The SANRAL Engineering Internship Programme 2026 presents a valuable and forward-thinking opportunity for recent South African graduates who want to obtain practical engineering experience, develop problem-solving skills, and explore the operations behind one of the continent’s most advanced infrastructure networks. Designed to expose young professionals to real-world engineering challenges, the programme supports skills development, research advancement, and innovation in the national road sector. SANRAL Engineering Internship Programme 2026

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Whether an applicant chooses the Asset Management pathway or the Research and Innovation pathway, the SANRAL internship provides far more than a basic workplace entry experience. It introduces engineering graduates to national systems, structured mentorship, and leading technologies that shape the future of transport infrastructure in South Africa. The two-year full-time programme is carefully structured to prepare participants for long-term employability and impactful professional careers.

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Programme Overview

The SANRAL Engineering Internship Programme 2026 offers three full-time internship positions:

• Two positions in Asset Management
• One position in Research & Innovation

The internship runs for two years and is based at the SANRAL Head Office, located at 48 Tambotie Avenue, Val de Grace, Pretoria. Successful candidates will receive an annual stipend of R96,000. All applications must be submitted on or before 12 December 2025 through SANRAL’s official application portal.

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About SANRAL

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) is a state-owned enterprise responsible for planning, managing, and maintaining South Africa’s national road network. Since its establishment in 1998, SANRAL has evolved into a trusted and leading authority in road infrastructure development, known for integrating advanced technologies, world-class standards, and cutting-edge research into its operations.

SANRAL manages over 22,000 km of national roads, making it a key contributor to national mobility, economic growth, and social development. Interns who join SANRAL become part of an environment that prioritizes technical excellence, learning, and continuous improvement. As part of the organisation’s talent-development strategy, the internship programme has been designed to expose graduates to systems, tools, and methodologies used globally in the civil engineering and research fields.

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Why This Internship Matters

One of the biggest challenges young engineering graduates face is the lack of practical, hands-on experience. SANRAL addresses this gap by offering structured mentorship under experienced engineers, research managers, project coordinators, and technical specialists. The internship provides:

• Practical, field-based engineering exposure
• Mentorship from registered and qualified professionals
• Experience with national engineering standards and procedures
• Opportunities to contribute to national transport and safety initiatives
• Real involvement in multi-million-rand engineering and research projects
• Insight into advanced technologies such as LiDAR, GIS systems, and traffic monitoring tools
• Experience aligned to future registration with engineering bodies

This programme acts as a foundation for interns to secure long-term employment within SANRAL or other reputable infrastructure institutions. It sets graduates apart by equipping them with the real-world experience that employers look for.

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Internship Categories and Learning Experience

1. Asset Management Internship (2 Positions)

The Asset Management division plays a critical role in ensuring South Africa’s road networks are maintained, upgraded, and managed efficiently. Interns in this category will work directly with a Project Manager and a Road Network Manager. They will learn how national road systems are analysed, monitored, recorded, and evaluated.

Key Learning Areas:

a. Traffic Monitoring & Structures

Interns will gain exposure to:

• The TMH3 Traffic Monitoring Specification
• TMH14 Traffic Data Formats
• Uploading and managing traffic monitoring station data
• Preparing tender documentation for traffic monitoring projects
• Performing data quality assessments
• Understanding TMH19 Visual Assessment of Structures
• Updating structure databases and verifying structural information
• Assigning identification numbers to structures within the national network

b. Road Network Management

Work in this area includes:

• Introduction to the TMH22 Road Asset Management Manual
• Understanding ISO 55001 administration processes
• Capturing and verifying project data across the procurement cycle
• Assisting with configuration and trail section data verification
• Supporting the establishment of 3D LiDAR outputs
• Participating in national road monitoring operations
• Contributing to asset reporting and data analysis initiatives

This route is ideal for Civil Engineering graduates with strong analytical and technical abilities.

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2. Research & Innovation Internship (1 Position)

This category is designed for graduates passionate about engineering research, policy development, road safety, and innovative data solutions. Interns will report directly to the Research, Innovation and Road Safety Education Manager and will be involved in national projects that influence policy formulation and development decisions.

Key Learning Areas:

a. Project Management & Research Administration

Interns will assist with:

• Coordinating workshops that help prioritise national research needs
• Managing peer review processes for research submissions
• Organising technical progress meetings
• Managing project budgets and milestone documents
• Uploading research data into SANRAL’s ITIS Research Module
• Compiling quarterly research impact reports
• Supporting research presentations at national events
• Updating the national research panel database
• Maintaining documentation through electronic records systems
• Preparing reports for strategic focus groups
• Engaging with postgraduate research mentorship activities

b. Stakeholder Engagement & Advisory Activities

Experiences include:

• Facilitating communication between research teams
• Addressing queries from internal and external stakeholders
• Maintaining a centralised research database containing publications and outputs
• Participating in technical working groups
• Assisting the Research & Innovation Manager with administrative and advisory duties

This pathway is suitable for graduates with an NQF Level 7 qualification in Public Administration & Management, especially those interested in research, policy development, and innovation.

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Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following academic qualifications:

1. Research & Innovation Internship

• NQF Level 7 qualification in Public Administration & Management

2. Asset Management Internship

• NQF Level 6 or higher qualification in Civil Engineering

Applicants should also demonstrate good communication skills, analytical thinking, and a willingness to learn.

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Application Process

Prospective candidates are encouraged to apply through SANRAL’s official online application portal before the closing date. Applicants should prepare:

• A detailed CV
• Certified copies of academic transcripts and qualifications
• A copy of their ID
• A short motivational statement explaining their interest in the internship

Submitting a complete and accurate application increases the chances of consideration.

APPLY FOR THE SANRAL ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the SANRAL Engineering Internship Programme 2026?

The programme is open to South African graduates who meet the specific academic requirements for Asset Management or Research & Innovation.

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2. Do I need previous work experience?

No. This programme is specifically designed for recent graduates who do not yet have practical engineering or research experience.

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3. Is the internship paid?

Yes. Interns will receive a stipend of R96,000 per year for the duration of the two-year programme.

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4. Where will the internship take place?

All three positions are based at SANRAL Head Office in Val de Grace, Pretoria.

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5. What skills will I gain from the internship?

Interns will develop:

• Engineering fieldwork skills
• Data analysis and reporting experience
• Project management exposure
• Research administration abilities
• Technical understanding of national road systems
• Professional communication and teamwork skills

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6. Can this internship help me register as an engineer in future?

Yes. The programme offers structured learning that can support future professional registration, depending on the intern’s discipline and career path.

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7. When is the closing date for applications?

The deadline to apply is 12 December 2025.

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8. How long is the internship?

The internship runs for two full years, beginning in 2026.

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9. Will interns be permanently employed after the programme?

While SANRAL does not guarantee permanent employment, the experience significantly improves employability in the engineering sector.

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Conclusion

The SANRAL Engineering Internship Programme 2026 is an excellent opportunity for young South Africans looking to begin their careers in engineering, research, or public-sector innovation. With structured mentorship, hands-on experience, and exposure to national road infrastructure systems, the programme empowers graduates to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s development while building a strong professional foundation.

This internship is more than workplace experience—it is a gateway to long-term personal and professional growth, offering the tools, skills, and exposure needed to thrive in the engineering and research environment.