explore additional sector-specific programmes through the Edupstairs SETA Platform.
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Company Secretary Internship – X1 Post
Minimum Qualification: Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Available Positions: 1
An LLB qualification can provide access to professional environments extending beyond traditional legal practice.
Petroleum Agency SA is offering an internship within its company secretarial and corporate governance functions.
The successful intern will report within the office of the General Counsel/Company Secretary.
Responsibilities and development areas include:
- Corporate governance and compliance.
- Monitoring relevant legislation and policies.
- Preparing meeting agendas and documentation.
- Recording meeting minutes.
- Maintaining governance records and registers.
- Supporting governance planning and oversight.
- Conducting legal research.
- Analysing legislation and case law.
- Preparing legal memoranda.
- Assisting with legal agreements and contracts.
- Supporting litigation administration.
- Monitoring legal matters and deadlines.
This opportunity may be particularly relevant to LLB graduates interested in corporate governance, compliance, legal administration and company secretarial functions.
Application Email: Companysec@petroleumagencysa.com
Edupstairs Career Advice: LLB graduates can investigate occupational pathways associated with Legal Advisory Services, Corporate Governance, Regulatory Compliance and Company Secretarial Services through the Career and Qualification Explorer.
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Licence and Legal Compliance Officer Internship – X2 Posts
Minimum Qualification: Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Available Positions: 2
This internship provides an opportunity for LLB graduates to gain exposure to petroleum licensing and regulatory processes.
The positions form part of the Licensing and Regulation environment.
The successful interns will assist with activities including:
- Evaluating applications for petroleum rights and permits.
- Processing applications under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act.
- Preparing and publishing notices.
- Drafting recommendations concerning rights and permits.
- Preparing documents for notarial execution.
- Reviewing relevant policies and legislation.
- Conducting legal research.
- Supporting petroleum regulatory processes.
The internship offers practical exposure to legislation and administrative processes involved in South Africa’s petroleum industry.
Application Email: licensingintern@petroleumagencysa.com
Edupstairs Career Advice: Graduates interested in regulatory law and compliance can investigate related qualifications and professional pathways using the University Explorer and Career and Qualification Explorer.
Who Qualifies for the Petroleum Agency SA Internship Programme 2027/2028?
Petroleum Agency SA has established specific eligibility requirements linked to MQA funding.
Applicants must meet the following conditions.
- You must be a South African citizen.
The programme is intended for qualifying South African citizens.
- You must be unemployed.
Applicants must be unemployed when applying for the internship.
- You must have completed a relevant qualification.
The advertisement requires completed qualifications at the appropriate higher education level.
Each internship has its own minimum academic requirements.
- You must not have previously participated in an internship programme.
The advertisement explicitly excludes candidates who have previously benefited from an internship, whether MQA-funded or company-funded.
- You must submit all mandatory certified documents.
Applications missing required supporting documentation will not be considered.
- You must be able to undertake the Cape Town-based programme if selected.
All advertised positions are based in Cape Town.
Applicants living in other provinces should consider the practical implications of relocation, transport and accommodation before accepting an offer.
The advertisement does not specify relocation assistance.
Can TVET College N6 Graduates Apply?
The official advertisement refers to graduates from TVET Colleges and states that only N6 Diploma graduates are accepted under the relevant programme criteria.
However, this does not mean every N6 certificate holder automatically qualifies for every position.
For example, the geology and environmental positions require BSc Honours qualifications, while the legal positions require an LLB.
The procurement position specifically requires a National Diploma in Supply Chain Management or equivalent.
Applicants should therefore compare their completed qualification with the minimum requirements for the specific internship they wish to apply for.
If you completed N6 studies but have not yet obtained your National Diploma, seek clarification from PASA before assuming eligibility.
Students exploring future vocational qualifications can use the Edupstairs TVET College Explorer to investigate programmes and study pathways across South Africa’s 50 public TVET Colleges.
What Will Successful Interns Gain?
Petroleum Agency SA’s programme is intended to develop practical workplace knowledge and professional competencies.
According to the advertisement, interns will have opportunities to:
- Contribute to departmental activities.
- Develop discipline-specific professional knowledge.
