Apply for the Our Future Cities Internship 2026 in Cape Town. Gain hands-on experience in urban design, research, and sustainable development. Deadline: 17 November 2025.
Building the Cities of Tomorrow: Our Future Cities Internship 2026
As cities across the world evolve to face new challenges, one organization stands at the forefront of shaping urban futures — Our Future Cities. The Cape Town-based urban consultancy is once again opening its doors to bright, motivated, and curious individuals for the 2026 Internship Programme, set to begin in late January 2026.
This six-month, in-person placement in Cape Town offers an unparalleled opportunity for students and emerging professionals passionate about urbanism, sustainability, and inclusive city-making.
Whether you’re studying architecture, geography, political science, design, or environmental studies, this internship invites you to engage with some of the most pressing urban issues of our time — from equitable development to innovative placemaking.
Why Join the Our Future Cities Internship?
Our Future Cities (OFC) is not your typical internship host. The organization is a living, breathing “urban lab” — a space where theory meets practice, and ideas become tangible projects. Based in the heart of Cape Town, OFC serves as a hub for forward-thinking city-making, bringing together designers, researchers, and strategists to reimagine how cities function.
Interns don’t just observe; they participate meaningfully. From working on urban research projects and spatial analysis to stakeholder engagement and public events, participants are immersed in a multi-disciplinary environment where creativity and impact go hand in hand.
💡 “We’re looking for people who are not just interested in cities but passionate about transforming them,” the team notes.
Internship Details at a Glance
- Duration: 6 months
- Start Date: Late January 2026
- Type: In-person (fixed-term)
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Level: Intern
- Remuneration: Monthly stipend for South African interns (post-assessment)
- Application Deadline: Monday, 17 November 2025 | 10:00 GMT+2
What You’ll Do
The 2026 interns will become an integral part of ongoing and upcoming projects that shape the future of African and global cities. Here’s what to expect during your placement:
1. Engage with Clients and Stakeholders
Interns will participate in meetings, contribute to stakeholder relations, and help manage collaborations with community groups, government departments, and private partners.
2. Conduct Urban Research and Analysis
Support data collection, spatial mapping, and the production of evidence-based insights to inform design and policy.
3. Contribute to Events and Public Engagement
Assist in planning and delivering workshops, exhibitions, and public dialogues that bring urban innovation to life.
4. Support Project Coordination
Work alongside project managers to streamline operations, documentation, and scheduling across multiple workstreams.
5. Craft Compelling Communications
Prepare reports, visual presentations, and digital content that communicate ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
The OFC Way of Working
Our Future Cities thrives on collaboration, curiosity, and creativity. Interns will work with a close-knit team that integrates urban research, design thinking, and community engagement to tackle real-world problems.
The team uses digital tools such as Google Suite, Slack, Zoom, and WhatsApp to stay connected across projects. But beyond tools, what truly defines the OFC experience is its dynamic and human-centered culture — one that encourages reflection, experimentation, and collaboration.
What Interns Gain
By the end of the six-month placement, participants emerge with far more than just work experience. They gain a toolkit for professional growth and a deeper understanding of how sustainable cities come to life.
What’s in it for you:
✅ A hands-on placement within a leading urban consultancy
✅ Real exposure to national and international projects
✅ Mentorship from urbanists, designers, and strategists
✅ Development of research, communication, and project skills
✅ A stipend for South African interns upon successful evaluation
✅ An inspiring network of peers and professionals shaping the future of cities
What Our Future Cities Looks For
The OFC team values initiative, independence, and intellectual curiosity over rigid qualifications. While applicants from any academic background are welcome, those with a deep-seated interest in sustainability, equity, design, or urban policy will find themselves right at home.
Ideal candidates demonstrate:
- A mature and proactive approach to learning
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- A deep interest in sustainability and development
- Flexibility to manage multiple tasks and adapt to evolving priorities
- The ability to engage with diverse teams and communities
- Fluency in English with excellent writing and presentation abilities
How to Apply
If you’re ready to take the next step in your urbanism journey, applications are open now!
📝 Step 1: Complete the online application form — this is the only accepted method of submission.
📅 Step 2: Ensure all materials are submitted by Monday, 17 November 2025, at 10:00 GMT+2.
📧 Step 3: For questions, contact the team via [email protected] (but note that applications sent by email will not be considered).
A Launchpad for Future Urban Leaders
The Our Future Cities Internship isn’t just an opportunity — it’s a launchpad for the next generation of urban thinkers, changemakers, and designers. Participants become part of a movement that views cities not as static spaces, but as living ecosystems that can be reimagined for the better.
From Cape Town’s creative districts to global dialogues on sustainable cities, interns will contribute to shaping environments that are not only functional but also inclusive and inspiring.
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, learn from top professionals, and make your mark on the cities of tomorrow, this internship is your gateway to the world of urban transformation.
🚀 Apply Now
👉 Apply before 17 November 2025 | 10:00 GMT+2
📍 Location: Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 Duration: 6 months (starting late January 2026)
📩 Apply via: Our Future Cities Online Application Form
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