The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) invites applications from eligible second- and third-year Diploma-level Nature Conservation students for the 2027 Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Placement Programme, sponsored by CATHSSETA.
The programme offers students an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience in nature conservation through placements at selected national botanical gardens and zoological facilities across South Africa. The placement runs for 12 months, from January 2027 to December 2027, and provides a monthly stipend of R3,500.
A total of 30 placement opportunities are available for students who are passionate about the environment, self-motivated and eager to develop practical skills in the conservation field.
Applications close on 22 October 2026. Interested students are encouraged to prepare the required documents and submit their applications before the closing date.
SANBI Nature Conservation WIL Placement 2027: Job Details
- Programme: Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Placement
- Funding: CATHSSETA-sponsored
- Field: Nature Conservation
- Number of positions: 30
- Duration: 12 months
- Placement period: January 2027 – December 2027
- Stipend: R3,500 per month
- Minimum study level: Diploma-level Nature Conservation, NQF Level 6
- Eligible students: Second- and third-year students
- Locations: Selected botanical gardens and zoological facilities in South Africa
- Closing date: Thursday, 22 October 2026
- Application method: Online application form
About the SANBI WIL Placement Programme
The South African National Biodiversity Institute plays an important role in biodiversity conservation, botanical research, environmental education and the sustainable use of South Africa’s natural resources.
Through the CATHSSETA-sponsored WIL placement programme, eligible Nature Conservation students can gain practical workplace exposure to complement their academic studies. The opportunity is intended for students who still need to complete their work-integrated learning requirements as part of their diploma programme.
The 12-month placement provides an opportunity to experience a professional conservation environment and develop knowledge and practical skills relevant to the environmental sector. This experience can help students prepare for future employment opportunities in nature conservation and related fields.
Applicants must be currently studying towards a Diploma-level Nature Conservation qualification and must not have graduated. Good academic results will be an advantage during the selection process.
Please note: Accommodation is not provided. Applicants must make their own arrangements for accommodation, transport and other living expenses.
Available Placement Locations
SANBI has advertised 30 positions across nine botanical garden and zoological garden locations.
| Placement location | Positions |
|---|---|
| Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Newlands, Cape Town | 2 |
| Kwelera National Botanical Garden, East London | 2 |
| Pretoria National Botanical Garden | 2 |
| Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Roodepoort | 2 |
| KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden, Pietermaritzburg | 2 |
| Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden | 2 |
| Free State National Botanical Garden, Bloemfontein | 2 |
| National Zoological Gardens, Mokopane | 2 |
| National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria | 14 |
| Total | 30 |
Applicants should carefully consider the available locations before submitting their applications, particularly because accommodation is not provided. Candidates should ensure that they can reasonably manage the costs associated with attending their selected placement.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for the SANBI Nature Conservation WIL Placement Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a second- or third-year student studying towards a Diploma-level Nature Conservation qualification at NQF Level 6.
- Be registered at a university and currently pursuing the relevant qualification.
- Require work-integrated learning placement as part of their studies.
- Demonstrate self-motivation and a genuine interest in nature conservation and environmental protection.
- Submit all compulsory supporting documents through the official application form.
- Be available for interviews on dates and at times determined by SANBI.
Students who have already graduated are not eligible to apply.
Good academic results will be a strong advantage. Applicants should ensure that their academic records are accurate, complete and ready for submission.
Required Documents
All applicants must upload the compulsory supporting documents through the online application form. Failure to provide the required documentation may result in the application being rejected.
The required documents are listed below:
1. Letter of application
Prepare a letter explaining the reasons for applying, the interest in nature conservation and the suitability for the placement programme.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Submit an updated CV containing personal contact details, academic information, relevant skills, experience and other information that supports the application.
3. Academic reference letter
Obtain a reference letter from an appropriate academic referee, such as a lecturer or another authorised university representative.
4. WIL placement letter from the university
The university letter must clearly reflect the 2027 placement period. Applicants should contact their academic department if assistance is needed to obtain the correct letter.
5. Certified copy of the highest qualification
Upload a certified copy of the highest qualification as requested in the vacancy advert.
6. Proof of registration for the 2026 academic year
Provide proof confirming registration for the 2026 academic year. Successful candidates will later be required to provide proof of registration for the 2027 academic year.
7. Certified academic transcript
Submit a certified copy of the academic transcript showing the relevant academic results.
8. Clear certified copy of the ID
The certified copy of the identification document must be clear and not older than three months.
Applicants should check every document before uploading it to ensure that the required information is visible and that all compulsory attachments have been included.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible students must complete the official online application form and upload all the required supporting documents.
Follow these steps to apply:
- Confirm that the eligibility requirements are met.
- Prepare an updated CV and letter of application.
- Request the academic reference letter and the university WIL placement letter reflecting the 2027 placement period.
- Obtain the required certified qualification, academic transcript and ID documents.
- Prepare proof of registration for the 2026 academic year.
- Complete the online application form and upload all compulsory documents.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
Official application form: https://forms.gle/iLcFePuRq4bTcXqb6
Applicants should ensure that the application is completed correctly and submitted before the deadline. Incomplete applications may be rejected.
Enquiries
For questions about the application process, applicants can contact the designated SANBI representative using the details below.
- Contact person: Ms Nokonwaba Ngele
- Email: [email protected]
- Email subject: CATHSSETA-SPONSORED WIL placement
Applicants should use the specified email subject when making enquiries about the placement programme.
Selection Process
Candidates must be available for interviews on dates and at times determined by SANBI. Applicants should monitor their email and telephone messages in case they are contacted during the selection process.
SANBI reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates may assume that their applications have been unsuccessful.
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection. Meeting the eligibility criteria and providing all required documentation are important parts of the application process.
Closing Date
The closing date for the SANBI CATHSSETA-sponsored Nature Conservation WIL Placement Programme is Thursday, 22 October 2026.
The placement will run from January 2027 to December 2027, with a monthly stipend of R3,500. Accommodation is not provided.
Eligible second- and third-year Diploma-level Nature Conservation students who have not yet graduated are encouraged to apply.
Ensure that all required documents are prepared and uploaded before submitting the application.
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