- Attend relevant training courses.
- Participate in conferences where applicable.
- Improve computer literacy skills.
- Receive training in programmes such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and MS Project, depending on existing competency levels.
- Work independently and assess their professional development.
The opportunities differ according to the selected internship discipline.
For example, a software development intern may gain exposure to database systems and automation, while an environmental management intern may participate in environmental compliance activities.
Important: The advertisement describes training and workplace-development opportunities, but it does not guarantee a permanent position, specific professional certification or employment after completion.
How to Apply for the Petroleum Agency SA Internship Programme 2027/2028
Applications must be submitted through the email address assigned to the relevant internship.
Step 1: Choose the Correct Internship
Identify the internship matching your completed qualification.
Do not apply for a position merely because the job title sounds attractive.
Check the minimum requirements first.
Step 2: Prepare Your Mandatory Documents
The official advertisement requires certified copies of the following:
- Academic Record or Statement of Results.
- Degree Certificate or Letter of Completion.
- Matric Certificate.
- South African Identity Document.
Candidates must have completed their relevant qualifications.
PASA states that applications without all the required supporting documents will not be considered.
Step 3: Prepare Your Professional CV and Application Message
Edupstairs recommends preparing a clear, updated CV and a brief covering letter or covering email explaining your interest in the specific internship.
These are additional application-preparation recommendations; the supplied advertisement’s mandatory supporting-document checklist specifically identifies the four certified document categories above.
Your CV should highlight:
- Your completed qualification.
- Relevant academic modules.
- University or college projects.
- Research assignments.
- Technical skills.
- Computer applications.
- Communication and problem-solving abilities.
- Any relevant achievements.
If you have never worked before, do not invent experience.
Instead, focus on genuine academic projects, practical assignments and skills relevant to the internship.
You can use the Edupstairs ATS CV and Cover Letter Assistant to create a professional CV tailored to the specific opportunity.
Step 4: Send Your Application to the Correct Email Address
| Internship | Application Email |
| Petroleum Geology / Geophysics | geologyintern@petroleumagencysa.com |
| Geographic Information Systems | GISintern@petroleumagencysa.com |
| Software Developer | SDIntern@petroleumagencysa.com |
| Environmental Sciences / Management | environmentintern@petroleumagencysa.com |
| Procurement Officer | Procurementintern@petroleumagencysa.com |
| Company Secretary | Companysec@petroleumagencysa.com |
| Licence and Legal Compliance | licensingintern@petroleumagencysa.com |
The GIS email discrepancy is explained under the GIS internship section above.
Suggested email subject: Petroleum Agency SA Internship 2027/2028 – [Name of Internship]
This is an Edupstairs recommendation to help identify your application; the advertisement does not prescribe an exact email subject-line format.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Closing Date: Monday, 9 November 2026 at 16:30.
Late applications will not be considered.
Applicants should avoid leaving their submissions until the final day, particularly if they still need certified documents or clarification about application details.
Step 6: Monitor Your Email and Telephone
Petroleum Agency SA states that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.
If you do not receive feedback within four weeks of applying, the agency advises that you should consider your application unsuccessful.
How Edupstairs Can Help You Build a Career Beyond This Internship
Applying for an internship is one step in building a professional career.
Understanding how your qualifications connect with occupations, industries and workplace-learning pathways can help you make better long-term decisions.
Edupstairs provides several interactive platforms to support this process.
Explore Universities Through the University Explorer
If you are considering postgraduate studies, a second qualification or a future professional specialisation, the Edupstairs University Explorer can help you research South African public universities.
The platform allows users to investigate university programmes, admission requirements, available qualification information and application resources.
Prospective geology, law, environmental sciences and software engineering students can use this platform to investigate possible future study pathways.
Explore TVET Colleges and Technical Qualifications
The Edupstairs TVET College Explorer provides information about South Africa’s 50 public TVET Colleges.
Students can investigate campus information, vocational programmes and application resources.
This can be particularly useful for people exploring Supply Chain Management, Information Technology or other vocational study pathways.
Remember that the PASA internship requires completed qualifications matching the advertised positions. Exploring a TVET programme does not automatically make you eligible.
