Biology Internships in South Africa

As a participant of our program in Cape Town, South Africa, you tell us what type of internship experience you are looking for, and we will create a tailored placement based on your specific interests. We’ll place you within an environment where you will make a positive contribution to your host organization while gaining invaluable and distinctive international work experience. We find placements for any type of participant, regardless of the area of study or professional focus. We only offer internships in Cape Town because, quite simply, this is the most beautiful and dynamic city in the world. Visit our program testimonials to learn more about why our participants regularly have life-changing experiences in our program.

South Africa is a rainbow nation that features diverse people, unique languages, and distinct history. The country's medical industry is extremely well planned out, while its other industries offer an interesting platform – such as business development, finance, and marketing – for students to kick-start their careers. Through AIP’s award-winning international internship program, you are guaranteed a customized placement based on your career goals and aspirations. Interning abroad in South Africa exposes you to international work environments while developing your professional network of business contacts and relationships. Partnering with an extensive number of companies including multinational corporations, rapidly growing startups, and charitable NGOs allows us to provide students with a wide range of placement opportunities. Apply today and take advantage of this incredible internship opportunity in South Africa!

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? At Intern Abroad HQ, we help students and young professionals turn career aspirations into reality. We organize affordable internships in 20 destinations across 24 career fields that are tailored to meet each individual’s academic, professional, or personal requirements. With over 200 internship programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America and South America to choose from, and options to intern from 2 weeks to 6 months either full-time or part-time, in-country or virtually, we facilitate career-enhancing experiences that work for you, not just the host organization. Intern Abroad HQ is proudly brought to you by the team behind International Volunteer HQ. We have collectively supported over 120,000 program participants since 2007 and are the only B Corp certified provider in our field.

Grab this exciting opportunity to gain practical work experience in Africa’s wildlife conservation. You'll join a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of the ground hornbill, an iconic African bird in danger of extinction. The organization, run by a team of biologists and expert conservationists, has a multifaceted and collaborative approach to its mission. They provide an excellent learning opportunity for anyone interested in wildlife sciences, conservation, or related areas. As a wildlife research and conservation intern, you'll take on a varied portfolio of tasks. These can include data collection in the field, data analysis, monitoring rescued chicks, and impact reporting. There's also an opportunity to join conservation education projects in nearby communities. You can expect to have an immersive, in-depth, and rewarding experience. And you'll be lucky enough to be based in a game reserve, surrounded by a wealth of wildlife. We look forward to receiving your application!

Institute for Global Studies' conservation biology projects are some of the most essential and interesting options we offer. The exciting part is realizing immediate results and knowing that every hour you spend is increasing biodiversity. IGS works with nonprofits and indigenous groups that are committed to a particular place and seeing it prosper. While on the project, you will learn about the six interlinked stages in the systematic planning approach: - Compile data on the biodiversity of the planning region - Identify conservation goals for the planning region - Review existing conservation areas - Select additional conservation areas - Implement conservation actions - Maintain the required values of conservation areas

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

Interns interested in marine biology and conservation can come work alongside leaders in the field. They will make a difference while spending their days sharing information about beautiful ocean creatures and seeing them just inches in front of your eyes while diving. Spend as little as one week or as long as 12 weeks on this program in Gansbaai, South Africa. Known as the shark capital of the world, it is also home to a plethora of marine life. Volunteers can expect to see: humpback whales, Bryde's whales, bottlenose dolphins, great white sharks, Cape Fur seals, and African penguins. Dive volunteers will work each day that the weather allows and will have planned excursions and events when it does not. Work includes identifying species, collecting data, assisting boat crews, beach clean-up, and educating local children. Volunteer groups vary between 12 to 20 participants.

CIEE offers the most extensive network of internship programs. Are you a U.S. college student looking to study and intern abroad? We have full-time and part-time placements across 40+ locations worldwide and in diverse fields, from AI and engineering to public policy and business administration. Find the right fit for you! Live, learn, and work abroad on an internship program with CIEE! CIEE Summer Internships CIEE Summer Global Internships are 6-credit, 8-week programs with full-time working hours (approximately 30 hours weekly) and a seminar. CIEE Summer Intern and Study Abroad are 6 to 7-credit, 6-week programs with a part-time internship (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and a 3-credit academic course. CIEE Semester Internships CIEE Semester Global Internships are 9 to 13-credit, 12-week programs that feature a full-time internship (approximately 30 hours weekly), a seminar, and an optional 3 to 4-credit academic course online. CIEE Semester Intern and Study Abroad Programs are 12 to 14-credit, 12-week programs that feature a part-time internship​ (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and two academic courses.

Get the chance to meet and work with the Marine Big 5 – sharks, dolphins, whales, penguins, and seals – in this internship abroad. Open to both natural science or marine science undergraduates and recent graduates, the program includes academic and field-based skills training modules. The project is based in Gansbaai where an international award-winning group of marine biologists, conservationists, and researchers are conducting meaningful research on some of South Africa’s incredible marine species. These include African penguins, Cape fur seals, great white and bronze whaler sharks, bottlenose and orca dolphins, and so much more. Your role as a scientific skills-based marine intern depends project’s goals at the time of your participation and the season. But possible tasks include tagging local sharks, helping biologists with data collection, and creating photographic IDs. An educational background in marine science, natural science, or biology fields is essential to join this internship.

