The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has advertised its 2026 Internship and Learnership Programmes, offering unemployed South African graduates an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience across 21 different career fields.
These opportunities are suitable for graduates with qualifications in Engineering, Information Technology, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Law, Human Resources, Communication, Supply Chain Management and several other disciplines.
Successful applicants will be appointed on a 24-month contract, providing an opportunity to develop professional skills, gain practical workplace exposure and build experience within South Africa’s energy regulatory environment.
The recruitment programme is open to qualifying unemployed South African citizens who have completed Matric and obtained a relevant tertiary qualification from a South African university.
Applications close on 16 November 2026.
If you are looking for government internships, graduate opportunities or learnership programmes in South Africa, read the full requirements below before applying.
NERSA Internships and Learnerships 2026/2027: Quick Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | National Energy Regulator of South Africa |
| Abbreviation | NERSA |
| Programme | Internship and Learnership Programmes |
| Recruitment year | 2026 |
| Career fields | 21 |
| Contract duration | 24 months |
| Location | Confirm with NERSA |
| Nationality | South African citizens |
| Employment status | Unemployed |
| Minimum education | Matric and relevant tertiary qualification |
| Qualification levels | NQF Level 6–9, depending on the department |
| Monthly stipend | Not specified in the advertisement |
| Application method | Email or postal application |
| Application email | applications@nersa.org.za |
| Closing date | 16 November 2026 |
About the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA)
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is an independent regulatory authority responsible for regulating important industries within the country’s energy sector.
Its regulatory responsibilities include electricity, piped gas and petroleum pipelines.
NERSA plays an important role in overseeing energy-related activities, licensing, compliance, pricing and tariffs, infrastructure planning and regulatory processes.
The organisation’s Internship and Learnership Programmes contribute towards skills development by providing unemployed graduates with opportunities to gain practical workplace experience.
These programmes are particularly relevant to graduates who want to develop their careers in engineering, finance, law, administration, economics, information technology and other professional fields.
Official website: https://www.nersa.org.za/
Available NERSA Internship and Learnership Opportunities: 21 Departments
NERSA has advertised opportunities across 21 departments. Applicants should carefully check the qualifications and reference numbers before submitting their applications.
Below is the complete list of advertised career fields.
1. Legal Advisory Services – LAS2026
Required qualifications:
- National Senior Certificate (Matric/Grade 12).
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
- Bachelor of Arts in Law (NQF Level 7).
- National Diploma in Law (NQF Level 6).
This opportunity is suitable for Law graduates interested in legal advisory services, legal research and regulatory matters.
2. Information Communication and Technology – ICT2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7) or National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Information Technology or Information Management.
This department is suitable for graduates interested in IT systems, technology and information management.
3. Information Resource Management – IRM2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7) in Information Science or Information Management.
Graduates interested in information resources and information management may apply.
4. Communication and Stakeholder Management – CSM2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in:
- Communication
- Public Relations
- Marketing
- Journalism
This opportunity is relevant to graduates interested in corporate communication, marketing and stakeholder relations.
5. Human Resources Management – HRM2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6), Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in Human Resources Management.
Suitable for graduates interested in recruitment, employee relations and human resources administration.
6. Internal Audit Unit – IAU2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6), Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in Auditing.
This department is suitable for auditing graduates interested in internal auditing, compliance and organisational controls.
7. Regulatory Analysis and Research – RAR2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6), Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in:
- Economics
- Finance
- Statistics
Graduates interested in research, financial analysis and economic regulation should consider this opportunity.
8. Finance Management and Governance – FMG2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6), Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in Accounting.
This opportunity is suitable for Accounting graduates interested in financial management and governance.
9. Supply Chain Management, Facilities/Project Management – SCM2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6), Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in:
- Supply Chain Management
- Purchasing Management
- Logistics Management
Suitable for graduates interested in procurement, logistics, facilities and supply chain operations.
10. Office of the CEO – CEO2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6), Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in:
- Business Administration
- Office Management
This opportunity is relevant to graduates interested in business administration and office management.
11. Security Management – SM2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6), Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in:
- Security Management
- Security Risk Management
- Safety and Security Management
Suitable for graduates interested in security operations and risk management.
12. International Relations – IR2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6), Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in:
- Diplomacy Studies
- International Relations
- Political Studies
This opportunity is suitable for graduates interested in diplomacy and international relations.
13. Strategic Planning and Monitoring – SPM2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6), Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in:
- Auditing
- Risk Management
Graduates interested in strategic planning, organisational performance and risk management may apply.
14. Electricity Pricing and Tariffs – EPT2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6), Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Economics
This opportunity is relevant to graduates interested in electricity pricing, tariffs and financial regulation.
15. Electricity Licensing, Compliance and Dispute Resolution – ELC2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6), Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in Electrical Engineering.
Suitable for Electrical Engineering graduates interested in licensing, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution.
16. Electricity Infrastructure Planning – EIP2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6), Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in Electrical Engineering.
This department is suitable for graduates interested in electricity infrastructure and engineering planning.
17. Gas Licensing, Compliance and Dispute Resolution – GLC2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6), Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in Chemical Engineering.
Suitable for Chemical Engineering graduates interested in gas-sector regulation and compliance.
18. Gas Competition and Market Analysis – GCM2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Economics
This opportunity is suitable for graduates interested in economic research and gas market analysis.
19. Gas Pricing and Tariffs – GPT2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Economics
Graduates interested in financial analysis, gas pricing and tariffs may apply.
20. Petroleum Pipelines Tariffs – PPT2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in:
- Accounting
- Economics
- Finance
Suitable for graduates interested in financial and economic aspects of petroleum pipeline regulation.
