Top Internship Opportunities in South Africa — 2025/26

Top Internship Opportunities in South Africa — 2025/26

Internships in South Africa are powerful bridges between education and employment. Through Wikihii Africa, you can explore verified internship programmes from leading companies and global institutions that help graduates and students gain real-world experience, mentorship, and career direction.

Below is a comprehensive guide to some of the most impactful internship opportunities featured on Wikihii Africa — from finance and engineering to science and international development. These programmes don’t just offer experience — they open doors to lasting professional growth.

1. Bayport Financial Services Internship Programme

Bayport Financial Services offers structured internship opportunities in the finance and customer service sectors. This programme is ideal for graduates passionate about banking, microfinance, and digital lending solutions.

Key Focus Areas: Financial analysis, client management, business support, and credit administration.

Why It Matters: Bayport interns gain direct exposure to real financial operations and digital systems that serve millions of South Africans. The experience builds a solid foundation for future roles in finance, banking, and fintech.

2. Ivanplats Graduate Internship Programmes

The Ivanplats Graduate Internship by Ivanhoe Mines is one of the most sought-after technical training programmes in South Africa. It takes place at the Platreef Project in Mokopane and offers opportunities in engineering, geology, environmental science, and project management.

Duration: Two years of guided professional development.

Benefit: Interns work alongside global mining experts while gaining exposure to sustainable mining practices — crucial for South Africa’s modern mining sector.

3. Columbus Stainless Internship & Bursary Programme

Columbus Stainless, a leader in stainless steel manufacturing, offers both internship and bursary opportunities to South African students. This dual programme combines academic funding with hands-on industrial training.

Fields Covered: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Metallurgy, and Production Management.

Why Join: Participants receive world-class training in one of Africa’s most advanced metallurgical facilities while getting financial support for their studies — a true win-win for aspiring engineers.

4. Stefanutti Stocks Coastal Internship Programme

The Stefanutti Stocks Coastal Internship prepares young graduates to thrive in the construction and civil engineering industry. With projects spanning infrastructure, roads, and marine works, this internship blends theory and field experience.

Ideal For: Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, and Project Management graduates.

What to Expect: Interns receive mentorship from industry experts and gain site-based experience, essential for SACPCMP and ECSA registration.

5. Afreximbank Internship Opportunities

Afreximbank offers competitive internship opportunities designed to expose African youth to trade finance, investment, and continental economic integration. Interns work at the bank’s headquarters and regional offices across Africa.

Who Can Apply: Final-year students or recent graduates from African countries with strong academic performance in finance, economics, or law.

Global Exposure: This programme helps participants understand how international finance institutions function — an invaluable experience for those pursuing careers in economics or development banking.

6. FAO Internship Programme 2026 (RAF Region)

The FAO Internship Programme gives students and recent graduates the chance to contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security initiatives under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Location: Regional Office for Africa (RAF).

Focus Areas: Food policy, rural development, environment, and international relations.

Value: Interns engage with experts in sustainable farming, policy implementation, and humanitarian food systems — making it a perfect opportunity for individuals committed to global change.

7. Novartis Next Generation Scientist Programme

The Novartis Next Generation Scientist Programme (NGS) is a prestigious research internship hosted by Novartis and the University of Basel. It’s designed for young scientists from developing countries, including South Africa, who aspire to excel in biomedical and pharmaceutical research.

Duration: 3 months in Basel, Switzerland.

Focus: Advanced laboratory research, clinical data analysis, and scientific communication.

Career Impact: NGS alumni often go on to pursue PhDs, research fellowships, and leadership roles in global health and science sectors — making it one of the most impactful internships worldwide.

Why These Internships Matter

Each of these programmes represents a unique pathway to gain practical experience, global exposure, and professional confidence. From finance and construction to science and sustainability, these internships help bridge the education-to-employment gap that many South African graduates face.

By featuring only verified and credible opportunities, Wikihii Africa ensures that young professionals access real opportunities that grow their careers and strengthen Africa’s workforce.

Stay Updated with Wikihii Africa

Never miss an opportunity! Follow our WhatsApp channel Jobs Connect ZA for instant internship and job updates. New verified listings are shared daily to help you take action faster than ever.

More Internship & Graduate Programme Opportunities

Applicants looking for similar graduate programmes may also consider these opportunities:

• GEPFuture Graduate Internship 2026
• Eskom Engineering Internships 2026
• NCR TVET College 2026 ICT Internships
• Thabo Mofutsanyana TVET Graduate Programme

Conclusion

The world of internships in South Africa is filled with opportunity — and Wikihii Africa is your trusted guide to finding the right one. Whether you’re diving into finance with Bayport, exploring science with Novartis, or gaining international experience with FAO and Afreximbank, each programme offers a stepping stone toward a brighter professional future. Start your journey today — because your career begins with the choices you make now.