Right now the National Department of Health is opening a Graduate Internship Programme that could jump‑start your career in the public sector.
What is the programme?
The Department of Health offers a 24‑month graduate internship for unemployed South African graduates. It gives you real‑world work experience and training in several health‑department units.
Application deadline: 01 June 2026
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Who can apply?
- You are a South African graduate who is currently unemployed.
- You have at least Grade 12 (NQF 4).
- You hold the specific NQF 6 diploma or LLB mentioned for the position you want.
- You have never taken part in any internship programme before.
- You want experience in the public service.
What will you gain?
- A paid placement for 24 months.
- Monthly stipend of R8 174.78.
- Work exposure across different health‑department divisions.
- Occupational‑based training that improves your employability.
Available internship posts
Human Resources Management and Development (4 posts)
Reference: NDOH 30/2026
Qualification: Diploma (NQF 6) in Human Resources Management or Human Resources Development.
Organisational Development (1 post)
Reference: NDOH 31/2026
Qualification: Diploma (NQF 6) in Management Services, Operations Management or Production Management.
Employment Relations (1 post)
Reference: NDOH 32/2026
Qualification: Diploma (NQF 6) in Employment Relations or a related field.
Financial Management and Accounting (3 posts)
Reference: NDOH 33/2026
Qualification: Diploma (NQF 6) in Financial Management or Accounting.
Supply Chain Management (4 posts)
Reference: NDOH 34/2026
Qualification: Diploma (NQF 6) in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Public Management, Purchasing or Transport Management.
Internal Audit (3 posts)
Reference: NDOH 35/2026
Qualification: Diploma (NQF 6) in Internal Auditing or Risk Management.
Information Communication and Technology (4 posts)
Reference: NDOH 36/2026
Qualification: Diploma (NQF 6) in Computer Science or Information Technology.
Communication (2 posts)
Reference: NDOH 37/2026
Qualification: Diploma (NQF 6) in Journalism, Marketing and Communication or Communication.
Legal Services (3 posts)
Reference: NDOH 38/2026
Qualification: LLB (NQF 6) degree in Law.
Office of the Director‑General (2 posts)
Reference: NDOH 39/2026
Qualification: Diploma (NQF 6) in Management, Business Management, Administration, Public Management, Office Management or a related administration qualification.
How to apply – step by step
- Gather your certified copies of Grade 12 and the relevant NQF 6 diploma (or LLB).
- Write a concise cover letter stating why you want the internship.
- Choose one of the three submission methods:
- Email: Send your documents to vacancies@Health.gov.za. Use the exact reference number as the email subject.
- Post: Mail to the Director‑General, National Department of Health, Private Bag X399, Pretoria 0001.
- Hand delivery: Drop the sealed envelope in the brown application box at the reception of the Dr AB Xuma Building, 1112 Voortrekker Road, Pretoria Townlands 351‑JR.
- Check that every required document is attached and the reference number is correct.
- Submit before 01 June 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
Tips to improve your chances
- Do not apply if you have done any other internship – the programme is for first‑time interns only.
- Double‑check that the reference number in your email subject or envelope matches the post you want.
- Make sure all certificates are clear and legible; blurred scans are often rejected.
- Keep your cover letter short (max 200 words) and focus on your interest in public service.
- Ask a friend or mentor to proofread your application before sending.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, start preparing your documents today. The deadline is approaching fast, so act now. Good luck – your first step into the public health sector could be just an email away.
