Company: Petroleum Agency South Africa (PA SA)
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Remuneration: Paid Internship (Funded by Mining Qualifications Authority – MQA)
Closing Date: Friday, 26 September 2025, 16h30

Introduction
Are you a recent graduate ready to make your mark in the energy sector? The Petroleum Agency SA is offering a unique opportunity for talented South African graduates to gain invaluable experience through its two-year internship programme. Based in Cape Town, this initiative provides a launchpad for careers in Petroleum Geoscience, Environmental Compliance, and Finance.

This comprehensive programme, commencing in February 2026, is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. It offers a structured path for you to develop essential skills, contribute to national energy goals, and build a strong professional foundation.

What is Launch Your Career: Petroleum Agency SA Internship?
The Petroleum Agency SA, a subsidiary of CEF SOC Limited, plays a crucial role in managing the country’s oil and gas resources. On behalf of the government, it promotes and regulates petroleum exploration and exploitation.

The 2026-2027 Internship Programme is a two-year, paid opportunity funded by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA). It is specifically designed for three unemployed South African graduates who have not previously participated in an internship. This initiative equips you with the practical skills and deep industry knowledge needed to thrive.

During the programme, you will:

• Develop critical skills and knowledge in your specific field
• Attend relevant training courses, workshops, and conferences
• Enhance your computer proficiency in software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Gain confidence to work independently and track your own professional development

Available Internship Positions
The agency is seeking three dedicated interns for the following specialized roles:

Intern: Petroleum Geoscience
This position is ideal for those passionate about geology and geophysics. You will learn about onshore and offshore petroleum operations and develop tools to become a qualified Geoscientist. Key learning areas include:

• Seismic data interpretation
• Well correlation
• Basin and petroleum systems modeling
• GIS applications for resource evaluation

Minimum Qualification: B.Sc. Honours in Geosciences (4-year degree)

Intern: Environmental Compliance
This role is designed for individuals passionate about environmental protection within the energy sector. You will gain experience in:

• Processing environmental authorization applications
• Conducting compliance audits
• Applying environmental legislation relevant to the petroleum industry
• Engaging with regulatory bodies and stakeholders

Minimum Qualification: B.Sc. Honours in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, or Natural Sciences (4-year degree)

Intern: Finance
This role provides exposure to financial operations at the agency. You will rotate through various functions to develop skills in:

• Accounts receivable and payable
• Petty cash management
• Financial statement preparation and budgeting
• Asset management and taxation

Minimum Qualification: National Diploma in Accounting (3-year diploma)

Minimum Requirements
Candidates must:

• Be unemployed South African citizens
• Have completed the relevant qualification from a Higher Education and Training (HET) institution
• Have no previous work experience
• Be first-time interns who have not previously participated in any internship programme
• Preference given to candidates from designated groups, promoting diversity and inclusion

Role Responsibility

• Participate in day-to-day departmental tasks
• Attend workshops, training, and industry conferences
• Apply academic knowledge to practical industry challenges
• Maintain professionalism and track personal development

Skills and Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork capabilities
• Adaptability and eagerness to learn
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
• Professionalism, integrity, and accountability

How to Apply for the Internship
To apply, you must submit a complete application package. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Required Documents:

• Academic Record or Statement of Results
• Degree Certificate or Letter of Completion
• Matric Certificate
• South African Identity Document

Submission Process:
Email your application, including a Cover Letter, CV, and certified documents, to the designated internship address: internship26-27@petroleumagencysa.com. Use a clear subject line indicating the specific internship (e.g., “Internship 26-27: Environmental Compliance”).

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. If you do not hear back within four weeks after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.