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Internships in Cape Town

Cape Town tops many travel destination lists. For seven years in a row, it was voted the ‘best city in the world’ by readers of the Telegraph – and the city gets plenty more praise like this. And this is for good reason – Cape Town is a delight of a place. It’s uniquely versatile in its appeal; it has incredible natural beauty, a multicultural and cosmopolitan vibe, phenomenal surroundings, and a killer of a culinary scene. It’s also home to a wildly creative and innovative culture, which has created an inspiring environment.

It is in this setting that we offer you an opportunity to do an internship. All our internships in Cape Town are with nonprofit organisations – small but dedicated groups of people doing important social impact, environmental, or animal welfare work. As an intern, you’ll have a rewarding work experience – and the chance to live and work in this incredible setting for a while.

Find out more about Cape Town as an internship destination.

Or browse through all our internships in Cape Town below.

Marine Science field research internship

Open for applications

Marine Science Field Research Internship

  • 2-4 weeks
  • Simon's Town, South Africa
  • Conservation Work, Research Dives, Data Collection
A comprehensive crash-course in Marine Science and Conservation
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Marine conservation program

Open for applications

Marine Conservation Program

  • 2-6 weeks
  • Simon's Town, South Africa
  • Community Outreach, Data Collection, Surveys, Reporting
Gain international experience in a marine conservation context
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Marine Research assistant

Open for applications

Marine Research Assistant Internship

  • 8-12 weeks
  • Simon's Town, South Africa
  • Research Dives, Data Collection, Mapping, Reporting
Make your first steps on a career path in Marine Science
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Program Management Internship

Open for applications

Program Management Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • Program Facilitation, Health Education, Monitoring & Evaluation
Gain field experience educating young men and women on Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights.
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NGO Management internship

Open for applications

NGO Management Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • Event Management, Fundraising, Digital Marketing
Advance this NGO's mission to end period poverty and destigmatize menstruation through a variety of activities.
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Penda photography internship

Open for applications

SEO Internship

  • Min. 10 weeks
  • Remote OR Travel Options
  • SEO, Website Management, Writing
Gain practical experience in SEO research and writing by joining the internal team at Roots Interns and working with an SEO specialist.
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Communications Internship

Open for applications

Communications Internship

  • Min. 10 weeks
  • Remote OR Travel Options
  • Writing, Digital Marketing, Social Media
Join our team at Roots and assist in running & developing our communication channels through various writing and research tasks.
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SEO Content Writing Internship in tourism

Open for applications

SEO Tourism Content Writing Internship

  • Min. 10 weeks
  • Remote OR Travel Options
  • Creative Writing, SEO, Blogging
Sharpen your writing skills and learn to write content that is creative and optimized for search engines.
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women support ngo internship

Open for applications

Women’s Support NGO Internship

  • Min. 12 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Gender Studies, Advocacy, Management, Communications
Support a team dedicated to fighting gender based violence and providing services to victims.
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yoga internship Cape Town

Open for applications

Yoga Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Program Development, Yoga Teaching, Communications
Teach yoga to bring upliftment to both individuals and the larger community.
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Writing internship with GBV Project

Open for applications

Writing Internship

  • Min. 12 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Blogs, Impact Reporting, Grant Proposal Writing
Use your writing skills to contribute to the fight against gender-based violence in Cape Town.
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Gender Based violence research internship

Open for applications

Gender Based Violence Research Internship

  • Min. 12 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Research, Reporting, Monitoring
Research to provide support to victims of gender based violence in Cape Town.
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Fundraising & Marketing Strategy Internship

Open for applications

Youth Development Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • Teaching, Life Skills, Youth Support & Empowerment
Assist in a nonprofit's holistic mission of supporting and educating young people through dance and life skills training.
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Fundraising & Marketing Strategy Internship

