To apply for any of these opportunities, follow the instructions provided in each section. For bursaries, internships, and learnerships, use the prescribed application form from the SA Weather Service website. For the senior position, visit the application link at the bottom. We wish you the best with your applications.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is a Section 3(a) public entity under the Ministry of Water and Environmental Affairs. It is governed by a Board of Directors and became a public entity on 15 July 2001 under the South African Weather Service Act (No. 8 of 2001). SAWS serves as the authoritative voice for weather and climate forecasting in South Africa. As a member of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), it follows international meteorological standards.
As the Aviation Meteorological Authority, SAWS provides weather services to the aviation industry, marine sector, and other key clients. It also meets South Africa’s international obligations. SAWS is the official source of weather and climate information for the public and businesses in South Africa.
Full-Time Bursaries, Internships, and Learnerships for 2026
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is offering bursaries, internships, and learnerships for 2026 in the following areas:
A) Forecasting Internships (Postgraduate Certificate in Weather Forecasting)
B) BSc Honours in Meteorology
C) National Certificate: Weather Observations Learnerships
All applications must use the prescribed SA Weather Service Full-Time Bursary Application Form for 2026. You can download it from the SA Weather Service website: www.weathersa.co.za. For enquiries, email: [email protected].
Submit your application to: [email protected] (Attention: Learning and Development).
Important: In the email subject line, include the Specific Reference, Your Name, and Surname.
Only short-listed candidates will receive correspondence. If you do not hear back within one month after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful. SAWS reserves the right not to award any bursaries.
Closing Date: 07 November 2025
A) Forecasting Internship (REF: FOI:01/11/2026)
SAWS invites graduates with an Honours degree in Meteorology or Atmospheric Sciences to apply for a one-year Forecasting Internship at its head office in Pretoria. Applicants must have studied Mathematics at second-year university level and Physical Sciences at first-year level. The qualification must include the required Dynamical Meteorology courses as per World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards (WMO BIP-M compliant or near compliant, WMO-1083 version 2023). The program starts in February 2026.
Required Documents:
- A certified copy of Matric results
- A certified copy of your full academic record (to verify university subjects studied)
- A certified copy of your South African identity document
- A CV
- A motivation letter
- A certified copy of your degrees
- The Full-Time Bursary Application Form
Recommended Qualities:
- Good interpersonal skills
- Basic computer literacy
What the Bursary Covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend for the duration of the study
B) BSc Honours in Meteorology (REF: HONS:01/10/2026)
SAWS is offering bursaries for studying towards a Bachelor of Science Honours in Meteorology.
Applicants must have a letter of confirmation from the university to study BSc Honours in Meteorology. If already registered, provide proof of registration.
Required Documents:
- A certified copy of Matric results
- A certified copy of your academic record (to prove subject choices at university)
- A certified copy of your BSc degree (if available)
- A certified copy of your South African identity document
- A testimonial
- A motivation letter
Recommended Qualities:
- Good interpersonal skills
- Basic computer literacy
What the Bursary Covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend for the duration of the study
C) National Certificate: Weather Observations (REF: NCW:01/11/2026)
SAWS is offering a full-time bursary for the National Certificate in Weather Observations.
Candidates need a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate with at least 50% (D symbol) in Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy), Physical Science, and English. The learnership involves 12 months of training at the SA Weather Service Regional Training Centre in Pretoria.
Training covers all aspects of weather observation under the National Certificate in Weather Observation (SAQA QUAL ID no 58995) or the QCTO Occupational Qualification: Meteorological Technician.
After training, successful candidates may be placed at regional SAWS offices, involving shift work. A valid driver’s license is required for these roles, so learners must obtain one during the training year at their own cost. Good interpersonal skills and computer literacy are recommended.
SAWS is an equal opportunity employer and promotes representivity, especially for previously disadvantaged communities and females.
Required Documents:
- A certified copy of Matric results
- A certified copy of your South African identity document
- A certified copy of your driving license (if available)
- A CV
- A motivation letter
- A certified copy of any degrees (if available)
- The Full-Time Bursary Application Form
What the Bursary Covers:
- Monthly stipend for the duration of the study
Senior Scientist: Air Quality Services
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is a Section 3(a) public entity under the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), governed by a Board. It is the leading provider of weather and climate services in South Africa and a member of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), helping fulfill government international obligations. SAWS aims to be a Centre of Excellence for weather and climate, offering innovative solutions for a weather-smart region, sustainable development, and economic growth.
Position: Senior Scientist Air Quality Services
Paterson Grade: D1
Total Cost to Company (TCTC) Salary Range: R554,233.00 – R798,195.00 per annum
Reference: WS01/112025
Location: Irene
Job Summary:
This role focuses on managing and ensuring the quality of near real-time and historical air quality data held by SAWS. The Senior Scientist will support the delivery of high-quality data to internal teams, local partners, and international clients. Responsibilities include maintaining air quality and atmospheric emissions databases, performing quality control on data, and contributing to projects such as air quality research, system development, installation, maintenance, and upgrades. The role also involves creating new products, methodologies, and processes to enhance client services.
Key Performance Areas:
The Senior Scientist will contribute to the goals of the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS) as outlined in SAWS’s Strategic and Business Plan:
- Conduct quality control and assurance for air quality data.
- Participate in commissioning and installing new technical applications and solutions.
- Report on data availability and quality from the monitoring network.
- Collaborate with technical, scientific, and ICT staff in regions and head office for operational support.
- Follow national and international standards for air quality infrastructure maintenance and data.
- Stay updated on the latest air quality monitoring systems, technologies, and techniques.
- Provide near real-time, quality-controlled ambient air quality data via the SAAQIS website to government, businesses, academia, research institutes, and the public.
- Publish research, newsletters, legislation, Gazettes, and other air quality documents on the SAAQIS website.
- Develop and present Air Quality Monitoring Reports.
- Deliver commercial and public good services through projects, including client liaison, research, development, installation, upgrading, or maintenance of scientific systems in air quality fields.
- Take part in programs, projects, or activities for commercial and public services.
- Create new products and processes to improve client service delivery.
- Participate in Quality Management System audits and continuous improvement activities.
- Handle administrative duties related to the position.
Requirements:
- A Master’s Degree in Air Quality Sciences or an equivalent/higher qualification in Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, or Physics.
- At least 4 years of scientific experience in data, research, and information activities.
- Strong knowledge of computer and information systems, including database management.
- Understanding of air quality and environmental legislation.
- Code 8 driver’s license for a manual transmission vehicle.
- Administrative and organizational skills for handling various tasks.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Skills in writing reports and scientific papers, especially on air quality topics.
- Ability to analyze and interpret air quality data.
- At least 1 year of experience in project management.
Enquiries: Contact Ms. Portia Takalani at (012) 367 6091.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Click here to apply for the Senior Scientist position
For bursaries, internships, and learnerships, email applications to: [email protected]
We wish you all the best with your applications.