SANBI Young Wildlife Professionals Internship 2026/2027: Earn Up to R9,876 Per Month While Supporting Wildlife Conservation

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is inviting applications for its Young Wildlife Professionals Internship Programme 2026/2027. Graduates in Environmental Science, Biodiversity Conservation, Zoology, GIS, Data Science, and related fields can apply before 31 July 2026.

SANBI Opens Applications for the Young Wildlife Professionals Internship Programme 2026/2027

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has announced an exciting opportunity for aspiring conservationists through its Young Wildlife Professionals Internship Programme for 2026/2027. This prestigious internship is aimed at talented young South Africans who are passionate about biodiversity conservation, wildlife management, environmental sustainability, and scientific research.

The programme forms part of a larger international conservation initiative funded through the Global Environment Facility (GEF-6) and implemented by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Running from September 2026 to August 2027, the internship offers successful candidates an opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing to one of South Africa’s most important wildlife conservation projects.

Supporting South Africa’s Fight Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

The internship is linked to a major project aimed at reducing the rate of illegal wildlife trade in South Africa. SANBI is responsible for implementing Component 1 of the project, which focuses on strengthening the capacity of the Scientific Authority of South Africa (SAoSA).

SAoSA plays a critical role in monitoring both legal and illegal trade involving species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Monitoring wildlife trade effectively remains a challenge due to fragmented systems used across various provinces. To address this issue, SANBI has developed the South African Wildlife Population System (SAWPS), a centralized platform designed to consolidate wildlife population and trade information into a single database.

The Young Wildlife Professionals selected for this programme will help ensure the success of SAWPS by collecting, validating, analyzing, and capturing critical species and trade data.

An Opportunity to Contribute to Conservation

Unlike many internships that focus solely on administrative work, this programme places participants at the heart of biodiversity conservation efforts.

Interns will contribute directly to:

• Wildlife trade monitoring
• Species population data management
• Biodiversity conservation initiatives
• Environmental reporting systems
• Scientific data validation
• Conservation decision-making processes

Through these activities, participants will gain practical experience while supporting national and international efforts to protect threatened species and ecosystems.

Internship Placement Locations

Successful applicants will be placed within provincial environmental departments where they will support conservation and biodiversity initiatives.

Available placement locations include:

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

These placements provide interns with exposure to real-world environmental management and conservation operations at provincial government level.

Who Should Apply?

SANBI is seeking motivated young graduates who demonstrate a genuine passion for biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.

Ideal candidates should:

• Be enthusiastic about wildlife conservation.
• Have a strong interest in biodiversity and environmental management.
• Be eager to contribute to national conservation initiatives.
• Possess strong academic achievements.

While previous work experience is not required, SANBI has indicated that applicants with strong academic records will have an advantage during the selection process.

This makes the programme particularly attractive for recent graduates seeking their first professional opportunity.

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Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be between the ages of 18 and 35.
• Not be registered for higher degree studies during the 2026 or 2027 academic year.
• Hold the required qualification in a relevant field.
• Demonstrate a keen interest in biodiversity conservation and wildlife management.

The programme specifically targets youth who are available to commit fully to the internship period.

Qualifications Required

SANBI is inviting applications from graduates who have completed a:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Advanced Diploma
• Honours Degree

in one of the following fields:

Environmental and Conservation Disciplines

• Environmental Science
• Ecology
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Zoology
• Wildlife Management

Technology and Data Disciplines

• Data Science
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Related Environmental and Data Fields

The inclusion of data-focused qualifications highlights the increasing role that technology and data analytics play in modern conservation efforts.

Monthly Stipend

Successful candidates will receive a competitive monthly stipend based on their highest completed qualification.

Stipend Levels

Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma Completed

• R8,349 per month

Honours Degree Completed

• R9,876 per month

The stipend is intended to support participants throughout the internship period while they gain valuable professional experience.

Skills Participants Can Expect to Develop

The internship provides an excellent platform for graduates to build practical and technical skills that are highly valued within conservation and environmental sectors.

Participants may develop expertise in:

• Biodiversity monitoring
• Wildlife trade analysis
• Data collection and validation
• Environmental reporting
• GIS applications
• Database management
• Conservation policy implementation
• Scientific research methodologies
• Environmental governance

These competencies can significantly improve employability within government agencies, environmental consultancies, research institutions, NGOs, and international conservation organizations.

Application Documents Required

Applicants must submit a complete application package that includes:

• Completed application form.
• Letter of interest outlining suitability for the internship.
• Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Certified academic transcript or academic record.
• Certified copy of highest qualification.
• Certified copy of South African ID.
• One academic reference letter.

Incomplete applications may not be considered, so applicants should ensure all supporting documents are included.

How to Apply

Candidates must complete the official SANBI internship application form and submit all required documentation before the closing date.

Contact Information

Internship Queries

Sipho Mabunda
Email: [email protected]

Application Process Queries

René du Toit
Email: [email protected]

Important Notice

SANBI reserves the right not to fill the internship positions.

Applicants who do not receive feedback within 30 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Successful candidates will be notified by 24 August 2026.

Closing Date

Applications for the SANBI Young Wildlife Professionals Internship Programme 2026/2027 close on:

31 July 2026

Final Thoughts

The SANBI Young Wildlife Professionals Internship Programme offers a unique opportunity for graduates who are passionate about conservation, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. Beyond providing practical workplace experience, the programme allows participants to contribute directly to efforts aimed at combating illegal wildlife trade and strengthening South Africa’s biodiversity monitoring systems.

For graduates in Environmental Science, Ecology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, GIS, Data Science, and related disciplines, this internship represents an excellent chance to gain meaningful experience while helping protect South Africa’s rich natural heritage. With monthly stipends of up to R9,876 and placements in the Free State and North West provinces, the programme is expected to attract strong interest from aspiring environmental professionals across the country.

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