Petroleum Agency SA is inviting qualified unemployed graduates to apply for its Two-Year Internship Programme for 2027/2028. The programme offers an opportunity for graduates to gain practical workplace experience, develop professional skills and acquire industry-related knowledge in different fields.
The internship programme is funded by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) and is intended to support the development of graduates who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements. The planned commencement date is 1 February 2027, and the programme will run until 31 January 2029.
Available Internship Positions
Petroleum Agency SA is offering internship opportunities in the following fields for the 2027/2028 programme:
1. Petroleum Geology / Geophysics – 3 Positions
Email: [email protected]
2. Information Management: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – 1 Position
Email: [email protected]
3. Information Management: Software Development – 1 Position
Email: [email protected]
4. Environmental Science / Environmental Management – 1 Position
Email: [email protected]
5. Procurement – 1 Position
Email: [email protected]
6. Company Secretary – 1 Position
Email: [email protected]
7. Licensing and Legal Compliance – 2 Positions
Email: [email protected]
How to apply: Identify the internship that matches your qualification, prepare the required certified documents and email your application to the relevant address listed above.
Closing date: 9 November 2026 at 16:30.
The opportunities are based in Cape Town, Western Cape, and cover several disciplines, including petroleum geology and geophysics, geographic information systems, software development, supply chain management, environmental sciences and legal services.
Unemployed graduates who have completed relevant qualifications are encouraged to review the available opportunities and submit their applications before the closing date.
About Petroleum Agency SA
Petroleum Agency SA is a subsidiary of CEF SOC Limited. The agency is responsible for promoting and regulating the exploration and exploitation of petroleum resources, including oil and gas, within South Africa.
Its responsibilities cover onshore and offshore petroleum resources, with its work carried out on behalf of the South African government in accordance with the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act.
The agency operates in a specialised industry that requires knowledge and skills in areas such as geology, geophysics, environmental management, information technology, procurement and legal compliance.
Through its internship programme, graduates can gain exposure to professional working environments while developing skills relevant to their qualifications and future careers.
Petroleum Agency SA Internship Programme 2027/2028 Details
Programme: Two-Year Internship Programme 2027/2028
Number of graduates: 10, as stated in the programme overview
Duration: Two years
Start date: 1 February 2027
End date: 31 January 2029
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Funding: Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)
Closing date: 9 November 2026 at 16:30
Application method: Email
Experience: Workplace training and practical experience
The programme overview states that funding is intended for ten graduates over two years. The advertisement contains several listed disciplines and post counts, so applicants should confirm the relevant position and its requirements before submitting an application.
Minimum Requirements for the Internship Programme
Applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements established for the MQA-funded internship programme.
The following criteria apply:
- Applicants must be unemployed South African citizens.
- Applicants must have completed a relevant qualification at a higher education and training level.
- Applicants with qualifications from TVET colleges may apply where they hold an N6 Diploma. Other TVET qualifications are not accepted under the stated programme criteria.
- Applicants must not have previously benefited from an internship programme, whether funded by the MQA or by a company.
- Applicants must have completed the relevant qualification before applying.
- Applicants must submit all the required supporting documents.
- Applicants must apply for a discipline that matches their qualifications.
Candidates should carefully check the minimum qualification for their preferred position. Meeting the general eligibility requirements does not automatically mean that an applicant qualifies for every internship advertised.
Available Internship Positions
Petroleum Agency SA lists opportunities in several professional fields. Each position provides exposure to a particular area of the organisation’s operations.
1. Petroleum Geology and Geophysics Internships
Number of interns: 3
Minimum qualification: BSc Honours in Geosciences (four-year qualification)
Application email: [email protected]
The Petroleum Geology and Geophysics internship is intended for graduates interested in the scientific study of the Earth and the identification and evaluation of petroleum resources.
Successful candidates will learn about the fundamentals of geology and geophysics as applied to the oil and gas industry in local and international markets.
The programme will expose interns to several technical areas, including:
- Seismic interpretation.
