Coega Development Corporation invites unemployed South African graduates to apply for the 2026 Coega Internship Programme Intake.
Africans& Diaspora
Internship Application Closing Date: 24 July 2026
Internship Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Coega Internship Programme 2026
Coega Development Corporation is offering a 24-month internship programme for young graduates who need practical workplace experience.
The programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional employment by exposing interns to structured workplace activities.
Successful candidates will receive mentorship, coaching and practical training within the Operations Business Unit in Gqeberha.
Internship Programme Overview
Organisation: Coega Development Corporation
Programme: 2026 Coega Internship Programme Intake
Business unit: Operations
Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Programme duration: 24 months
Employment grade: A1
Maximum age: 35 years
Experience required: No prior work experience in the field of study
Closing date: 24 July 2026
Application method: Email
Purpose of the Programme
The Coega Internship Programme provides qualified graduates with workplace exposure and practical experience related to their fields of study.
Internships
The programme will follow an agreed and formalised set of activities intended to transfer professional knowledge and skills to each intern.
Interns will receive support through:
- Workplace-based learning.
- Mentorship.
- Coaching.
- Practical assignments.
- Exposure to professional projects.
- Skills development.
Available Coega Internship Opportunities
1. Town Planning Internship
Business unit: Operations
Location: Gqeberha
Minimum qualification
Applicants must have completed a:
- National Diploma in Town Planning.
The programme may also consider relevant qualifications at:
- Diploma level, NQF Level 6.
- Degree level, NQF Level 7.
- Honours degree level, NQF Level 8.
This opportunity is suitable for graduates interested in spatial development, land-use planning, infrastructure development and related planning activities.
2. Geographical Information Systems Internship
Business unit: Operations
Location: Gqeberha
Minimum qualification
Applicants must have completed a:
- National Diploma in Geographical Information Systems.
Relevant higher qualifications at NQF Levels 7 or 8 may also be considered.
Successful candidates may gain practical exposure to spatial information, mapping, geographic data and related operational projects.
3. Tourism Management Internship
Business unit: Operations
Location: Gqeberha
Minimum qualification
Applicants must have completed a National Diploma or relevant qualification in:
- Tourism Management.
- Travel.
- Galileo or a related travel-reservation system field.
Applicants with relevant degrees or honours qualifications may also be considered.
General Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be 35 years old or younger.
- Be young, energetic and motivated.
- Demonstrate good values and a strong work ethic.
- Have completed a relevant qualification.
- Have no prior work experience in the field of study.
- Be available to participate in the full 24-month programme.
- Be willing to work in Gqeberha.
Applicants should ensure that the qualification listed in their CV matches the internship for which they are applying.
Qualification Levels Accepted
The programme accepts relevant qualifications at the following levels:
- Diploma at NQF Level 6.
- Degree at NQF Level 7.
- Honours degree at NQF Level 8.
The specific qualification must be aligned with Town Planning, Geographical Information Systems, Tourism Management, Travel or the related field listed in the advertisement.
Documents Applicants Should Prepare
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- An updated and detailed CV.
- A copy of their South African identity document.
- Certified copies of completed qualifications.
- A complete academic record.
- Any relevant certificates.
- Any other documents requested during the recruitment process.
Applicants should ensure that their contact details are correct and that all qualifications are clearly listed.
How to Apply for Coega Internships 2026
Applications must be submitted by email.
Email address: internshiprecruitment@coega.co.za
Applicants must use the relevant business unit name and location as the subject of the email.
A suitable subject line is:
Operations – Gqeberha
Applicants may also include the internship discipline to make the application clearer, for example:
Operations – Gqeberha – Town Planning Internship
or
Operations – Gqeberha – GIS Internship
or
Operations – Gqeberha – Tourism Management Internship
Attach the complete CV and all relevant supporting documents before sending the application.
Application Closing Date
Applications close on 24 July 2026.
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered. Candidates should submit their applications before the final day.
Verification and Screening
The appointment of successful candidates will be subject to verification checks.
These may include:
- Qualification verification.
- Employment-history checks.
- Financial or credit checks.
- Criminal-record checks.
- Identity verification.
- Other checks considered necessary by Coega.
Applicants must ensure that the information submitted in their CVs and supporting documents is correct.
Important Information for Applicants
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within one month after submitting their applications should consider their applications unsuccessful.
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
The internship provides practical workplace experience but does not automatically guarantee permanent employment after the 24-month programme.
About Coega Development Corporation
Coega Development Corporation is involved in infrastructure development, investment facilitation, industrial development and the management of strategic development projects.
Its internship programme helps young graduates develop practical professional skills while gaining workplace exposure within its operations.