Understand Your Qualification Through the Career and Qualification Explorer
The Edupstairs Career and Qualification Explorer combines South African occupational information and recognised qualification records.
Users can investigate:
- Career descriptions.
- Occupational classifications.
- SAQA qualification information.
- NQF levels.
- Career and qualification relationships.
For example, Petroleum Geology graduates can investigate geoscience occupations, while Software Development graduates can explore careers in programming, information systems and data management.
Discover Careers That Match Your Interests
Not every graduate is completely certain which professional career to pursue.
The Edupstairs Career Discovery Assessment allows users to explore occupational interests through a guided assessment.
It uses 30 work-related activities to generate potential career matches.
Someone who enjoys scientific investigation may discover interests associated with analytical or scientific occupations.
Someone who enjoys systems and technology may investigate ICT careers.
Career Discovery is an independent interest assessment and does not determine eligibility for the Petroleum Agency SA internship.
Research South Africa’s Skills Needs Through the National Skills Intelligence Explorer
A qualification is important, but understanding the broader skills environment can also support career planning.
The Edupstairs National Skills Intelligence Explorer allows users to explore officially classified occupations and research observations connected with South African SETA publications.
Graduates can investigate information relating to occupational priorities, reported skills gaps and historical skills research.
For Petroleum Agency SA applicants, potentially relevant fields to research include Geoscience, Environmental Sciences, Software Development, GIS, Procurement and Legal Compliance.
However, reported skills shortages or occupational priorities must not be mistaken for guaranteed employment opportunities.
Explore the Mining Qualifications Authority and Other SETAs
The Petroleum Agency SA Internship Programme is funded by the Mining Qualifications Authority.
Edupstairs has developed a dedicated MQA Programme Hub covering mining-related skills-development pathways.
Depending on the programme, learners can investigate information about internships, bursaries, workplace experience, qualifications and other occupational-development opportunities.
For ICT graduates, the MICT SETA Programme Hub provides information about digital and information technology learning pathways.
You can also investigate all 21 SETAs through the Edupstairs SETA Platform.
Programme listings and qualification catalogues do not necessarily mean applications are currently open. Always check the relevant organisation’s official recruitment requirements.
Investigate QCTO-Accredited Training Providers
If you are considering additional occupational qualifications, the Edupstairs QCTO Accredited Provider Database can help you investigate accredited Skills Development Providers and Assessment Centres.
Accreditation should be checked for the specific qualification and training location.
A provider appearing in the database does not guarantee available funded training.
Latest Internships Recently Published on Edupstairs
If you are interested in the Petroleum Agency SA Internship Programme, you should also investigate other graduate opportunities that may match your qualifications.
The following are additional internships and graduate programmes recently published on Edupstairs.
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National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) Internships and Learnerships 2027
NERSA has advertised internship and learnership opportunities across 21 professional and departmental fields.
These include Engineering, Information Technology, Finance, Law, Supply Chain Management and other disciplines.
The programme offers 24 months of workplace experience.
Closing Date: 16 November 2026.
Read more about the NERSA Internships and Learnerships 2027.
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SANEDI Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027 – X80 Posts
The South African National Energy Development Institute has advertised 80 Energy Performance Certificate Skills Development Programme internships.
The programme targets qualifying graduates in areas including Engineering, Energy Studies, the Built Environment, Natural Sciences and Economic Sciences.
Successful applicants will participate in an 18-month programme.
Closing Date: 2 November 2026.
Read more about the SANEDI X80 Graduate Internship Programme.
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Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone Internships 2026
The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone has advertised graduate internship opportunities in Health and Safety, Economic Development, and Property and Maintenance.
The positions are located in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
The advertised contract periods range from two to three years.
Closing Date: Not specified in the reviewed advertisements.
Read more about the RBIDZ Graduate Internships 2026.
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SAWEA Wind Industry Internship Programme 2027
The South African Wind Energy Association’s Wind Industry Internship Programme is supported by EWSETA.
It provides an opportunity for qualifying graduates to gain workplace experience within the wind energy sector and associated professional disciplines.
Advertised Closing Date: 30 October 2026.
Read more about the SAWEA Wind Industry Internship Programme 2027.