- Basin modelling.
- Petroleum systems.
- Prospect generation and evaluation.
- South African geology.
- Geological and geophysical applications in petroleum exploration.
Interns will develop knowledge and practical skills that can support future employment opportunities as Earth Scientists.
Candidates with a BSc Honours qualification in Geosciences who meet the general programme requirements can submit their applications to the designated email address.
2. Information Management: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Internship
Number of interns: 1
Minimum qualification: BSc Honours degree in Geology, Geophysics and/or Geographic Information Systems, as specified in the advertisement
Application email: [email protected]
The GIS internship focuses on information management and the use of spatial data in the oil and gas industry.
The successful candidate will learn about petroleum exploration and production data management, Geographic Information Systems and spatial data management applications.
The programme also provides practical exposure to managing datasets generated through oil and gas exploration activities.
Interns may work with industry interpretation and data management software, including Petrel, Kingdom and ESRI ArcGIS.
The experience is intended to equip candidates with relevant tools and knowledge for future opportunities as Earth Scientists, Geoscientists or professionals working in oil and gas data management.
Applicants should ensure that their qualifications match the stated requirements before applying.
3. Procurement Officer Internship
Number of interns: 1
Minimum qualification: National Diploma in Supply Chain Management or equivalent
Application email: [email protected]
The Procurement Officer internship offers practical experience in supply chain management and procurement administration.
The intern will work with experienced Supply Chain Management staff and contribute to the department’s administrative activities.
Responsibilities include supporting the preparation, issuing and management of procurement documentation. This includes requests for quotations (RFQs) and requests for proposals (RFPs), as well as processes leading to contract awards and amendments.
The internship also provides exposure to procurement procedures and relevant supply chain management practices.
Graduates with a National Diploma in Supply Chain Management or an equivalent qualification should consider this opportunity if they meet the programme’s general eligibility requirements.
4. Information Management: Software Developer Internship
Number of interns: 1
Minimum qualification: Bachelor’s degree at NQF Level 7 or higher in a relevant field
Application email: [email protected]
The Software Developer internship is designed for graduates interested in software development, information technology and digital transformation.
The programme provides practical workplace exposure to software development, application integration, Microsoft technologies, data management, automation and analytics within the upstream petroleum sector.
The successful candidate will gain experience in areas such as:
- Software development and database management.
- Application programming interfaces (APIs).
- Microsoft Power Platform.
- SharePoint.
- Power BI.
- Azure.
- Business application design, development, testing and support.
- Automation and analytics initiatives.
- Technical documentation and troubleshooting.
- Cybersecurity, information governance, records management and data protection.
Applicants should hold a relevant qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Informatics or Application Development.
This opportunity is suitable for graduates seeking to strengthen their technical skills through practical experience in a specialised industry.
5. Company Secretary Internship
Number of interns: 1
Minimum qualification: LLB degree
Application email: [email protected]
The Company Secretary internship provides exposure to legal administration, corporate governance and compliance.
The successful candidate will work with the General Counsel/Company Secretary and assist with activities relating to governance, legal research and corporate administration.
The duties include assisting with compliance monitoring in accordance with applicable legislation, regulations, governance frameworks, internal policies and procedures.
The intern may also gain experience in:
- Preparing meeting agendas and documentation.
- Recording meeting minutes.
- Maintaining registers of resolutions and action items.
- Managing corporate governance records.
- Supporting governance planning and compliance reviews.
- Conducting legal research and analysing legislation and case law.
- Preparing legal memoranda and summaries.
- Drafting, reviewing and proofreading legal documents.
- Maintaining legal files and supporting litigation administration.
- Monitoring legal matters and relevant deadlines.
Applicants with an LLB degree who are interested in corporate law, governance and legal administration can apply through the designated email address.
