The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is inviting eligible South African graduates to apply for the Young Wildlife Professionals Internship Programme 2026/2027. This 12-month internship offers graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in biodiversity conservation, wildlife trade monitoring, environmental data management, and species conservation while receiving a monthly stipend.
The internship will run from September 2026 to August 2027 and forms part of an international conservation initiative aimed at strengthening South Africa’s ability to combat illegal wildlife trade. Graduates with qualifications in environmental sciences, ecology, biodiversity conservation, wildlife management, GIS, data science, and related fields are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date.
Internship Overview
- Programme: Young Wildlife Professionals Internship Programme
- Duration: September 2026 – August 2027 (12 Months)
- Location: Free State and North West Provinces
- Application Closing Date: Friday, 31 July 2026
- Expected Feedback to Successful Applicants: By 24 August 2026
About SANBI
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is one of South Africa’s leading institutions responsible for biodiversity research, conservation, environmental monitoring, and scientific support. The organisation plays a significant role in protecting the country’s rich natural heritage while contributing to international environmental commitments.
This internship forms part of the Global Environment Facility (GEF-6) funded project implemented through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The overall objective of the project is to reduce illegal wildlife trade in South Africa by improving monitoring systems, strengthening scientific capacity, and supporting better conservation management.
About the Internship Programme
The Young Wildlife Professionals Internship Programme has been developed to provide practical workplace exposure to graduates interested in biodiversity conservation and environmental management.
Interns will contribute to improving wildlife monitoring systems while developing valuable technical and professional skills that can support future careers in conservation, environmental science, biodiversity management, research, GIS, and wildlife protection.
Successful candidates will be placed within provincial environmental departments where they will assist with biodiversity information management and wildlife trade monitoring.
This internship presents an opportunity to work alongside experienced environmental professionals while contributing to important national conservation projects.
Project Background
Illegal wildlife trade remains one of the biggest threats to biodiversity across the world. South Africa is home to many endangered plant and animal species that require effective protection through scientific monitoring and strong conservation policies.
One of the responsibilities of the Scientific Authority of South Africa (SAoSA) is to monitor legal and illegal trade involving species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Accurate information is essential for understanding wildlife trade trends and ensuring sustainable use of protected species.
Historically, fragmented provincial information systems have made it difficult to monitor wildlife populations and trade activities consistently across South Africa.
To address this challenge, SANBI developed the South African Wildlife Population System (SAWPS), a centralised digital platform that brings together species records and wildlife trade information from different provinces.
The internship programme supports this important initiative by involving graduates in collecting, validating, verifying, and capturing wildlife data into the SAWPS database.
Internship Responsibilities
Successful interns will assist with a variety of tasks that contribute to biodiversity conservation and environmental information management.
Typical responsibilities may include:
- Collecting biodiversity and wildlife trade information
- Capturing environmental data into the South African Wildlife Population System (SAWPS)
- Verifying and validating species records
- Assisting with wildlife trade monitoring activities
- Supporting conservation data management projects
- Maintaining accurate environmental databases
- Assisting with biodiversity reporting
- Working with provincial conservation departments
- Supporting scientific monitoring activities
- Performing administrative duties related to environmental information systems
The practical experience gained during the internship will provide valuable exposure to wildlife conservation and environmental data management.
Monthly Stipend
Successful interns will receive a monthly stipend based on their highest completed qualification.
Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma
- Monthly Stipend: R8,349
Honours Degree
- Monthly Stipend: R9,876
The stipend is intended to assist interns during the internship period while they gain practical workplace experience.
Internship Locations
Placement opportunities are available in the following provincial government departments:
North West Province
- North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT)
- Location: Mmabatho
Free State Province
- Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA)
- Location: Bloemfontein
Successful applicants will be placed at one of these locations depending on operational requirements.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements before applying.
Requirements include:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be between 18 and 35 years of age
- Must have completed the required qualification
- Must not be registered for postgraduate studies during the 2026 or 2027 academic year
- Must demonstrate an interest in biodiversity conservation
- Must have good academic performance (advantageous)
- No previous work experience is required
Graduates who are passionate about environmental conservation and wildlife protection are encouraged to apply.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must have completed either a Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma, or Honours Degree in one of the following fields:
- Environmental Science
- Ecology
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Zoology
- Wildlife Management
- Data Science
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Related Environmental Fields
Qualifications closely related to these disciplines may also be considered.
Skills That Will Be Beneficial
Although previous employment is not required, candidates possessing the following qualities may have an advantage during the selection process:
- Strong analytical skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Computer literacy
- Data management skills
- Good communication abilities
- Report writing skills
- Ability to work independently
- Teamwork skills
- Passion for conservation
- Willingness to learn
A strong university academic record may strengthen an application.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting their applications:
- Completed application form
- Letter of interest explaining suitability for the internship
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of academic qualifications
- Certified academic transcript or academic record
- One academic reference letter
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the official SANBI internship application form and submit all required supporting documents before the closing date.
The application package should include:
- Completed application form
- Motivation letter
- Updated CV
- Certified ID copy
- Certified qualification certificates
- Certified academic transcript
- Academic reference letter
Applicants should ensure that all documents are clear, complete, and submitted before the deadline.
Late applications may not be accepted.
Selection Process
Applications will be assessed according to the advertised requirements.
Candidates who meet the minimum eligibility criteria may be shortlisted for further assessment.
Successful applicants are expected to be notified by 24 August 2026.
If no communication is received within 30 days after the closing date, applicants should consider their applications unsuccessful.
SANBI reserves the right not to fill any of the advertised internship opportunities.
Why Apply for the SANBI Internship?
This internship offers much more than workplace experience. It provides graduates with an opportunity to contribute to one of South Africa’s most important biodiversity conservation initiatives while developing practical skills that are highly valued within the environmental sector.
Participants will gain exposure to:
- Biodiversity conservation projects
- Wildlife trade monitoring
- Environmental information systems
- Scientific data collection
- GIS and spatial information
- Government environmental departments
- Conservation research
- Species monitoring
- Environmental reporting
- Professional workplace experience
The knowledge and practical skills obtained during the programme can support future employment opportunities in government departments, conservation agencies, environmental consulting firms, research institutions, wildlife organisations, and non-governmental organisations.
Important Dates
- Internship Duration: September 2026 – August 2027
- Closing Date: Friday, 31 July 2026
- Successful Applicants Notified: By 24 August 2026
Interested graduates who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to submit complete applications before the closing date to be considered for this valuable conservation internship opportunity.
Interested candidates must complete the official online application form before the closing date.
Complete the application form here: SANBI Young Wildlife Professionals Internship Application Form