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Limpopo Public Works Graduate Internships 2027–2029 – X60 Posts
The Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure has advertised 60 graduate internship opportunities.
Available disciplines include Engineering, GIS, Property Management and other built-environment professions.
Monthly Stipend: R8,174.75.
Closing Date: 6 November 2026 at 16:30.
Read more about the Limpopo Public Works Graduate Internships 2027.
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Datacentrix ICT Graduate Trainee Programme 2027/2028
Datacentrix is offering a 12-month graduate training programme for unemployed ICT graduates.
The programme includes opportunities in Midrand, Cape Town and Durban.
Closing Date: 30 November 2026.
Read more about the Datacentrix ICT Graduate Trainee Programme 2027/2028.
These are separate programmes with different eligibility conditions and recruitment procedures. Their inclusion does not mean applicants automatically qualify, and their availability may change.
For the newest opportunities, regularly visit the Edupstairs Internships Hub.
Tools you may find useful:
- Money Finder
- SETA Platform
- RDP / BNG Housing Eligibility Checker
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SA Bursary & NSFAS Eligibility Checker
- UIF Benefits Eligibility Checker and Payment Estimator
View Other Employment Opportunities here
Need Help?
Edupstairs Advice: Your Qualification Should Not Remain Unused While You Wait for Experience
There is a difficult situation many unemployed graduates understand.
You worked hard to complete your qualification.
You expected your education to help you enter the workplace.
But months may have passed, and your CV still does not include the professional experience employers are looking for.
Now consider what the next two years could mean.
By January 2029, a successful Petroleum Agency SA intern could have developed practical knowledge in their discipline, worked with professional teams and gained exposure to organisational systems.
A geology graduate could have experience discussing petroleum exploration concepts.
A software development graduate could have participated in real application-development activities.
An environmental graduate could have developed an understanding of compliance processes.
An LLB graduate could have gained exposure to governance and petroleum regulation.
None of these outcomes is guaranteed, and selection remains competitive.
But the value of a suitable internship extends beyond simply having another organisation’s name on your CV.
It can help you explain what you have learned, which responsibilities you have undertaken and how your academic knowledge has been applied.
The mistake is not being unsuccessful in one application. The avoidable mistake is missing a relevant opportunity because you did not prepare or submit the required documents in time.
If you meet the requirements, investigate the official advertisement, prepare your documents carefully and submit your application before the deadline.
Then continue applying for other suitable opportunities.
Your professional future should not depend on a single recruitment decision.
Internship, Education and Career Development
- Career Exploration: Career and Qualification Explorer | Career Discovery Assessment | National Skills Intelligence Explorer
- Higher Education: University Explorer | TVET College Explorer | QCTO Accredited Providers
- Skills Development: SETA Platform | MQA Programme Hub | MICT SETA Programme Hub
- Career Preparation: Create an ATS CV and Cover Letter | Edupstairs Scam Detector
- More Employment Opportunities: Latest Internships | Latest Learnerships | Company Entry-Level Jobs
- Recently Published Opportunities: NERSA Internships 2027 | SANEDI Internships X80 | RBIDZ Internships | Datacentrix Graduate Trainee Programme
Final Reminder: Petroleum Agency SA Internship Applications Close on 9 November 2026
Petroleum Agency SA is offering 10 MQA-funded internship opportunities across seven professional disciplines.
The programme is based in Cape Town and is scheduled to run from 1 February 2027 until 31 January 2029.
Applicants must be unemployed South African citizens, possess the relevant completed qualifications and meet the restriction concerning previous internship participation.
Closing Date: Monday, 9 November 2026 at 16:30.
Download the official Petroleum Agency SA Two-Year Internship Programme 2027/2028 PDF.
Visit the Petroleum Agency SA Careers page to confirm the recruitment instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Petroleum Agency SA Internship Programme 2027/2028
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How many internship positions are available?
Petroleum Agency SA has advertised 10 internship positions across seven disciplines.
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When is the closing date?
Applications close on Monday, 9 November 2026 at 16:30.
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Where will successful interns work?
All the advertised positions are based in Cape Town, Western Cape.
-
How long does the internship programme last?