6. Environmental Sciences and Environmental Management Internship
Number of interns: 1
Minimum qualification: BSc Honours in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management or Natural Sciences (four-year qualification)
Application email: [email protected]
The Environmental Sciences and Environmental Management internship offers graduates an opportunity to gain practical exposure to environmental compliance within the petroleum industry.
The successful candidate will work with experienced environmental officials and have an opportunity to interact with the Lead Environmental Compliance Scientist.
The programme includes exposure to active onshore and offshore operations, such as drilling, seismic survey activities and production operations.
Interns may also attend technical advisory committee meetings and engage with stakeholders involved in the oil and gas industry.
These stakeholders may include scientists, environmental assessment practitioners, government officials and internal teams responsible for technical compliance, licensing, regulation and information services.
Additional development opportunities include environmental compliance training, introductory oil and gas courses, industry conferences and basic computer training.
Graduates with the relevant environmental or natural sciences qualifications should ensure that they meet the programme’s eligibility criteria before submitting their applications.
7. Licence and Legal Compliance Officer Internship
Number of interns: 2
Minimum qualification: LLB degree
Application email: [email protected]
The Licence and Legal Compliance Officer internship provides exposure to licensing, regulatory processes and legal compliance within the petroleum sector.
The position reports to the Executive Manager: Licensing and Regulation.
The successful candidate will assist with the evaluation and processing of applications for rights and permits submitted under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002).
The role may include the following responsibilities:
- Evaluating and processing applications for petroleum rights and permits.
- Preparing and publishing notices.
- Drafting recommendations for applications for consideration by the Minister.
- Preparing documents for the notarial execution of rights and permits.
- Preparing comments and inputs on government policies and legislative frameworks relating to the petroleum industry.
- Conducting legal research.
The internship is relevant to graduates who want to develop experience in regulatory compliance, licensing and petroleum-related legal work.
Applicants must hold an LLB degree and submit the required documents with their applications.
Training and Development Opportunities
The programme is intended to help graduates develop professional skills while contributing to departmental activities.
Interns will have opportunities to attend relevant training courses and discipline-specific conferences. They may also receive basic computer training in programmes such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and MS Project, depending on their existing competency levels.
The programme also aims to help interns develop independence by giving them opportunities to monitor their own progress and development.
The practical experience gained will depend on the discipline and duties associated with each position.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants must submit certified copies of all the documents specified in the advertisement.
The required documents are:
- Certified copy of the academic record or statement of results.
- Certified copy of the degree certificate or letter of completion.
- Certified copy of the Matric certificate.
- Certified copy of the South African identity document.
Applicants must have completed their relevant qualifications before applying.
Important: Applications will not be considered if all the required documents are not submitted. Candidates should check that every document is included and clearly readable before emailing their applications.
How to Apply for Petroleum Agency SA Internships
Applications must be submitted by email using the address provided for the relevant internship position.
Follow these steps:
- Review the available internship positions and identify the discipline that matches your qualification.
- Confirm that you meet the general eligibility requirements and the minimum qualification for the selected position.
- Prepare certified copies of your academic record or statement of results, degree certificate or letter of completion, Matric certificate and South African identity document.
- Ensure that all required documents are attached to your application.
- Send your application to the email address specified for your preferred internship.
- Submit your application before the closing date and time.
Applicants should use the correct email address for their selected discipline. Sending an application to the wrong address may delay its consideration.
Closing Date for Applications
The closing date for the Petroleum Agency SA Two-Year Internship Programme 2027/2028 is Monday, 9 November 2026, at 16:30.
Late applications will not be considered.
Candidates from designated groups, as defined under national labour legislation, will receive preference.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Applicants who do not receive a response within four weeks of submitting their applications should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Final Reminder
The Petroleum Agency SA Two-Year Internship Programme 2027/2028 offers unemployed graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in petroleum geology, geophysics, GIS, software development, procurement, environmental management and legal services.
Before applying, check the qualification requirements for the relevant position, prepare all certified supporting documents and use the correct application email address.
Eligible graduates are encouraged to submit complete applications before 9 November 2026 at 16:30.