Open for applications

Fundraising & Marketing Strategy Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • Strategy, Digital Marketing, Fundraising, Monitoring
Help develop the organization’s communications and fundraising strategies.
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NGO Event Coordination Internship Cape Town

Open for applications

NGO Event Coordinator Internship

  • February - April
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Event Management, Logistics, Budgeting, Communications
Use your event coordination and planning skills to help organize an environmental action summit.
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Open for applications

Social Media Marketing Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Social Media, Content creation, Analytics, Community Management
Gain valuable digital marketing experience promoting real stories to make a last impact.
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Events Internship

Open for applications

NGO Event Management Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Event Management, Coordination, Planning
Gain practical work experience while managing events for community development projects.
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Marketing and Communications Internship

Open for applications

Marketing & Communications Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Project Management, Communications, Marketing, Fundraising
Help develop and manage communication channels for a grassroots social impact program.
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Youth social Work Internship

Open for applications

Youth Social Work Internship

  • Min. 4 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Youth Development, Social Work
Provide support and positive activities to children with troubled backgrounds.
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Psychology Internship

Open for applications

Psychology Program

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Psychology, Social Work, Counseling
Assist with a variety of counseling sessions and shadow qualified professionals in the field.
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Photography internship

Open for applications

Media & Design Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • Graphic Design, Photography, Videography
Design flyers, certificates, poster, and other graphics for an environmental NGO.
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creative writing internship

Open for applications

Creative Writing Internship

  • Min. 12 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • Content Writing, Digital Marketing, Creative Communication
Sharpen your writing skills and build a portfolio while being part of a green cause.
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Fundraising and Business Development Internship

Open for applications

Fundraising Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • Fundraising, Reporting, Research, Communications
Learn about strategic development in a nonprofit context and assist with fundraising activities.
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UH-Food Security Internship

Open for applications

Food Security Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Food Security, Urban Farming, Education
Participate in sustainable practices and community well-being, developing and managing food gardens and workshops at township schools.
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UH-Urban Farming Internship

Open for applications

Urban Farming Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Urban Greening, Fieldwork, Gardening
Get your hands dirty by developing and managing food gardens at schools in townships to show children the importance of urban greening and valuing nutrition.
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Communications Internship

Open for applications

Communications Internship with Refugee NGO

  • Min. 12 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Communications, social media, digital marketing, writing
Manage and develop communication channels for a refugee-focused nonprofit.
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Migrants and refugee charity internship

Open for applications

Migrants & Refugee Charity Internship

  • Min. 12 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Refugees and Migrants, Human Rights
Be part of the day-to-day running and development of programs that assist refugees.
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Refugee research internship

Open for applications

Refugee Research Internship

  • Min. 20 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Human Rights, Research, Refugees and Migrants
Research issues of the migratory phenomenon across Africa and gather valuable insights.
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Female Empowerment Internship

Open for applications

Female Empowerment Internship

  • Min. 5 months
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Business development, communication, coordination
Gain work experience while supporting female refugees through skill development workshops.
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Empowerment of Refugees Internship

Open for applications

Empowerment of Refugees Internship

  • Min. 5 months
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Refugees and Migrants, Skills Development, Social Welfare
Help migrants and refugees settle in South Africa socially and/or economically.
Find out more
Advocacy and Human Rights Internship

Open for applications

Advocacy & Human Rights Internship

  • Min. 5 months
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Human Rights, Refugee Law, Migration Issues
Gain valuable legal experience while offering refugees in Cape Town support and advice.
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human rights internships

Open for applications

English School Assistant

  • Min. 4 months
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • English teaching, coordination, administration
Gain practical teaching experience by teaching English to refugees in Cape Town.
Find out more
Table Moutain-Lions Head

NATURAL BEAUTY

Cape Town’s natural setting is nothing short of spectacular. It’s framed by the imposing Table Mountain on one side, and a stunning coastline on the other; the views are pretty phenomenal, wherever you are in the city. Venturing onto the top of Table Mountain, and taking in the far-stretching view, is a must, and for the more adventurous, it’s also an option to hike up and down. And at the back of the mountain you’ll find Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a stunning park that offers great walks, views, and picnic spots. The many stunning beaches offer a place to relax, enjoy sunsets, or surf.

