Department of Transport Internships 2026/2027: Graduate Programme Applications Open

The Department of Transport is looking for unemployed graduates to join its Graduate Internship Programme for 2026/2027. This is a great chance for young South Africans to gain valuable work experience in various fields within the transport sector. The programme offers a 24-month placement to help build your career.

Application Closing Date: 09 October 2026
Location: Pretoria and various locations across South Africa
Programme Duration: 24 months
Stipend: Not specified
Minimum Qualification: Diploma or Degree
Opportunity Type: Internship

About the Department of Transport Graduate Internship Programme

The Department of Transport’s Graduate Internship Programme is designed to give qualified graduates practical workplace experience over a 24-month period. This programme aims to develop skills and provide exposure to the operations of the Department. It covers a wide range of fields, offering a solid foundation for a career in public service and the transport industry.

The internship is open to graduates from many different academic backgrounds. This includes fields like Administration, Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources, Law, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, and various transport-related disciplines such as Aviation, Maritime, and Rail.

Graduates should carefully check that their qualification matches the specific internship they are applying for. It is important to use the correct reference number when submitting your application to ensure it is processed correctly.

About the Department of Transport

The Department of Transport is a key government department in South Africa. Its main role is to ensure a safe, efficient, and sustainable transport system for the country. The department oversees various modes of transport, including road, rail, maritime, and aviation.

It works to develop and implement transport policies and strategies that support economic growth and social development. The Department of Transport plays a vital role in connecting people and goods across South Africa.

Available Department of Transport Internships

The Department of Transport offers a variety of internship opportunities across different divisions. These internships are tailored to specific qualifications and reference numbers.

Administration Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/01
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs or Management.

Internal Control and Compliance Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/02
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Financial Accounting, Accounting, or Internal Auditing.

Strategic Planning & Monitoring and Cluster Coordinators Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/03
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Public Management, Public Administration, Strategic Planning/Management, or Monitoring and Evaluation.

Corporate Legal Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/04
Qualifications: LLB, BA Law, or a Postgraduate Degree in Law.

Business Intelligence – Database Administration Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/06
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, or Informatics.

IT Infrastructure Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/07
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, or Informatics.

Business Systems – Web Development Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/08
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, or Informatics.

Labour Relations Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/09
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Human Resource Management, Labour Relations, Labour Law, or Industrial Relations.

Human Resource Recruitment and Selection Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/10
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Human Resource Management or Industrial Psychology.

Human Resource Administration Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/11
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Human Resource Management or Industrial Psychology.

Employee Health and Wellness Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/12
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Safety Management, Environmental Health, Social Work, or Psychology.

Organisational Development Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/13
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Management Services, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or Industrial Psychology.

Change Management Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/14
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Management Services, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Psychology, or Human Resource Management.

Geographic Information Systems Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/15
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Cartography, Geomatics, or a related field.

Travel Services Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/16
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Public Administration, Public Management, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or Tourism.

Facilities Management Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/17
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Public Administration/Management, Financial Management, or Supply Chain Management.

Environmental Coordination Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/18
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Town Planning, or a Transport-related field.

Human Resource Development and PMDS Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/19
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development, or Industrial Psychology.

Financial Administration Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/20
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Financial Management, Accounting, Public Finance, or Cost and Management Accounting.

Supply Chain Management Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/21
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement Management, or Supply Chain Management and Logistics.

Road Transport Research, Policy, Standards and Guidelines Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/22
Qualifications: National Diploma in Civil Engineering.

Road Safety Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/23
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Road Traffic Safety Management, Traffic Policing, Civil Engineering, Transport Management, Transport Planning, or Data Analytics.

Road Accident and Incident Investigation Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/24
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Road Crash Investigation.

Maritime Security Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/25
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Maritime Security Management or Maritime Studies.

Maritime Industry Development Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/26
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Maritime Studies, Shipping and Logistics, Transport Management, Transport Logistics, or Transport Economics.

Aviation Multilateral Affairs Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/27
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Air Transport Management, Transport Management, Transport Logistics, Transport Economics, Aeronautical Studies, Flight Dispatch, or Aviation Management.

Air Transport Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/28
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Air Transport Management, Transport Management, Transport Logistics, Transport Economics, Aeronautical Studies, Flight Dispatch, or Aviation Management.

Aviation Industry Development and Airfreight Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/29
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Air Transport Management, Transport Management, Transport Logistics, Transport Economics, Aeronautical Studies, Flight Dispatch, or Aviation Management.

