Many graduates leave university or college with qualifications but no workplace experience. The Gauteng Department of Environment Internship Programme 2026–2028 gives unemployed South African graduates a 24-month opportunity to gain practical exposure in government, with placements available across environmental, finance, ICT, communications, administration and design fields.
The Gauteng Department of Environment Internship Programme 2026–2028 is open to unemployed South African graduates with completed qualifications in selected fields. The programme runs for 24 months, pays a monthly stipend of R8 174.75, and applications close on 22 May 2026.
For many graduates, the hardest part after completing a qualification is getting that first real workplace opportunity.
This internship programme gives graduates a chance to gain structured exposure within the Gauteng Provincial Government while building practical skills that can support future applications for permanent roles, graduate programmes or other public-sector opportunities.
What is the Gauteng Department of Environment Internship Programme 2026–2028?
The Gauteng Department of Environment Internship Programme is a 24-month non-renewable graduate internship aimed at unemployed South African graduates.
The programme is designed to provide structured workplace exposure and training relevant to each intern’s field of study.
Interns will work under experienced professionals and participate in workplace activities, projects and capacity-building initiatives.
This is a strong opportunity for graduates who need practical government experience to strengthen their career path.
What are the key details of the internship?
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Gauteng Department of Environment Internship Programme 2026–2028 |
| Department | Gauteng Department of Environment |
| Location | Johannesburg and Pretoria |
| Contract Duration | 24 Months |
| Stipend | R8 174.75 per month |
| Closing Date | 22 May 2026 |
| Application Method | Email Application |
| Eligible Applicants | Unemployed South African Graduates |
| Required Application Documents | Fully completed Z83 Form and detailed CV |
| Application Email | GDEnvInternship@gauteng.gov.za |
Applications must be emailed to GDEnvInternship@gauteng.gov.za, and applicants must quote the relevant reference number in the email subject line.
Which internship opportunities are available?
The department has advertised several internship fields for the 2026–2028 intake.
These opportunities cover environmental management, financial management, ICT, communications, public administration, graphic design and monitoring and evaluation.
Which Environmental internships are available?
Air Quality Internship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | AQ2026 |
| Number of Posts | X1 |
| Location | Johannesburg |
| Stipend | R8 174.75 per month |
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree in one of the following fields:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Management
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Earth Science
- Natural Science
The Air Quality post is based at the Head Office in Johannesburg.
Pollution & Waste Management Internship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | PWM2026 |
| Number of Posts | X2 |
| Location | Johannesburg |
| Stipend | R8 174.75 per month |
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree in:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Management
- Natural Science
- Geography
This opportunity is also based at the Head Office in Johannesburg.
Environmental & Impact Management Internship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | EIM2026 |
| Number of Posts | X1 |
| Location | Johannesburg |
| Stipend | R8 174.75 per month |
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree in:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Management
Environmental Policy, Planning & Coordination Internship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | EPPC2026 |
| Number of Posts | X1 |
| Location | Pretoria |
| Centre | Council for Scientific & Industrial Research |
| Stipend | R8 174.75 per month |
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree in:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Management
Compliance & Enforcement Internship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | CE2026 |
| Number of Posts | X4 |
| Location | Johannesburg |
| Stipend | R8 174.75 per month |
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree in:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Management
- Natural Science
These environmental posts give graduates exposure to areas such as compliance, environmental policy, air quality, pollution and impact management.
Which administration, finance and ICT internships are available?
Office of the Head of Department Internship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | HOD2026 |
| Number of Posts | X1 |
| Location | Johannesburg |
| Stipend | R8 174.75 per month |
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree in:
- Public Management
- Administration
- Office & Technology Management
Financial Management Internship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | FM2026 |
| Number of Posts | X2 |
| Location | Johannesburg |
| Stipend | R8 174.75 per month |
Applicants need an N6, Diploma or Degree in:
- Financial Management
- Accounting Science
Organisational Development Internship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | OD2026 |
| Number of Posts | X1 |
| Location | Johannesburg |
| Stipend | R8 174.75 per month |
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree in:
- Work-study
- Operations Management
- Management Services
- Production Management
Information Communication Technology Internship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | ICT2026 |
| Number of Posts | X1 |
| Location | Johannesburg |
| Stipend | R8 174.75 per month |
Applicants need a Degree or Diploma in:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Business Informatics
These roles are aimed at graduates who want workplace exposure in administration, finance, organisational systems and ICT support within a public-sector environment.