Once you venture just outside of the city, nature doesn’t disappoint either. There’s several national parks that offer good hikes – or game drives, like Cape Point National Park, where you might come across zebras, ostriches, or different types of antelope. And then there’s the winelands; a collection of wonderful vineyards on rolling hills around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Just a short drive from Cape Town, this area allows you to taste wine, enjoy great food, and explore charming towns with historic interest. A real treat of a day out!

Bo-Kaap

URBAN EDGE

But Cape Town has much more to offer than its natural setting – it’s also a city with an exciting urban edge. One of the results of Cape Town’s turbulent history is its multicultural character. It’s a colorful hub of different traditions and stories, with an added layer of cosmopolitanism. There’s also a thriving creative scene, with edgy architecture, art, and interior design being a common thread across the city.

FAQs ON INTERNSHIPS IN SOUTH AFRICA

What type of internships can I do in Cape Town?

We offer a great variety of different internships in Cape Town. We have over 30 different internships with nonprofit organisations focused on urban greening, female empowerment, education, humanitarian photography, film making, refugee support, and social work. As an intern, you’ll have a focus that aligns with your academic background and interest, and the options include communications, fundraising, business development, project management, digital marketing, creative writing, photography and counseling. We also offer research internships, which are always customized. If you’re not sure which program suits you best, give us a shout, and we can help you find the best match.

What are the living expenses?

You can expect most things to cost a bit less than in Europe or North America, especially activities like eating out. But property is in demand, so rent isn’t cheap. If you’d like specific prices of things, let us know, and we’ll give you more detailed information.

What kind of accommodation can I expect?

We can offer you accommodation in shared apartments that are centrally located and in safe areas. You’ll be walking distance from shops, restaurants, and often from your office as well. You’ll share an apartment with other travelers – mostly interns – from around the world, so you won’t be short of companionship.

Is it safe to intern in Cape Town?

Yes, you can safely live in Cape Town. As in many places, there is crime, but as long as you stick to basic rules, you’ll have nothing to worry about. We’ll make sure to give you the information you need on staying safe, and we’ll set you up in a secure accommodation.

Why should I do a nonprofit internship in Cape Town?

Cape Town has a diverse and inspiring nonprofit sector; mostly small- to medium-sized organisations that are addressing issues related to food security, access to education, skill development, gender equality, animal welfare, and the environment. As an intern, you can be part of realising the vision of one of these nonprofits, which is an enriching experience on both a personal and professional level.

Will I have time off?

Absolutely! You’ll have weekends off, and generally, you’ll also be able to take some extra days off if you’d like to go on some trips to explore the city’s surroundings.

What type of weekend activities and trips are available?

As an intern in Cape Town, you’ll have a wealth of great activities to choose from during your days off. You can venture onto Table Mountain to enjoy the incredible views, drive or hike onto Lion’s Peak to watch the sunset, or explore the local flora and fauna in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. In summer, it will be hard to stay away from the stunning beaches you’re surrounded by, a highlight of which is perhaps Boulder’s Beach, where a colony of penguins will be your company. And if you’re into surfing – or if you’re keen to learn, there’s plenty of waves to catch.

There’s plenty of options in the city itself, too, though. You might explore some of the many local markets, enjoy the rich culinary delights (Cape Town has some of the continent’s best restaurants), or visit the local museums. And when you have a bit more time, you might venture out to the winelands for a wine tasting trip, drive to the Cape of Good Hope, or take a road trip down the Garden Route.

Do I need a visa to intern in Cape Town?

Yes, you’ll need to apply for a South African visa. It should be a straightforward process and we’ll be here to assist you!