Volunteering in Africa takes you one step further than the average tourist into the true character of this unique continent. To us, volunteering is a two-way thing. It’s not only about the hands-on help and skills that volunteers bring, but also about what this magnificent continent, its warm people, and fantastic wildlife can give volunteers in return. African Impact is a multi-award-winning volunteer travel organization that runs and manages meaningful and responsible volunteer experiences and internship programs throughout Africa. Founded in 2004 in Zimbabwe, African Impact has grown into a leader in African volunteer tourism, having facilitated over 12,000 volunteers and interns in countries across the African continent. Our internship division is of great importance to us. We firmly believe that ethical internships can play a significant role in helping us achieve our mission of providing exceptional experiences that contribute to worthy causes in a meaningful way. With the nurturing of close partnerships across the continent, we have access to over 120 internship placements—all individually managed to match the applicant.

IES Abroad offers 140+ programs in more than 35 locations worldwide for undergraduate students. We're a little obsessed with study abroad, and not at all ashamed to admit it. We are a highly-charged force of study abroad enthusiasts. Every day we have the privilege of witnessing how study abroad changes our students' lives. That's the reason we do what we do: to provide once-in-a-lifetime educational adventures. Everything we do is about the IES Abroad student. Our goal is to provide personal support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process. Whether it's housing or cultural events or field trips, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible. Study with us for a summer, semester, or year. No matter the term, our world-class faculty and courses will engage you as you discover new ways of learning both inside and outside the classroom. How will study abroad redefine you? We can't wait to find out.

Our two- or four-week wildlife filmmaking program enables you to conceptualize, film, and edit a wildlife documentary at a breathtaking African reserve under the guidance of our professional filmmaking instructors. No special requirements or qualifications are necessary; however, a background in film or biology will be beneficial. The practical course introduces you to various aspects of filming wildlife, from the work of each team member (director, producer, camera operator, etc.) to broadcasting the edited film. Developed by renowned filmmaker and biologist Ryan Johnson, this program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, techniques, and skills necessary to create a professional documentary. Throughout the duration, you will gain hands-on experience to break into this challenging industry successfully. You will spend the first and final weeks at our Mossel Bay campus to carry out pre-production and post-production work. Spend the remaining 9 days in the heart of Schotia Game Reserve to film your wildlife documentary.

You don’t have to break the bank to learn a new language, explore a new culture, or acquire compulsory work experience in another country. Whether you seek an internship or a volunteering opportunity, Magister will help you realize that dream trip to South Africa. At Magister South Africa, we have matched and placed participants in various programs – from internships in companies to volunteer projects with local communities – since 2000. Besides offering a wonderful experience, we guarantee safety and security as well as immersion through regular events and activities. If you are seeking a challenging internship or simply wishing to experience a cosmopolitan lifestyle while contributing to a good cause, we can definitely lead you in the right direction!

Immerse yourself in nature as you combine your passion for wildlife and photography in one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Our photography internship offers a unique opportunity to embark on a life-changing adventure—where you’ll not only capture unforgettable moments through your lens but also contribute to meaningful conservation efforts. Whether you’re tracking animals in the wilderness, assisting researchers in the field, or documenting diverse ecosystems, your work will help protect precious wildlife for future generations. Join us to create lasting memories while making a real impact.

Looking to gain hands-on conservation experience? Join our student internship program! Whether you're studying in a conservation-related field or have recently graduated, our placements immerse you in the field and engage you in our projects. We offer personalized, practical experiences for each participant. Our program is ideal for undergraduate or recently graduated biologists seeking career-related work experience abroad. Please note that this is not a leisurely holiday experience. Join our dynamic team and work across our core programs, including Applied Research (social and ecological) in forests, fynbos, rivers, estuaries, coastal, and marine environments, as well as our Behavioral Change program (community engagement & education). Gain a comprehensive understanding of conservation practices firsthand while doing so.

The Marine Biology Internship is an intensive skills-development program designed for students and early-career ocean enthusiasts who want structured, professional training in marine fieldwork. Based at Sharklife’s established field station in Sodwana Bay, the internship combines full scuba-diver development with guided field exercises that build real competence in marine environments. Participants learn reef and species identification, snorkel and scuba-based survey fundamentals, ocean-safety skills, ecological interpretation, and practical methods used in modern marine field training. All activities are taught by experienced instructors and follow a clear progression from foundational skills to more advanced field confidence. The program is entirely training-focused and does not involve participation in permitted research. It is ideal for students preparing for marine-science degrees, gap-year learners seeking strong field exposure, or anyone wanting structured, hands-on experience in a world-class marine environment. No prior diving experience is required.

Seize this exceptional opportunity to contribute to seabird conservation while gaining invaluable experience and skills with SANCCOB in Cape Town! This program, lasting either 3 or 6 months, provides an immersive experience in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of critically endangered African penguin. Interns will acquire practical skills while making significant contributions to SANCCOB’s mission of reversing the decline in seabird populations. Responsibilities Catching, handling, feeding, hydrating, and administering medication to various seabird species Maintaining high standards of cleanliness within the rehabilitation center Overseeing the intensive care unit, bird pens, and collaborating with other volunteers Keeping accurate records for each individual bird Skills Developed: Practical techniques for seabird rehabilitation Knowledge of hygiene protocols and their implementation Skills in administering medication and providing nutritional support Assessing seabird health and determining readiness for release Teamwork and leadership abilities through volunteer supervision