SAWS: Bursaries, Internships and Learnerships 2026

ByRainbow Time

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) invites applications for various bursaries, internships, and learnerships available for 2026. These programs offer valuable training and education opportunities in meteorology and weather observation, aimed at developing skilled professionals in these fields. Applicants with relevant academic qualifications and a passion for weather sciences are encouraged to apply for these fully funded opportunities, which include monthly stipends to support living expenses.

Positions available include a Forecasting Internship focused on postgraduate training in weather forecasting, a BSc Honours bursary in Meteorology for further academic study, and a National Certificate learnership in Weather Observations providing practical training. All programs are based in Pretoria, with some tied to university study. The closing date for applications is 7 November 2025, and submissions must follow the prescribed application form and process as outlined by SAWS.

South African Weather Service Bursaries, Internships, and Learnerships for 2026

Position: Forecasting Internship
Reference Number: REF.FOI:01/11/2026
Duration: 1 year
Stipend: Monthly stipend
Location: Pretoria
Closing Date: 07 November 2025

Position: BSc Honours in Meteorology
Reference Number: REF.HONS:01/10/2026
Duration: Full study duration
Stipend: Monthly stipend
Location: University-based (not specified)
Closing Date: 07 November 2025

Position: Weather Observations Learnership
Reference Number: REF.NCW:01/11/2026
Duration: 12 months
Stipend: Monthly stipend
Location: Pretoria Regional Training Centre
Closing Date: 07 November 2025

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is offering the following opportunities for 2026:

A) Forecasting Internship (REF.FOI:01/11/2026)

Full-Time Bursary: Postgraduate Certificate in Weather Forecasting

The South African Weather Service invites graduates who are in possession of an honours degree in Meteorology or Atmospheric Sciences with at least Mathematics on second-year university level and Physical Sciences on first-year university level to apply for a one-year training internship in forecasting at the head office of the South African Weather Service in Pretoria. The qualification must also include the required dynamical Meteorology courses as prescribed by the World Meteorological Organization (must be WMO BIP-M compliant or near compliant (WMO-1083 version 2023)). This course will start in February 2026.

Requirements:
  • Certified copy of Matric results
  • Certified copy of the full academic record to verify the subjects studied at the university
  • Certified copy of SA identity document
  • CV
  • Motivation Letter
  • Certified copy of the different degrees
  • Full-Time Bursary Application Form
Recommendations:
  • Good interpersonal relations
  • Basic level of computer literacy
Bursary Covers:
  • Full Tuition Fee
  • Monthly Stipend for the duration of study

B) BSc Honours in Meteorology (REF.HONS:01/10/2026)

Full-Time Bursary: Bachelor of Science Honours in Meteorology

The South African Weather Service is offering bursaries for study towards a Bachelor of Science on Honours Level in Meteorology. Applicants that have a letter of confirmation from the university to study BSc Honours in Meteorology may apply. Applicants that are already registered with the university must provide proof of registration.

Requirements:
  • Certified copy of Matric results
  • Certified copy of the academic record to prove the subject choice at the university
  • Certified copy of the BSc degree if available
  • Certified copy of SA identity document
  • Testimonial
  • Motivation Letter
  • Full-Time Bursary Application Form
Recommendations:
  • Good interpersonal relations
  • Basic level of computer literacy
Bursary Covers:
  • Full Tuition Fee
  • Monthly Stipend for the duration of study

C) National Certificate: Weather Observations Learnership (REF.NCW:01/11/2026)

Full-Time Bursary: National Certificate in Weather Observation

Candidates with a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate with 50% (D symbol) or higher for Mathematics (not Mathematics Literacy), 50% or higher for Physical Science, and 50% or higher in English are invited to apply for a learnership to undergo twelve (12) months observation training at the SA Weather Service Regional Training Centre in Pretoria. Candidates will receive training in all aspects of weather observation as per the National Certificate in Weather Observation (SAQA QUAL ID no 58995) or the QCTO qualification, Occupational Qualification: Meteorological Technician.

After completion of training, successful candidates may be appointed at regional SAWS offices where shift work will necessitate having a valid driver’s license. It will thus be expected of the learnership holders to obtain a driver’s license within the training year, at own cost. Good interpersonal relations and computer literacy will serve as additional recommendations.

The South African Weather Service is an equal opportunity employer. It is the intention of the Weather Service to promote representivity through the filling of these positions. This is an open advertisement, but candidature of individuals from previously disadvantaged communities and females will receive preference.

Requirements:
  • Certified copy of Matric results
  • Certified copy of SA identity document
  • Certified copy of driver’s license, if available
  • CV
  • Motivation Letter
  • Certified copy of the different degrees, if available
  • Full-Time Bursary Application Form
Bursary Covers:
  • Monthly Stipend for the duration of study
Application Process:
  • All applications must be submitted on the prescribed SA Weather Service Full-Time Bursary Application Form valid for 2026, obtainable from the SA Weather Service website: www.weathersa.co.za.
  • Forward the application to: [email protected], For attention: Learning and Development.
  • Subject Line: Quote the Specific Reference (e.g., REF.FOI:01/11/2026), Your Name, and Surname.
  • Enquiries: Direct to [email protected].
  • Closing Date: 07 November 2025.
Additional Information:
  • Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. If you have not been contacted within a month after the closing date of the advertisement, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.
  • The South African Weather Service reserves the right to not allocate bursaries.