NERSA Internships 2026/2027: Gain Experience in Energy Regulation

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is offering internship opportunities for unemployed graduates in Pretoria. This programme is designed to provide valuable workplace experience and skills development within the energy sector. Applications are open to South African citizens with relevant tertiary qualifications.

Application Closing Date: 16 November 2026
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Programme Duration: 24 months
Stipend: Not specified
Minimum Qualification: Relevant tertiary qualification (NQF Level 6-9)
Opportunity Type: Internship

About the NERSA Internship Programme

NERSA’s Internship Programme aims to support youth and skills development across South Africa. It offers unemployed graduates a chance to gain practical experience and build professional knowledge in a regulatory environment. This programme is structured to provide meaningful exposure to the public sector and the energy industry.

Successful candidates will be placed on a 24-month contract, allowing them ample time to develop their skills and understanding of NERSA’s operations. The programme is an excellent stepping stone for graduates looking to launch their careers.

About NERSA

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is an independent economic regulator established to regulate the economic aspects of the electricity, petroleum pipelines, and gas industries. NERSA’s mandate includes protecting the interests of consumers, promoting the availability of energy services, and ensuring that industry players operate efficiently and sustainably.

Available Internship Opportunities

NERSA has a variety of internship roles available across different departments. Each role requires a specific qualification relevant to its function.

• Legal Advisory Services: National Diploma or Degree in Law.
• Information Communication and Technology: National Diploma or Degree in Information Technology or Information Management.
• Information Resource Management: National Diploma or Degree in Information Technology or Information Management.
• Communication and Stakeholder Management: National Diploma or Degree in Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, or Journalism.
• Human Resources Management: National Diploma or Degree in Human Resources Management.
• Internal Audit Unit: National Diploma or Degree in Auditing.
• Regulatory Analysis and Research: National Diploma or Degree in Economics, Finance, or Statistics.
• Finance Management and Governance: National Diploma or Degree in Accounting.
• Supply Chain Management, Facilities / Project: National Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Purchasing Management, or Logistics Management.
• Office of the CEO: National Diploma or Degree in Business Administration or Office Management.
• Security Management: National Diploma or Degree in Security Management, Security Risk Management, or Safety and Security Management.
• International Relations: National Diploma or Degree in Diplomacy Studies, International Relations, or Political Studies.
• Strategic Planning and Monitoring: National Diploma or Degree in Auditing or Risk Management.
• Electricity Pricing and Tariffs: National Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Economics.
• Electricity Licensing, Compliance and Dispute Resolution: National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Gas Licensing, Compliance and Dispute Resolution: National Diploma or Degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Gas Competition and Market Analysis: National Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Economics.
• Gas Pricing and Tariffs: National Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Economics.
• Petroleum Pipelines Tariffs: National Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Economics.
• Petroleum Licensing, Compliance and Dispute Resolution: National Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering.

What the Internship Offers

This internship programme provides significant benefits for graduates seeking to enter the professional world. Successful applicants can expect:

• Valuable workplace experience in a regulatory body.
• Exposure to the energy sector in South Africa.
• Development of practical skills and professional knowledge.
• A structured learning environment over 24 months.
• The opportunity to work with experienced professionals.

Programme Duration and Location

The internship programme is set to run for a duration of 24 months. All positions are based in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa, offering interns the chance to work and gain experience in the nation’s capital.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the NERSA Internship Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be unemployed South African citizens.
• Have completed Grade 12 (Matric).
• Possess a recognised tertiary qualification from a South African university.
• Hold a relevant qualification at NQF Level 6, 7, 8, or 9, depending on the specific internship applied for. This includes National Diplomas (NQF Level 6), Bachelor’s Degrees/BTech/Advanced Diplomas (NQF Level 7), Postgraduate Diplomas/Honours Degrees (NQF Level 8), and Master’s Degrees (NQF Level 9).

Competencies Required

While specific competencies may vary by department, general skills beneficial for this internship include:

• Strong communication skills.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• A willingness to learn and adapt.
• A professional attitude towards work.
• Good organisational skills.

Who Should Apply?

This internship is ideal for unemployed South African graduates who have recently completed their tertiary qualifications and are eager to gain practical experience in the energy regulation field. It is suited for individuals who are keen to learn about the economic regulation of the electricity, petroleum pipelines, and gas industries. If you are looking to build a career in a public sector environment and contribute to South Africa’s energy landscape, this opportunity is for you.

Required Documents

Applicants are required to prepare and submit the following documents:

• A comprehensive CV.
• A certified copy of your South African ID document.
• A certified copy of your relevant qualification certificate.
• Your full academic record.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted via email to applications@nersa.org.za. Please ensure that you clearly indicate the Reference Number and Division / Department in the subject line of your email. If you are applying for more than one internship, you must submit a separate application for each.

Alternatively, applications may be posted to:

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa
Human Resources Division
PO Box 40343
Arcadia
Pretoria
0007

For attention: Ms Lena Rankhumise or Mr Nkanyiso Magwaza.

Important Application Information

• Only apply for internships that match your qualification.
• Ensure you use the correct reference number for your chosen position.
• Clearly state the department or division in the email subject line.
• Submit a separate application for each internship you wish to apply for.
• Include your full academic record with your application.
• Make sure all attached copies are certified.
• Submit your application before the closing date.

Closing Date

The closing date for the NERSA Internship Programme 2026/2027 is 16 November 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before this deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.

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