Apply for 420 DFFE EPWP Environmental Internships 2025 – Launch Your Environmental Career

DFFE EPWP Environmental Internships 2025

Are you a young South African graduate interested in protecting the environment, fighting climate change, and gaining valuable public sector work experience? The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has opened applications for its 2025 Environmental Internship Programme under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). This government initiative offers 420 internship opportunities across South Africa, giving qualified individuals the chance to receive paid work experience in environmental sectors.

This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know about the 2025 DFFE EPWP internship opportunities, including who can apply, how to apply, what qualifications are needed, and what benefits you can expect. If you’re committed to building a greener South Africa, this programme may be your pathway to a meaningful and impactful career.

About the DFFE and EPWP

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is a national government department responsible for promoting environmental sustainability and managing South Africa’s natural resources. Through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), the department provides skills development and temporary job opportunities in environmental and conservation projects.

The EPWP aims to reduce poverty and unemployment by creating work opportunities, particularly for the youth. These internships are structured to provide hands-on experience, professional exposure, and mentorship in a government environment.

Overview of the 2025 Internship Programme

• Programme Title: DFFE Environmental Internships 2025
• Number of Positions: 420 available posts
• Location: All nine provinces of South Africa
• Duration: 12–24 months (project-based contracts)
• Stipend: Monthly stipend provided, depending on qualification
• Target Group: Unemployed graduates aged 18–35

This internship programme is aligned with the national priorities of youth employment and skills development in the environmental sector.

Why You Should Apply

Participating in the DFFE internship programme offers numerous benefits, including:

• Gaining practical experience in environmental and public service roles
• Improving your employability with real-world job skills
• Earning a monthly income while contributing to national development
• Working on projects that address climate change, biodiversity, pollution, and conservation
• Building a network within the government and environmental sectors

This is an opportunity to contribute to positive change while investing in your personal and professional future.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the internship, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must be between the ages of 18 and 35
• Must be unemployed at the time of application
• Must not have participated in any other public service internship programme
• Must have a recognised post-school qualification related to the internship fields (National Diploma, Degree, or higher)
• Must be able to commit to the entire duration of the internship

These requirements are set to ensure fairness and to target those who can benefit most from the internship experience.

Fields of Study That Qualify

Applicants with qualifications in the following areas will be considered:

• Environmental Science
• Environmental Management
• Conservation Biology
• Ecology
• Forestry and Agricultural Sciences
• Marine Biology and Oceanography
• Water Resource Management
• Waste Management
• Geography and GIS
• Environmental Law and Compliance
• Public Administration
• Social Sciences
• Education (Environmental Education)
• Chemistry and Climate Science

The programme is diverse and open to candidates from both scientific and administrative backgrounds.

What Will Interns Do?

Interns will be placed in DFFE offices, partner organisations, or municipal environmental departments. Depending on the specific assignment, roles and responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with environmental awareness and education campaigns
• Supporting community-based environmental projects
• Conducting research and data collection
• Performing administrative tasks related to conservation programmes
• Helping implement recycling and waste management initiatives
• Monitoring compliance with environmental legislation
• Assisting in forestry and marine resource management

Interns will be supported by mentors and supervisors to ensure that they receive guidance and practical knowledge throughout the programme.

Provinces and Placement Areas

Internship placements will be spread across all provinces:

• Gauteng
• Western Cape
• Eastern Cape
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Free State
• Limpopo
• Mpumalanga
• North West
• Northern Cape

During your application, you’ll be able to select your preferred location. Final placement, however, is based on departmental needs and availability.

Stipend Information

Interns will receive a monthly stipend to help cover transport, meals, and other living expenses. The amount is typically structured as follows:

• Diploma Holders: Approximately R5,000 per month
• Bachelor’s Degree Holders: R6,000 – R7,000 per month

This stipend is intended to support interns as they gain experience and contribute to national goals.

Required Documents for Application

Prepare the following certified documents for your application:

1. Detailed CV with contactable references
2. Certified copy of South African ID
3. Certified copies of academic qualifications
4. Academic transcripts (if available)
5. Proof of residence (e.g. utility bill, municipal letter)
6. Motivational or cover letter (optional but recommended)

Ensure that all copies are certified within the last three months. Applications with missing or outdated documents may be disqualified.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the DFFE Environmental Internships 2025:

1. Visit the DFFE Official Website
   Navigate to dffe.gov.za and go to the careers or internship opportunities section.
2. Download the Application Form
   Look for the official EPWP internship application form or download the Z83 form if specified.
3. Complete the Form Accurately
   Provide your personal details, educational background, and your preferred placement province.
4. Attach Your Documents
   Combine your documents and submit via the method specified in the advert (email or physical delivery).
5. Submit Before the Deadline
   Late applications are not accepted, so be sure to apply well before the cut-off date.

Important Dates

While specific deadlines for the 2025 intake may vary, applications are usually open from July to September. Interviews and placements are generally finalised between October and January, with internship start dates around March 2025.

Always confirm final dates on the DFFE official website or follow their social media for announcements.

What Happens After You Apply?

• Your application will be reviewed and shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• You may be invited for an interview or written assessment.
• Once selected, you’ll be notified of your placement and reporting date.
• Orientation and training will be conducted before your official duties begin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do I need prior work experience to apply?
No. This programme is designed for recent graduates with no previous public sector experience.

Q2: Can I apply without a driver’s license?
Yes, a driver’s license is not a requirement for most placements.

Q3: Can I apply if I’ve already done an internship before?
Only if it was not a government internship under EPWP or any public service programme.

Q4: Can I choose where I’m placed?
You may indicate a preferred location, but final placement depends on departmental needs.

Start Your Green Career Now

With 420 available positions, the DFFE EPWP Environmental Internship Programme 2025 is one of the largest government internship opportunities for environmental graduates. It offers young people a chance to gain practical experience, serve their communities, and become agents of environmental change.

If you’re driven to protect nature, promote sustainability, and build a career in government or the green economy, don’t miss this chance. Apply now, and take the first step toward a brighter, greener future.

Tips for Applying Successfully

• Read the entire post carefully to make sure you meet all the requirements.
• Prepare your documents in advance – usually includes your updated CV, certified ID copy, and any qualifications.
• Apply as early as possible – many opportunities close before the official deadline if slots fill up.
• Double-check that your application form is fully completed – incomplete forms are often disqualified.
• Use the correct reference number or position code if provided.
• Email submissions: Use a clear subject line and attach files in PDF format if not told otherwise.
• Follow instructions exactly – whether it’s emailing, hand delivery, or applying online, each opportunity has its own method.
• Scan and upload clean, legible documents – avoid blurry photos from phones.
• Keep a copy of your application and proof of submission (like email sent receipts or application tracking codes).
• Use an active phone number and email address — this is how you’ll be contacted if shortlisted.

What Happens After You Apply?

• Your application is reviewed by the HR or recruitment team.
• Shortlisting begins, where candidates who meet all requirements are selected.
• If shortlisted, you may be contacted via email, phone, or SMS for further assessments, interviews, or document verification.
• Some government or learnership programs require verification of documents or background checks.
• Final selection may take weeks — check your email and phone regularly.
• If you don’t hear back, it usually means you were not selected — but don’t be discouraged! Keep applying to new opportunities.

Apply today and be part of the solution!