Public Transport Network Development Intern

Reference Numbers: DOT/GRAD/2026/30, DOT/GRAD/2026/31
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Transport Management, Transport Economics, or Transport and Logistics.

Rail Infrastructure and Industry Development Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/32
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Transport Management, Transport Economics, or Transport and Logistics.

Rail Service Delivery – Rail Operations Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/33
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Transport Management, Transport Economics, Engineering, or Transport and Logistics.

Rail Safety Regulation Intern

Reference Number: OT/GRAD/2026/34
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Transport Management, Transport Economics, Transport and Logistics, Engineering, or Law/LLB.

Rail Policy and Strategic Development Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/35
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Transport Management, Transport Economics, Transport and Logistics, Engineering, or Town and Regional Planning.

Modelling and Macroeconomic Analysis Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/3
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, or Transport Economics.

Freight Logistics Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/37
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Transport Management, Transport Economics, Logistics, Transport & Logistics Management, or Data Analysis.

Black Economic Empowerment Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/38
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Transport Management, Economics, Business Administration, Law, Logistics, or Transport and Logistics Management.

Public Entity Finance Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/39
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Financial Management, Public Finance, Economics, or Accounting.

Governance Intern

Reference Number: DOT/GRAD/2026/41
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Accounting, Investment Management, Financial Management, or Financial Accounting.

Public Transport in Municipalities and Provinces – Town Planning Internships

The Department is also looking for graduates for Town Planning internships focused on Public Transport in Municipalities and Provinces. These opportunities are available across all nine South African provinces.

Applicants need a Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Transport Economics, Transport Planning, Transport Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Town and Regional Planning.

Provincial Reference Numbers:
Limpopo: GRAD/2027/1
Eastern Cape: GRAD/2027/2
Gauteng: GRAD 2027/3
Western Cape: GRAD2027/4
Northern Cape: GRAD 2027/5
Mpumalanga: GRAD 2027/6
North West: GRAD 2027/7
Free State: GRAD 2027/8
KwaZulu-Natal: GRAD 2027/9

Who Should Apply?

This internship programme is ideal for unemployed South African graduates who have completed a relevant Diploma or Degree. Applicants must meet the specific qualification requirements for the internship they are interested in. It is important that you have not participated in a similar developmental programme before.

The programme is suited for individuals eager to gain practical experience in the public transport sector and contribute to the Department’s goals. If you have a relevant qualification and are looking to start your career, this is a valuable opportunity.

Internship Duration

The Department of Transport Graduate Internship Programme lasts for 24 months. During this time, interns will gain hands-on experience related to the Department’s functions and their specific internship role. This period is dedicated to learning and professional development.

Programme Duration and Location

The internship programme spans 24 months. The primary location for many of these internships is Pretoria, but opportunities are also available in various other locations across South Africa, depending on the specific role.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the Department of Transport Graduate Internship Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be unemployed.
• Hold a relevant Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree as specified for each internship.
• Have not previously participated in a developmental programme.
• Match your qualification to the specific internship reference number.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed for all roles, successful candidates are generally expected to possess:

• Good communication skills.
• The ability to work in a team.
• A willingness to learn and adapt.
• Basic computer literacy.
• A professional attitude towards work.
• Attention to detail in tasks.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for their application:

• A completed Z83 application form.
• A recently updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Applicants must clearly indicate the reference number, position, and area/centre on their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit certified copies of:

• Identity document.
• Matric certificate (if applicable to qualification).
• Relevant qualification certificates.
• Academic transcripts/records.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted using the official Z83 application form along with a recent CV. Make sure to clearly state the reference number, position, and location for the internship you are applying for.

Applications can be submitted via email to graduateinternship@dot.gov.za.

Alternatively, applications can be posted to:
Department of Transport
Private Bag X193
Pretoria
0001

Hand-delivered applications can be submitted at:
Department of Transport
159 Forum Building
Corner Struben and Bosman Street
Pretoria
South Africa

For the Public Transport in Municipalities and Provinces Town Planning Internships, use the dedicated email address: Publictransportinterns@dot.gov.za. Ensure you use the correct provincial reference number.

Important Application Tips

Before applying, double-check that your qualification matches the internship requirements and that you have the correct reference number. Ensure your Z83 form and CV are accurate and consistent. Avoid submitting applications without clearly identifying the specific position.

Closing Date

Applications for the Department of Transport Graduate Internship Programme close on 09 October 2026. It is advisable to prepare your application documents early to avoid missing the deadline.

SHARE THIS POST WITH OTHERS.