If you’re passionate about food security, sustainability, environmental conservation, or climate resilience, then an internship in agriculture or environmental science could be your gateway to making a real impact. South Africa, with its rich biodiversity and dynamic agricultural sector, offers a wide range of internship opportunities for students and graduates looking to gain hands-on experience in these fields.
Whether you’re studying Agricultural Science, Environmental Management, Ecology, or related disciplines, here’s a list of top agriculture and environment internships in South Africa to apply for in 2025:
🌾 1. Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) Internships
Location: Nationwide
Duration: 12 months
Who Can Apply: Graduates with degrees in Agriculture, Land Use, Environmental Science, or Rural Development.
DALRRD offers annual internship programmes to support skill development in the agricultural sector. Interns may work on land reform initiatives, food production, soil conservation, or sustainability projects.
How to Apply:
Keep an eye on the DALRRD careers page around early to mid-year for postings.
🌍 2. SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute) Internship Programme
Location: Pretoria, Cape Town, and across SANBI botanical gardens
Duration: 12–18 months
Fields: Ecology, Environmental Science, Horticulture, GIS, Biodiversity Management
SANBI offers structured internship opportunities for graduates passionate about protecting South Africa’s unique biodiversity.
Why It’s Great: SANBI internships provide valuable research, policy, and conservation experience.
Website: www.sanbi.org
🚜 3. AgriSA Youth Internship Programme
Location: Pretoria and affiliated farms across provinces
Eligibility: Agricultural Sciences or Agribusiness students and recent graduates
Focus Areas: Farm management, food production, policy research, and climate-smart agriculture.
AgriSA partners with farms and agri-businesses to help young people enter the sector and gain exposure to real farm operations.
Website: www.agrisa.co.za
🐄 4. ARC (Agricultural Research Council) Internship and Training Programmes
Location: Nationwide research centres
Ideal For: Students in animal sciences, crop sciences, biotechnology, food tech, soil sciences.
The ARC conducts cutting-edge research and provides internships that let you participate in scientific projects addressing national food security.
Website: www.arc.agric.za
🌳 5. WWF South Africa Environmental Internships
Location: Cape Town and remote
Fields: Environmental management, sustainability, climate change, community conservation
WWF offers graduate internships that place young professionals in NGOs, government departments, and private sector companies working in conservation and environmental sustainability.
Why It’s Popular: Structured training, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
Website: www.wwf.org.za
💧 6. Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Internships
Location: Pretoria and nationwide
Fields: Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Climate Change, Marine Biology, Water Resources
DFFE internships are ideal for those wanting to gain experience in environmental policy, research, or sustainability programmes at government level.
Website: www.dffe.gov.za
🌿 7. GreenCape Internship Programme
Location: Cape Town
Duration: 6–12 months
Who Can Apply: Graduates interested in green economy, energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture
GreenCape is a non-profit organisation that works with the government and industry to unlock green investment and innovation in South Africa.
Website: www.greencape.co.za
✅ Tips for Applying to Agriculture and Environment Internships
- Start Early: Some government internships close as early as March or April.
- Tailor Your CV: Emphasize practical skills, research projects, or volunteering experience related to agriculture or conservation.
- Show Passion: Your motivation letter should reflect a genuine interest in sustainability, the environment, or food systems.
- Network: Follow organisations on LinkedIn or attend agricultural/environmental career expos or webinars.
🌐 Where to Find These Internships?
You can regularly check opportunities on:
- GoIntern.co.za
- Careers24
- Indeed South Africa
- University career portals
- NGO websites (like WWF, SANBI, GreenMatter)
Final Thoughts
Agriculture and environmental careers are more important than ever in the face of climate change and food insecurity. These internships not only build your skills but also help you contribute to a greener, more resilient South Africa. Apply early, and don’t be afraid to aim big—our environment needs passionate young professionals like you.
Want to stay updated on internship openings in South Africa?
👉 Bookmark GoIntern.co.za and never miss an opportunity!
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