Launch Your Future: Petroleum Agency SA Internship 2026–2027
Are you a graduate eager to step into the energy sector and gain hands-on experience? The Petroleum Agency South Africa (PASA) is opening applications for its two-year internship programme for the 2026–2027 cycle. Based in Cape Town, this structured initiative is designed to prepare bright South African graduates for careers in Petroleum Geoscience, Environmental Compliance, and Finance.
This internship goes beyond theory—it’s an opportunity to transform academic knowledge into practical expertise, contribute to the nation’s energy goals, and build the foundation for a successful career. The programme officially begins in February 2026 and offers comprehensive mentoring, training, and exposure to the dynamic petroleum industry.
What is the Petroleum Agency SA Internship?
The Petroleum Agency SA, operating under CEF SOC Limited, manages South Africa’s oil and gas resources on behalf of the government. Its responsibilities include promoting, regulating, and monitoring petroleum exploration and production activities.
The 2026–2027 Internship Programme is fully funded by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) and offers paid placements to three unemployed graduates who have never participated in an internship before.
Through this opportunity, interns will:
- Develop technical and professional skills tailored to their discipline.
- Attend workshops, training sessions, and industry conferences.
- Gain hands-on knowledge of industry software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GIS, and more).
- Receive structured mentorship while contributing to meaningful projects.
- Build confidence and independence in their chosen field.
Internship Opportunities
The agency is recruiting for the following three roles:
1. Intern: Petroleum Geoscience
Ideal for graduates passionate about geology and geophysics, this role provides exposure to both onshore and offshore exploration activities. Training areas include:
- Seismic data interpretation
- Well correlation
- Basin and petroleum systems modeling
- GIS applications for resource evaluation
Minimum requirement: B.Sc. Honours in Geosciences (4-year degree).
2. Intern: Environmental Compliance
This role is tailored for graduates interested in protecting ecosystems while supporting sustainable energy development. Interns will assist in:
- Processing environmental authorization applications
- Conducting compliance audits
- Applying environmental legislation within the petroleum industry
- Engaging with regulators, practitioners, and stakeholders
Minimum requirement: B.Sc. Honours in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, or Natural Sciences (4-year degree).
3. Intern: Finance
For graduates with an eye for numbers, this internship rotates across the agency’s financial departments, offering exposure to:
- Accounts payable and receivable
- Petty cash and asset management
- Budgeting and taxation
- Preparation of financial statements
Minimum requirement: National Diploma in Accounting (3-year diploma).
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be unemployed South African citizens.
- Hold a relevant qualification from a recognized Higher Education and Training (HET) institution.
- Have no prior work experience.
- Be applying for an internship for the first time.
Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with South Africa’s labour and equity legislation.
Application Guidelines
To be considered, submit a complete and professional application package. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed.
Required Documents:
- Certified copy of your full academic record or statement of results.
- Certified copy of your degree certificate or official completion letter.
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate.
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
Submission Process:
- Email your application (including a cover letter and brief CV) with the above certified documents to the designated internship address.
- Clearly state the specific internship in your email subject line. Example: “Internship 2026–2027: Environmental Compliance”.
Closing Date:
All applications must be submitted by Friday, 26 September 2025 at 16h30.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back within four weeks of the closing date, your application has been unsuccessful.
✅ This is your chance to gain real-world experience, contribute to South Africa’s energy future, and set your career in motion. Don’t miss out—apply before the deadline!