South African National Parks (SANParks) has opened applications for its Graduate Internship Programme 2026 Intake at Marakele National Park, offering unemployed graduates a 24-month structured workplace experience opportunity in key administrative and operational support departments.
For many graduates across South Africa, especially those seeking their first formal workplace exposure, SANParks internships are among the most respected entry-level public sector training platforms. They combine environmental-sector credibility, structured mentoring, and nationally recognised organisational experience.
If you hold a Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 6 or 7) in Human Resources, Tourism, Finance, or Accounting, this opportunity could significantly strengthen your employability profile.
Quick Overview
Programme: SANParks Graduate Internship Programme 2026
Host Organisation: South African National Parks (SANParks)
Location: Marakele National Park
Duration: 24 months
Monthly Stipend:
R6,355.69 – R10,486.58 (depending on qualification level)
Eligibility Age: 18 – 35 years
Qualification Level: National Diploma / Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 6 or 7)
Fields Available
- Human Resources Management
- Tourism / Hospitality Management
- Finance (BCom)
- Accounting
Application Method:
Apply online:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/vPwKaBKRuY?origin=lprLink
Supporting documents email:
Colisile.nkosi@sanparks.org
Closing Date: 04 May 2026
Internship Fields Available at Marakele National Park
SANParks is offering placement opportunities in the following departments:
- Human Capital Management
Qualification Required
- Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management
Number of Posts: 1 position
What you may gain experience in
- recruitment administration
- employee records management
- HR compliance systems
- labour relations support
- training coordination
- performance management tracking
This placement prepares graduates for roles such as:
- HR Administrator
- HR Officer
- Training Coordinator
- Recruitment Assistant
- Tourism Department
Qualification Required
- Diploma or Degree in Tourism
- Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management
Number of Posts: 1 position
What you may gain experience in
- visitor services operations
- reservation systems
- tourism programme coordination
- eco-tourism management exposure
- park visitor engagement strategies
This placement supports career entry into:
- tourism operations
- conservation tourism coordination
- lodge administration
- visitor experience management
- Finance Department
Qualification Required
- Diploma or Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
Number of Posts: 1 position
What you may gain experience in
- financial administration systems
- budgeting support processes
- procurement compliance exposure
- financial reporting assistance
- asset control procedures
This internship strengthens readiness for:
- finance clerk roles
- junior financial administrator roles
- government finance trainee pathways
- Administration (Accounting)
Qualification Required
- Diploma in Accounting
Number of Posts: 1 position
Possible workplace exposure
- bookkeeping support
- records management
- financial transaction tracking
- reconciliation preparation
- compliance documentation systems
This supports progression into:
- accounting assistant roles
- finance clerk roles
- audit preparation support roles
Internship Stipend
Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend between: R6,355.69 – R10,486.58
The amount depends on qualification level:
- Diploma holders typically receive the lower range
- Degree holders receive the higher range
This stipend supports transport, accommodation, and living costs during the internship period.
Important note:
SANParks states clearly that internship placement does not guarantee permanent employment after completion.
However, graduates with SANParks experience are highly competitive in both public and private sector job markets.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for the SANParks Graduate Internship Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
You must:
- Be unemployed
- Be between ages 18 and 35
- Be a South African citizen
- Hold an NQF Level 6 or 7 qualification in a listed field
- Have studied at a recognised South African public Higher Education Institution
- Not have previously participated in an internship programme
- Not have formal work experience in your qualification field
Meeting these criteria improves your chances of progressing to the shortlist stage.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified Matric certificate
- Certified qualification certificates
- Academic transcript (academic record)
Important:
Failure to submit required documents results in automatic disqualification.
How to Apply
Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1
Apply online using the official SANParks application link
Step 2
Email supporting documents to: Colisile.nkosi@sanparks.org
Subject line format:
INTERNSHIP: Department Name
Example:
INTERNSHIP: Finance Department
Step 3
Clearly indicate:
- Park placement location
- Department
- Field of study
Example:
Marakele National Park – Tourism Department
Accommodation and Transport Considerations
Applicants applying outside their residential area must:
- arrange their own accommodation
- arrange their own transport
However:
SANParks may offer accommodation within the park if available.
Applicants should plan financially before relocation decisions.