The GAAL Internship Programme 2026 offers three 12-month graduate placements at Polokwane International Airport, each carrying a R7 000 monthly stipend. The re-advertised intake targets unemployed South Africans aged 18 to 35 with relevant qualifications in information and communication technology, communications or aviation-related fields. Submissions close at 16:00 on 25 July 2026.
Importantly, GAAL does not require previous work experience. This gives first-time entrants a valuable route into a professional aviation environment.
Anyone who responded to the earlier advertisement should not submit another application. GAAL will continue considering those existing applications.
Why does the GAAL internship offer valuable career exposure?
Gateway Airports Authority Limited manages Polokwane International Airport as a provincially owned business enterprise. Therefore, its interns can gain practical experience inside an operational airport environment.
GAAL will appoint each selected graduate for a fixed period of 12 months. During that time, interns will receive R7 000 per month while developing practical skills in their respective departments.
The overall advertisement carries the reference Internship/GAAL/001/2026/27. However, each internship field has its own reference number, which candidates must use when submitting their documents.
Which graduate fields does GAAL need?
GAAL has allocated one placement to each of the three advertised fields. Consequently, candidates should choose the field that directly matches their academic qualification.
Information and communication technology
GAAL needs one graduate with a formal three-year degree or diploma in information technology or a related qualification at National Qualifications Framework Level 6.
Candidates pursuing this placement must use the reference ICT 01/26.
The successful intern will assist with:
- System maintenance and document management
- Technical troubleshooting and user support
- Network management
- General information and communication technology support
Public relations
Meanwhile, the public relations placement suits graduates with a formal three-year degree or diploma in marketing management, public relations, media studies, journalism or communications at National Qualifications Framework Level 6.
Candidates must quote the reference SMCC 02/26.
The intern will contribute to:
- Content creation and content planning
- Communication and content strategy
- Brand-awareness activities
- Effective use of communication platforms
- Audience engagement across social media platforms
Aviation compliance
Finally, GAAL needs one aviation compliance intern with a formal three-year degree or diploma in aviation management, quality management, safety management, operations management or a related discipline.
The correct reference for this field is AC 03/26.
The selected graduate will help the department:
- Maintain, monitor and improve the airport’s quality management systems
- Support compliance with South African Civil Aviation Authority regulations
- Monitor relevant International Civil Aviation Organization standards
- Keep track of changes in legislation affecting the aviation industry
- Ensure airport operations meet applicable national and international standards
Who meets GAAL’s entry requirements?
Candidates must meet the general eligibility conditions as well as the qualification requirements for their chosen field.
Suitable candidates must:
- Be unemployed South African citizens between 18 and 35 years old
- Hold a relevant bachelor’s degree or three-year national diploma at National Qualifications Framework Level 6 or 7
- Match the academic requirements of the selected internship field
- Have no previous work experience
- Not have completed an internship with GAAL or another organisation
Additionally, candidates who obtained qualifications outside South Africa must arrange an evaluation through the South African Qualifications Authority.
Although GAAL welcomes all suitably qualified candidates, it will make appointments in line with its approved Employment Equity Plan. Therefore, it may give preference to suitably qualified people with disabilities and candidates from underrepresented designated groups.
GAAL may also give preference to candidates who reside within the province.
How can candidates submit a complete application?
First, candidates must prepare a cover letter, an updated curriculum vitae and certified copies of their qualifications.
Next, they can use one of the following submission methods:
- Email the complete documents to HR.Admin@gaal.co.za and place the exact internship reference number in the email subject line.
- Post the documents to The Senior Manager: Human Resources, Gateway Airports Authority Limited, P.O. Box 1309, Polokwane, 0700.
- Hand-deliver the documents to the Registry Office at the GAAL Old Terminal Building.
GAAL must receive all submissions by 16:00 on 25 July 2026. It will not consider late submissions or curriculum vitae sent through recruitment agencies.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Use the reference number for your chosen field—not only the general programme reference—in the email subject line. Also, open every attached document before sending to confirm that the certified qualification copies are clear, complete and easy to read.
What happens after the closing date?
GAAL will communicate only with shortlisted candidates. Therefore, candidates who receive no response within three months of the closing date should regard their submissions as unsuccessful.
Before making an appointment, GAAL will conduct security clearance, verify the candidate’s qualifications and complete reference checks.
In addition, GAAL reserves the right not to make an appointment.
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Final Thoughts
The GAAL Internship Programme 2026 gives three unemployed graduates an opportunity to turn their qualifications into meaningful workplace experience within the aviation sector.
Candidates who meet the academic requirements and have never completed another internship should submit a complete application before 16:00 on 25 July 2026. However, those who responded to the previous advertisement should not submit their documents again.
