Are you a recent graduate who is still looking for a job? The National Department of Health is offering a 24‑month graduate internship in Pretoria, and the deadline is only a few weeks away.
What the internship is
This is the Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028 run by the National Department of Health. It lasts for 24 months and pays a stipend of R8 174.75 per month. Five positions are available at the Chief Directorate of Trauma, Violence and EMS, based in Pretoria, Gauteng.
Who can apply
You must meet all of the following:
- Unemployed South African graduate.
- Grade 12 certificate.
- National Diploma or Degree (NQF Level 6) in Microbiology or Biotechnology.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Good interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
- Scientific analytical ability.
- Basic computer literacy.
You must not have taken part in another internship programme before.
What you will gain
The internship is designed to improve your employability. You will get hands‑on experience in:
- Co‑ordinating import and export permits for laboratory supplies.
- Auditing microbiology labs for Department of Health registration.
- Monitoring biosafety and bio‑security standards.
- Registering and auditing tissue and stem‑cell banks.
- Handling enquiries from the clinical‑trial and health‑research sectors.
- Supporting postgraduate health‑science students.
These tasks will build skills in regulatory work, laboratory compliance, and public‑health administration.
How to apply – step by step
- Prepare a signed application letter, a copy of your ID, your Grade 12 certificate, and your NQF 6 qualification.
- Choose one of the three submission methods:
- By post: Address to
The Director‑General
National Department of Health
Private Bag X399
Pretoria 0001 - By hand: Deliver to the Brown Application Box at the Reception, Dr AB Xuma Building, 1112 Voortrekker Road, Pretoria Townlands 351‑JR.
- By email: Send to recruitment@health.gov.za. Put “Reference Number: NDOH 81/2026” in the subject line and address the email to Ms M Shitiba.
- Make sure your application arrives before 26 October 2026.
Tips to improve your chances
- Check that every document is clear and legible; unclear copies are rejected.
- Tailor your cover letter to the duties listed above. Mention any lab work or regulatory experience you have.
- Proofread for spelling and grammar – the Department values good written communication.
- Submit early. Applications that arrive close to the deadline may not be processed in time.
- If you have any doubts, call the contact person, M Kgasi, on (012) 395 9029 for clarification.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, finish your paperwork and send it in today. This internship could be the first step toward a career in South Africa’s public health sector. Good luck!