Which communications and design internships are available?
Communications Internship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | COM2026 |
| Number of Posts | X1 |
| Location | Johannesburg |
| Stipend | R8 174.75 per month |
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree in:
- Media Studies
- Related qualifications
Graphic Design Internship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | GD2026 |
| Number of Posts | X1 |
| Location | Johannesburg |
| Stipend | R8 174.75 per month |
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree in:
- Graphic Design
- Related qualifications
Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation Internship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | ICT2026 |
| Number of Posts | X2 |
| Location | Johannesburg |
| Stipend | R8 174.75 per month |
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree in:
- Social Science
- Public Management & Governance
- Monitoring & Evaluation
The Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation opportunity is advertised with reference number ICT2026, the same reference number used for the ICT post, so applicants should follow the reference number exactly as listed in the circular.
Who can apply for these internships?
Applicants must be unemployed South African graduates with completed qualifications in the listed fields.
The department states that applicants must have completed a National Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree or Honours Degree in the relevant disciplines.
Qualifications must be from accredited institutions of higher learning.
Applicants must also not have previously participated in an internship programme in the Public Service.
What documents must applicants submit?
Applicants must submit:
- Fully completed Z83 application form
- Detailed CV
The department clearly states that applicants are not required to submit copies of qualifications and other supporting documents at the application stage.
Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents on or before the interview date.
This is important because sending the wrong format or incomplete documents may result in the application not being considered.
How should the documents be submitted?
Applications must be submitted by email in PDF format.
Applicants must:
- Combine the Z83 and CV into one document or attachment
- Use PDF format only
- Avoid JPEG, picture or snapshot applications
- Quote the correct reference number in the email subject line
- Ensure the Z83 is fully completed and signed
Failure to submit the requested documents or information may result in disqualification.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Do not send your Z83 and CV as separate picture files. Combine them into one clean PDF, use the exact reference number in the subject line, and check that your contact details are correct before sending the email.
How can applicants complete the Z83 form correctly?
Many government applications are rejected because applicants use the wrong Z83 form or leave important sections incomplete.
Applicants should:
- Use the newest Z83 form
- Fill in the correct reference number
- Complete all required sections
- Sign the form
- Check contact details carefully
- Make sure the information matches the CV
Applicants who need help can use the New Z83 Form 2026 Download Guide before submitting their application.
What can graduates learn during the internship?
Depending on the placement area, interns may gain exposure to:
- Government systems
- Environmental legislation
- Public administration
- Reporting systems
- Compliance processes
- Project coordination
- Stakeholder engagement
- Communications support
- ICT systems
- Financial administration
- Monitoring and evaluation
This type of experience can help graduates understand how government departments operate in real workplace settings.
How can applicants improve their chances of being shortlisted?
Competition for government internships can be high, so applicants should prepare carefully.
A strong CV should clearly show:
- Completed qualification
- Field of study
- Relevant modules
- Computer literacy
- Research skills
- Communication skills
- Report writing ability
- Teamwork experience
- Any volunteer or project experience
Applicants should also make sure the internship field matches their qualification.
For example, an Environmental Management graduate should not randomly apply for Graphic Design unless they meet the listed qualification requirement.
Matching your qualification to the correct reference number is one of the most important steps.
How do graduates submit their application?
Applications must be emailed to:
GDEnvInternship@gauteng.gov.za
Applicants must quote the relevant reference number in the email subject line.
For example:
AQ2026 – Air Quality Internship
or
FM2026 – Financial Management Internship
The closing date is 22 May 2026.
Applicants should apply early to avoid last-minute problems such as PDF errors, missing signatures, incorrect reference numbers or email delivery issues.
Grow Your Career with SETACareers
Access the latest learnerships, internships, bursaries, scholarships, fellowships, apprenticeships, and practical SETA guides designed to help you succeed.
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Apprenticeships
- Bursaries
- Scholarships
- Fellowships
- Career Advice
- SETA Guides
Final Thoughts
The Gauteng Department of Environment Internship Programme 2026–2028 is a valuable opportunity for unemployed graduates who need practical workplace exposure in government.
With placements available across environmental management, finance, ICT, communications, administration, graphic design and monitoring and evaluation, the programme offers a broad entry point into public-sector experience.
Graduates who meet the requirements should prepare a clean Z83 and CV, combine them into one PDF, use the correct reference number and submit their application to GDEnvInternship@gauteng.gov.za before 22 May 2026.