The programme lasts 24 months, with planned dates from 1 February 2027 until 31 January 2029.
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Can I apply with Matric only?
No. Applicants must have completed the relevant tertiary qualification specified for their chosen internship.
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Can TVET College graduates apply?
The advertisement refers to TVET graduates under its MQA eligibility criteria, specifically using the wording “N6 Diploma graduates”. Applicants must nevertheless meet the qualification requirements for the individual positions. A standalone N6 certificate should not automatically be treated as sufficient.
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Can I apply if I previously completed an internship?
No. The programme’s MQA eligibility criteria exclude candidates who have previously benefited from an internship, whether MQA-funded or company-funded.
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Is there an age limit?
The official advertisement does not specify a numerical age limit. Applicants should not assume an 18–35 restriction unless PASA subsequently confirms one.
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Will successful interns receive a monthly stipend?
The internship is funded by the MQA, but the supplied advertisement does not specify a stipend amount. Applicants should confirm remuneration arrangements directly with PASA.
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Are the internships open to graduates from other provinces?
The advertisement specifies Cape Town as the workplace location but does not explicitly restrict applications to Western Cape residents. Applicants must be able to undertake the placement if selected.
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What documents are required?
Applicants must submit certified copies of their academic record or statement of results, degree certificate or letter of completion, Matric certificate and South African ID.
-
Do applicants need previous work experience?
The programme targets unemployed graduates who have not previously participated in internships. The advertisement does not specify a minimum period of previous professional work experience.
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Can an LLB graduate apply?
Yes. The Company Secretary and Licence and Legal Compliance internship positions require an LLB qualification.
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Can Software Engineering graduates apply?
Yes. The Software Developer internship accepts specified relevant Bachelor’s Degrees at NQF Level 7 or higher, including Software Engineering.
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How do I apply?
Submit your application by email to the address associated with the relevant internship. GIS applicants should verify the conflicting email addresses with PASA before submitting.
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Can I apply for more than one internship?
The advertisement does not expressly prohibit multiple applications. Applicants should meet the minimum qualifications for each selected position and use the relevant email address.
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Is permanent employment guaranteed after the internship?
No. The advertisement offers a two-year internship and does not guarantee employment after completion.
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How will applicants know whether they have been shortlisted?
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. PASA advises candidates who receive no response within four weeks of applying to consider their applications unsuccessful.
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs is an independent South African education, employment and career-development information platform.
Edupstairs is not Petroleum Agency South Africa, the Central Energy Fund or the Mining Qualifications Authority.
The information in this article is intended to help applicants understand the advertised internship opportunities, requirements, application instructions and relevant career-development resources.
Edupstairs does not recruit, shortlist, interview, appoint or receive applications on behalf of Petroleum Agency SA.
Applicants must verify the latest application details, qualification requirements, supporting documents, remuneration arrangements and deadlines directly with Petroleum Agency SA.
Never pay an individual who claims to guarantee an internship placement or employment opportunity.
Applicants can use the Edupstairs Scam Detector Tool to investigate suspicious recruitment messages.
Editorial Integrity
This article was prepared using Petroleum Agency SA’s official Two-Year Internship Programme 2027/2028 advertisement, published through the organisation’s official Careers website, together with independently researched Edupstairs educational and employment resources.
The 10 advertised positions, seven internship categories, qualification requirements, internship dates, Cape Town location, MQA funding criteria, application emails and closing date were extracted from the employer’s recruitment advertisement.
The advertisement’s apparent GIS application email spelling error has been disclosed rather than silently corrected. Applicants are advised to verify the correct address directly with PASA.
The official advertisement does not specify a numerical age limit, monthly stipend amount, guaranteed permanent employment outcome or confirmed relocation assistance. These details have not been invented.
Information concerning universities, TVET Colleges, careers, SAQA qualifications, SETA programmes, national skills intelligence, QCTO providers, CV preparation and alternative internship opportunities is additional Edupstairs editorial guidance.
These resources do not establish additional Petroleum Agency SA eligibility requirements.
Official Recruitment Source: Petroleum Agency SA Two-Year Internship Programme 2027/2028.
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. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY
