Agricultural Graduate Internship KZN 2026–2028 – Paid Internship for South African Graduates

Meta Description: Apply for the Agricultural Graduate Internship KZN 2026–2028. Gain 24 months of practical experience, professional skills, and a government-backed stipend. Deadline: 5 December 2025.

Introduction: A Lifeline for Young South African Graduates

Youth unemployment in South Africa remains a critical challenge, with many graduates struggling to find meaningful employment. To address this, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD) has launched the 2026–2028 Agricultural Graduate Internship Programme — a paid, structured 24-month internship designed to bridge the gap between academic study and real-world work in agriculture.

This programme equips unemployed graduates residing in KwaZulu-Natal with essential professional skills and hands-on experience, preparing them for sustainable careers in agriculture, environmental management, and public service.

More than an internship, this government-backed initiative supports youth empowerment, skills development, rural economic growth, and food security — vital pillars for KwaZulu-Natal’s socio-economic future.

About KZN DARD

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development promotes sustainable agriculture, food security, land care, and environmental stewardship. Beyond these responsibilities, KZN DARD focuses on nurturing future agricultural professionals through targeted training, internships, and career development opportunities.

The department’s focus on innovation and sustainability fosters leadership and growth across both rural and urban communities. This internship programme exemplifies KZN DARD’s commitment to empowering youth from disadvantaged backgrounds and enhancing the agricultural sector’s productivity.

Programme Overview

Why This Internship Matters

This internship provides graduates with a meaningful opportunity to gain practical experience, helping them transition from education to employment. Key benefits include:

• Building professional discipline and confidence
• Enhancing technical and sector-specific skills
• Gaining paid work experience aligned with government career pathways
• Prioritizing inclusion for youth from disadvantaged communities and persons living with disabilities

By participating, interns develop skills that increase employability and strengthen KwaZulu-Natal’s agricultural economy.

Internship Fields and Reference Numbers

BSc Degree (Honours) Positions – 24-Month Contracts

• Grassland Science – 2 posts (Ref: HR5/19/2025)
• Microbiology (Hons) – 2 posts (Ref: HR5/20/2025)
• Chemistry (Hons) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/21/2025)
• Biochemistry (Hons) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/21/2025)
• Plant Pathology (Hons) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/22/2025)
• Entomology – 1 post (Ref: HR5/23/2025)
• Biometry/Statistics – 1 post (Ref: HR5/24/2025)
• Agriculture: Horticulture – 1 post (Ref: HR5/25/2025)
• Agriculture: Pasture Science – 1 post (Ref: HR5/26/2025)
• Consumer Science – 1 post (Ref: HR5/27/2025)
• Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness – 1 post (Ref: HR5/28/2025)

National Diplomas & BTech Qualifications

• Animal Health – 3 posts (Ref: HR5/29/2025)
• Office Administration / Business Management – 11 posts (Ref: HR5/30/2025)

Agriculture, Engineering, and Management Fields

• BSc Agriculture/Civil Engineering (NQF 8) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/1/2025)
• BTech/Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering (NQF 7) – 2 posts (Ref: HR5/2/2025)
• Advanced Diploma in Agriculture (NQF 7) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/3/2025)
• ND/Advanced Diploma in Agriculture (NQF 6) – 4 posts (Ref: HR5/4/2025)
• Project Management (Postgraduate Diploma) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/5/2025)
• Human Resource Management/Development – 1 post (Ref: HR5/6/2025)
• Labour Relations – 1 post (Ref: HR5/7/2025)
• Operations and Production Management – 1 post (Ref: HR5/8/2025)
• Financial Management/Accounting – 2 posts (Ref: HR5/9/2025)
• Risk Management/Internal Control – 1 post (Ref: HR5/10/2025)
• Supply Chain Management – 3 posts (Ref: HR5/11/2025)
• Public Policy – 1 post (Ref: HR5/12/2025)
• Information Technology – 2 posts (Ref: HR5/13/2025)
• Public Relations/Media/Journalism – 1 post (Ref: HR5/14/2025)

Science & Agriculture Specialisations

• Soil Science – 1 post (Ref: HR5/15/2025)
• GIS (Technologist) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/16/2025)
• Hydrology and Agrometeorology – 1 post (Ref: HR5/17/2025)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen residing in KwaZulu-Natal
• Be unemployed graduates aged 18–35
• Hold a relevant National Diploma, Degree, Honours, or Postgraduate qualification
• Be applying for a government internship for the first time
• Submit all required supporting documents

Preference is given to:

• Youth from previously disadvantaged communities
• Persons living with disabilities
• Applicants from rural local areas within KwaZulu-Natal

Note: Former interns of this programme are not eligible to reapply.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Download the Official Form

Complete the Z83 Application Form available on the KZN DARD website or government portals.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

Include the following:

• Signed application letter specifying the post reference number
• Certified copies of your ID and Matric certificate
• Certified copies of academic qualifications and transcripts
• Updated CV with at least two references
• Proof of residence or an affidavit confirming your address

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Applications must be submitted by post or hand delivery:

Postal Address:
The Director: Human Resource Development
Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Private Bag X9059, Pietermaritzburg, 3200

Hand Delivery:

• Cedara Offices, R103 Cedara Road, Ground Floor, Main Building, Reception Area
• South Service Centre, 4 Pin Oak Avenue, Hilton, 3245
• North Service Centre (Richards Bay), Lot 11634, Corner of Verbena & Aloe Loop Street, Velden Vlei, Richards Bay

Important Notes:

• Incomplete or late applications will not be considered
• Certified documents must be legible and certified within the last three months
• If no feedback is received within three months of closing, consider the application unsuccessful
• Preference is given to candidates from rural districts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who qualifies for this internship?
A: Unemployed South African graduates in KwaZulu-Natal with a relevant diploma or degree.

Q2: Is the internship paid?
A: Yes, stipends are based on NQF level and DPSA guidelines.

Q3: How do I apply?
A: Complete the Z83 Form and submit by post or hand delivery with certified supporting documents. Email applications are not accepted.

Q4: Can I apply for more than one position?
A: Only one position per qualification is allowed; include the correct reference number.

Q5: What documents are required?
A: ID, Matric certificate, academic qualifications and transcripts, CV, proof of residence, and application letter stating the reference number.

Q6: Can former interns reapply?
A: No, previous interns are not eligible.

Q7: Is the programme open to persons with disabilities?
A: Yes, the programme encourages applications from persons with disabilities.

Q8: What if I do not receive feedback?
A: Consider the application unsuccessful if no response is received within three months after the closing date.

Final Thoughts: Investing in South Africa’s Future

The KZN Agriculture Internship 2026–2028 is more than just work experience — it is a strategic investment in South Africa’s agricultural future. Graduates gain invaluable practical skills and professional exposure, enhancing employability and preparing them to contribute meaningfully to food security, sustainability, and rural development.

If you are a motivated, qualified graduate ready to start your career in one of South Africa’s most vital sectors, apply before 5 December 2025 and take your first step toward a rewarding career in agriculture.