Marine Science 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.

Make your first steps in a career in marine science in one of the most biodiverse regions of South Africa’s Western Cape. This is the ideal program for a young biologist to make a big difference protecting our oceans. You’ll receive theoretical and practical training, then gain real-world, in-field scientific research experience. You'll be joining a team of dedicated, passionate marine scientists to study a site of unique significance for ocean conservation. Found in the False Bay area of Cape Town - a global hotspot for marine biodiversity boasting over 3500 endemic species which include sharks, rays, cetaceans, seals, fish as well as kelp forests and natural coral systems - you'll be working at a marine field station committed to furthering knowledge of marine ecosystems so as to develop better methods of conserving our oceans. The program begins with a month-long field course to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of specialized marine research methods and equipment, as well as the opportunity to help maintain and develop the ongoing research projects, go on regular research dives, conduct underwater surveys, monitor habitats, process and analyze collected data.

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.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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.

Life in South Africa is full of contrasts—modern cities, rural villages, rugged coastlines, and some of the most breathtaking wildlife on earth. Through African Impact’s internship programs, you can step into this dynamic setting and contribute to projects that create lasting change. From the Western Cape to Limpopo, each placement is designed to offer real-world learning while supporting conservation and community needs. Internships typically run from 2 to 12 weeks, with start dates available throughout the year. Depending on your chosen focus, you could be based near Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, or the bushveld regions close to Kruger National Park. Alongside project work, you’ll enjoy evenings and weekends free to explore the country’s rich cultural traditions, game reserves, and scenic coastlines. This balance of structured work and adventure makes interning in South Africa both meaningful and unforgettable.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

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.

Help Protect, Rescue, and Care for Animals Around the World If you’re passionate about animals and dream of making a real difference, our Animal Care & Wildlife Volunteering Abroad Programs offer unforgettable opportunities to work hands-on with animals in need. With Volunteering Journeys, you can join projects that protect wildlife and rescue domestic animals in Sri Lanka, Peru, and South Africa — three of the world’s most biodiverse and inspiring destinations. Whether you’re looking to care for stray dogs, assist with wildlife rehabilitation, or help protect endangered elephants and sea lions, these programs are perfect for animal lovers, veterinary students, and gap-year travelers who want to combine meaningful work with adventure.

Master the art of underwater photography whilst exploring the underwater worlds of tropical Mozambique or the world-renowned Aliwal Shoal of South Africa. This program introduces scuba divers (non-divers can arrive a week early to qualify) to the world of underwater photography by training participants with supplied professional-grade DSLR underwater photographic systems. Over 14 or 28 days, enjoy 20 reef dives, ocean safaris, estuary dives, and rock pool snorkels with other students. During this period, our instructors will offer practical advice on photographic technique and kit use, as well as help you locate and photograph the incredible underwater life of the Indo-Pacific along Southern Africa’s tropical eastern seaboard. Evenings are spent learning, participating in photographic crits, and enjoying the chilled beach life of coastal Africa. Throughout the program, you will enjoy wonderful experiences in some of the world’s top-rated dive sites. You will discover beautiful wildlife, including whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, ragged-tooth sharks, and black-tip sharks.

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!

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.