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Internships Abroad in South Africa

It’s hard to think of a country more diverse than South Africa. With 11 official languages, this multiethnic society reflects a blend of African, European, and Asian influences. So, it's no surprise the internship opportunities are as varied as the cuisines, spanning finance, fashion, forestry, and more. Intern abroad in South Africa to build global work experience and discover the wonders this country has to offer.
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287 Internships in South Africa

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Top Rated Program Intern Abroad in South Africa 2025
Volunteer Adventure Corps interns on Table Mountain
9.75470 reviews

VACorps

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VACorps Professional Internship Program

As a participant of our program in Cape Town, South Africa, you t...

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students sitting in chairs
9.65 reviews

Roots Interns

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Communications Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

Are you looking to gain work experience abroad in the communicati...

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A group of interns by the sea in Cape of Good Hope, South Africa
9.5714 reviews

Connect-123 Internship Programs

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Intern in Cape Town with Connect-123!

Make your résumé stand out against all the others with an interns...

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Rover
9.2273 reviews

Intern Abroad HQ

Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your c...

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Intern in South Africa - AIP
00 reviews

Asia Internship Program

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Internship in South Africa - Asia Internship Program

South Africa is a rainbow nation that features diverse people, un...

a-south-african-gogo-laughs-with-a-friend - IGS
93 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

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South Africa’s Favorite Internships: 44 Options

Combine practical experience and adventure in South Africa, an id...

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Interns and elephants
9.0336 reviews

African Impact

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Wildlife Photography Internship in South Africa

Join our creative experts in the Greater Kruger Area of South Afr...

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Lioness
00 reviews

Penda Photo Tours

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Wildlife Photography Internship in South Africa

If you’re interested in pursuing your passion as a wildlife photo...

World Endeavors - South Africa Internships
102 reviews

World Endeavors

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Intern in South Africa with World Endeavors

Intern in Cape Town, South Africa and enjoy a truly unique experi...

AHS
102 reviews

African Horse Safaris

Endurance Training Programme in South Africa

Our exciting Endurance Training Programme based at Moolmanshoek, ...

CIEE College Study Abroad
8.9417 reviews

CIEE College Study Abroad

CIEE Summer + Semester Internships Programs

CIEE offers the most extensive network of internship programs. A...

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.6837 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

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Kaya Responsible Travel
00 reviews

Kaya Responsible Travel

Clean Energy Internship in South Africa

Gain practical experience in the sustainable energy sector of a d...

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Child Family Health International
9.254 reviews

Child Family Health International

Global Health in Durban, South Africa

Experience Durban, the heart of Kwa-Zulu Natal province in South ...

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GVI
9.66170 reviews

GVI

Teaching & Community Development Internship in South Africa

Join our international team in the spectacular city of Cape Town ...

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Magister South Africa Programs for Students and Volunteers
9.0812 reviews

Magister South Africa Programs for Students and Volunteers

Help Change Lives with an NGO Internship in Cape Town

The organization offers an internship involving all areas of thei...

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IES Abroad
9.2730 reviews

IES Abroad

IES Abroad: Study Abroad & Intern

IES Abroad offers 140+ programs in more than 35 locations worldwi...

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Projects Abroad
00 reviews

Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad in South Africa

South Africa's position at the southern tip of Africa has created...

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RealStep
102 reviews

RealStep

Veterinary Internships Abroad

Choosing a veterinary internship with RealStep is more than just ...

Volunteer International Adventures
9.910 reviews

Volunteer International Adventures

Social Work, Education & Youth Development in South Africa

This youth development project was started to provide young peopl...

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A Guide to Interning Abroad in South Africa

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, foreign students are able to do internships in South Africa. Visa requirements may vary depending on your nationality. International internship providers will be able to help guide you through the process.

Paid internships in South Africa are uncommon. However, depending on your education, skillset, and career field, you may be able to find paid opportunities. There are some benefits to unpaid internships, such as work experience and networking.

It depends. If your internship agrees to pay you a wage, you'll be an employee by law. If your internship is unpaid and experiential-based, or if you're an independent contractor, you may not be classified as an employee.

Yes, you will need a visa to intern in South Africa, and requirements vary based on your nationality. The type of visa you need will change depending on how long you're staying, and if you're earning a salary.

Latest Program Reviews

An Experience I’ll Never Forget

July 10, 2025by: Amos Lawrence - United StatesProgram: VACorps Professional Internship Program
10

I had high expectations for VACorps, and the experience exceeded them. The support from the VACorps team was excellent. Aside from the Lead Me workshop, the orientation program grounded me in the culture and geography of the city and gave me a strong sense of what to explore and experience. The weekly excursions were fun, well-organized, and clearly communicated. I didn’t attend enough Culture Series events to comment meaningfully on them. My internship was the highlight of my time in Cape Town. I was placed in a dynamic environment where I was given real responsibilities and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. I gained valuable professional experience and learned a great deal about everyday life in South Africa through my coworkers, as well as about the country’s politics and history through conversations with more senior colleagues. I also genuinely enjoyed the people I worked with and felt welcomed as part of the team. Finally, I made real, lasting friendships here. The close-knit layout of the Lofts and the abundance of exciting things to do create the perfect recipe for forming deep bonds. The people I met were smart, adventurous, and kind—we even went skydiving together in the first week! I’ve never been surrounded by a group quite like this before. I heard about VACorps through word of mouth—and it makes sense. People who do this program tell others to do it, too.

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