21. Petroleum Licensing, Compliance and Dispute Resolution – PLC2026
Required qualifications:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6), Bachelor’s Degree, BTech Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
This opportunity is relevant to engineering graduates interested in petroleum pipeline licensing and regulatory compliance.
General Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the NERSA Internship and Learnership Programmes, applicants must meet the following general requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must currently be unemployed.
- Must have completed Matric (Grade 12).
- Must hold a relevant tertiary qualification from a South African university.
- Must have a qualification at the appropriate NQF level for the selected department.
The advertised qualification levels include:
- National Diploma/Diploma – NQF Level 6.
- Bachelor’s Degree/BTech Degree/Advanced Diploma – NQF Level 7.
- Postgraduate Diploma/Honours Degree – NQF Level 8.
- Master’s Degree – NQF Level 9.
Applicants must still meet the specific academic requirements of their chosen department.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Documents Required for NERSA Applications
Interested applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Comprehensive and updated CV.
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Certified copies of relevant qualifications.
- Full academic record.
Ensure that your documents are complete and readable before submitting your application.
How to Apply for NERSA Internships and Learnerships 2026
Applications must be submitted directly to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa.
Follow these instructions carefully.
Step 1: Select your department
Choose one of the 21 departments that matches your qualification.
Step 2: Prepare your documents
Prepare your CV, certified ID copy, certified qualifications and full academic record.
Step 3: Use the correct reference number
Each department has a specific reference number. Ensure that the correct reference number appears in your application.
Step 4: Submit your application by email
Send your application documents to:
Your email subject line must clearly indicate the division and reference number.
Examples:
- Legal Advisory Services – LAS2026
- Information Communication and Technology – ICT2026
- Human Resources Management – HRM2026
- Finance Management and Governance – FMG2026
- Electricity Infrastructure Planning – EIP2026
Applications that do not clearly reflect the division and reference number in the subject line will be disqualified.
Important: Applicants wishing to apply for more than one department must submit separate applications for each department.
Alternative Postal Application Method
Applicants may also send their application documents by post to:
National Energy Regulator of South Africa
Human Resources Division
PO Box 40343
Arcadia
Pretoria
0007
For attention: Ms Lena Rankhumise or Mr Nkanyiso Magwaza.
NERSA Application Closing Date
The closing date for the advertised NERSA Internship and Learnership Programmes is:
16 November 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline to avoid missing the opportunity.
Important Things Applicants Should Know
- Successful candidates will be appointed on a 24-month contract.
- Permanent employment after completing the programme is not guaranteed.
- Future employment opportunities may be considered on merit.
- Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- If you do not hear from NERSA within three months after the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful.
- Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- The advertisement does not specify the monthly stipend.
- The exact commencement date and placement location should be confirmed with NERSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is NERSA offering internships in 2026?
Yes. NERSA has advertised Internship and Learnership Programmes across 21 departmental areas.
2. What is the closing date?
The closing date is 16 November 2026.
3. How long is the NERSA internship?
Successful applicants will be appointed on a 24-month contract.
4. Can unemployed graduates apply?
Yes. The programme is aimed at unemployed South African citizens who meet the qualification requirements.
5. Can I apply with Matric only?
No. Applicants must also have a relevant tertiary qualification at the required NQF level.
6. Can I apply with an N6 certificate?
An N6 certificate alone is not listed as sufficient. Applicants must meet the stated tertiary qualification requirements.
7. Does NERSA accept National Diploma qualifications?
Yes. National Diploma qualifications at NQF Level 6 are accepted for departments where they are specifically listed.
8. Can I apply for more than one department?
Yes. However, separate applications must be submitted for each department.
9. What is the NERSA application email address?
10. Does NERSA provide a monthly stipend?
The recruitment advertisement does not specify the monthly stipend. Applicants should contact NERSA for clarification.
11. Are these permanent employment opportunities?
No. Successful candidates will be appointed on 24-month contracts. Permanent employment is not guaranteed.
12. Can applicants with disabilities apply?
Yes. NERSA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
13. Where can I find official information?
Visit the official NERSA website at https://www.nersa.org.za/.
Final Reminder: Submit Your Application Before 16 November 2026
The NERSA Internship and Learnership Programmes offer unemployed South African graduates an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience in various professional fields.
Whether you studied Engineering, Accounting, Finance, Law, Information Technology, Human Resources, Economics, Communication or Supply Chain Management, you should review the available departments and identify the opportunity that matches your qualification.
Prepare your documents, follow the application instructions and ensure that you use the correct reference number.
APPLICATION EMAIL: applications@nersa.org.za
CLOSING DATE: 16 November 2026
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.nersa.org.za/
EMPLOYER: National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA)
About the Author: Mr Josh
Mr Josh – Linkinn Careers and Opportunities Contributor
Mr Josh is a contributor to Linkinn, a South African online information platform that shares employment opportunities, internships, learnerships, bursaries, graduate programmes and career-related updates.
Through his contributions, Mr Josh aims to make important career and employment information easier for South African job seekers to access and understand.
His articles focus on presenting opportunity details, eligibility requirements, application procedures, closing dates and relevant official application channels in a clear and accessible format.
Author: Mr Josh
Publisher: Linkinn
Website: https://www.linkinn.co.za/
Content category: Jobs, Internships and Learnerships
About Linkinn
Linkinn is an independent South African employment information platform dedicated to sharing job vacancies, internships, learnerships, bursaries, graduate opportunities and career development information.
Our aim is to help job seekers discover opportunities and access important application information from employers, government departments and other organisations.
Important: Linkinn is not the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), is not recruiting on behalf of NERSA and does not process applications for this programme.
All applications must be submitted directly to NERSA using the official application details provided above.
Disclaimer
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Linkinn does not guarantee interviews, selection or employment. Never pay anyone who promises to secure a job, internship or learnership on your behalf.