SANParks CATHSSETA Internship Programme 2026: Are you an unemployed graduate passionate about conservation, biodiversity, and public service? Build your conservation career with the SANParks CATHSSETA Internship Programme 2026. This 12-month paid placement offers practical workplace experience at some of South Africa’s most iconic national parks and institutions, including Groenkloof National Park, SANBI Pretoria, and three stunning parks in the Cape Region (Agulhas, Table Mountain, and Tankwa Karoo).
If you hold a National Diploma, Degree, or Honours in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Labour Relations, Safety Management, or related fields, and are aged 18–35, this is your opportunity to gain invaluable experience with South Africa’s leading conservation authority.
Application Deadlines:
- Groenkloof & SANBI Pretoria: 06 March 2026
- Cape Region (Agulhas, Table Mountain, Tankwa Karoo): 09 March 2026
– Apply Now!
SANParks CATHSSETA Internship Programme 2026: Programme Snapshot
| Detail | Programme 1 | Programme 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Locations | Groenkloof National Park (Head Office, Pretoria) & SANBI Pretoria | Agulhas National Park, Table Mountain National Park, Tankwa Karoo National Park |
| Closing Date | 06 March 2026 | 09 March 2026 |
| Duration | 12 Months | 12 Months |
| Stipend | R6,335.69 – R9,088.37 per month (depending on NQF level) | R6,335.69 – R9,088.37 per month (depending on NQF level) |
| Application | Online via SANParks portal | Online via SANParks portal |
What Is the SANParks CATHSSETA Internship Programme?
This is a structured graduate development initiative designed to give recently qualified South Africans practical workplace experience. It is funded and facilitated through CATHSSETA (Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority) and places successful candidates within SANParks operations across different disciplines.
Important: SANParks is under no obligation to employ interns upon completion. The internship is intended as a skills development opportunity, not a guaranteed pathway to permanent employment.
SANParks CATHSSETA Internship Programme 2026: Programme 1: Groenkloof National Park and SANBI Pretoria
Location: Groenkloof National Park (Head Office), Pretoria, Gauteng, and SANBI Pretoria
Closing Date: 06 March 2026
About This Placement:
This programme places graduates at SANParks’ Head Office in Groenkloof and at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) in Pretoria. Both institutions sit at the heart of South Africa’s conservation governance and biodiversity management functions.
Fields of Study Accepted:
- Human Resources Development or Training Management
- Industrial Psychology
- Labour Relations
- Safety Management or Occupational Health and Safety
What Interns Will Do:
- Support learning and development initiatives within HR and Training Management
- Assist with performance management and payroll administration
- Contribute to Occupational Health and Safety programmes
- Participate in Human Capital Management and Labour Relations projects
SANParks CATHSSETA Internship Programme 2026: Programme 2: SANParks CATHSSETA Internship Programme (Cape Region)
Locations:
- Agulhas National Park (southernmost tip of Africa – coastal fynbos)
- Table Mountain National Park (Cape Peninsula, biodiversity hotspot)
- Tankwa Karoo National Park (semi-desert, Succulent Karoo biome)
Closing Date: 09 March 2026
About This Placement:
The Cape Region programme offers graduate placements across three iconic national parks in the Western Cape, offering a rich and varied environment for interns working in conservation, tourism, and related disciplines.
Fields of Study Accepted:
- Human Resources Development or Training Management
- Industrial Psychology
- Labour Relations
- Safety Management or Occupational Health and Safety
The stipend range and qualification requirements mirror those of Programme 1, covering NQF levels 6, 7, and 8.
SANParks CATHSSETA Internship Programme 2026: Eligibility Requirements (Both Programmes)
You must meet ALL of the following criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | South African citizen |
| Age | Between 18 and 35 years |
| Employment Status | Currently unemployed |
| Qualification | Completed National Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, or Honours Degree (NQF 6, 7, or 8) in a relevant field from a South African Public Higher Education Institution |
| Prior Employment | Must not have been employed in the Public Service or Public Entities |
| Internship Status | Must not have participated in an internship or placement programme in the Public Service or Public Entities |
| Availability | Available for assessment and selection interviews as determined by SANParks |
| Foreign Qualifications | Must be evaluated by SAQA before application |
Employment Equity
SANParks is committed to the principles of employment equity. Preference will be given to Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDI) and Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA) in line with the organisation’s equity targets.
Required Documents
All applications must include the following certified supporting documents:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| CV | Recent and updated Curriculum Vitae |
| Matric Certificate | Certified copy of Grade 12 certificate |
| Qualifications | Certified copies of academic qualifications and academic transcripts |
| ID Document | Certified copy of South African ID |
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Manual applications will not be accepted.
SANParks CATHSSETA Internship Programme 2026: How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online through the official SANParks vacancies portal. Do not submit applications to enquiry contacts.
Programme 1: Groenkloof & SANBI Pretoria
Apply Here: Groenkloof National Park and SANBI Pretoria
Programme 2: Cape Region
Apply Here: Cape Region (Agulhas, Table Mountain, Tankwa Karoo)
Important Notes
Closing Dates:
- Groenkloof & SANBI Pretoria: 06 March 2026
- Cape Region: 09 March 2026
Accommodation: If applying outside your area of residence, arrange your own accommodation and transport. SANParks may offer intern accommodation where available, but this is not guaranteed.
Shortlisting: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for assessment and selection interviews.
Response Time: If you do not receive a response within 14 days after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Verification: All appointments are subject to verification and pre-screening (qualification verification, reference checks).
Right Not to Appoint: SANParks reserves the right not to make an appointment.
No Fees: Never pay anyone for an application – the process is free.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: I have a degree in Environmental Science. Can I apply for these programmes?
A: The listed fields are Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Labour Relations, and Safety Management. If your qualification is not in these specific fields, you may not be eligible.
Q2: I completed a previous internship in the private sector. Am I eligible?
A: The requirement states you must not have participated in an internship or placement programme in the Public Service or Public Entities. Private sector internships may not disqualify you, but be honest in your application.
Q3: What is the stipend amount?
A: The monthly stipend ranges from R6,335.69 to R9,088.37, depending on the NQF level of your qualification (6, 7, or 8).
Q4: Do I need to have my own transport?
A: Not specified, but you are responsible for your own transport to and from the placement location
Q5: Can I apply for both programmes?
A: Yes, you may apply for both, but you must submit separate applications for each.
Your Conservation Career Starts with SANParks
The SANParks CATHSSETA Internship Programme 2026 offers a unique opportunity for unemployed graduates to gain paid, practical experience in South Africa’s world-renowned conservation and biodiversity sector. With placements in Gauteng and the stunning Cape Region, and a monthly stipend of up to R9,088, this programme is an ideal foundation for a career in public service, conservation, and human capital development.
The deadlines are fast approaching: 06 March 2026 (Gauteng) and 09 March 2026 (Cape Region). Prepare your certified documents and apply online today.
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