The National Bioproducts Institute (NBI) is offering its YES Internship Programme 2026/2027 in Durban – a chance to start a career in biopharmaceutical production right now.
What the opportunity is
This is a 12‑month paid internship at NBI’s plant in Durban, KwaZulu‑Natal. Interns work in the Pooling, Fractionation or Refining sections, handling plasma‑derived products under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
Who can apply
You must meet all of the following:
- South African citizen
- Age 18‑34
- Unemployed and not studying full‑time
- Completed Grade 12
- At least a D in English, Mathematics, Science and Biology
- Maximum two years of work experience
- Never taken part in a YES Programme before
- Available for the full 12 months
What you will gain
The internship gives you hands‑on experience in a real biopharma environment. You will learn:
- Production equipment preparation and cleaning
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) compliance
- Quality Assurance sampling and documentation
- Equipment monitoring, calibration and first‑line maintenance
- Work‑place safety and use of Personal Protective Equipment
- Professional record‑keeping and audit‑ready practices
These skills are valuable for future roles in manufacturing, engineering or life‑science research.
How to apply
- Gather your documents: ID, proof of Grade 12 results, and any certificates (e.g., lab or manufacturing exposure).
- Visit the official NBI recruitment page: Apply for NBI YES Internships 2026/2027.
- Complete all sections of the online form. Double‑check that every required field is filled.
- Upload scanned copies of your documents in the requested format (PDF or JPG).
- Submit before the closing date.
The application deadline is 27 October 2026. Late submissions may not be considered.
Tips to improve your chances
- Proofread your application for spelling and formatting errors.
- Highlight any lab, manufacturing or pharmacy‑assistant training you have, even if informal.
- Explain in a short cover note why you are interested in biopharmaceutical production.
- Ensure your contact details are up‑to‑date so NBI can reach you quickly.
- Apply early – the portal can become busy close to the deadline.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, submit your application today. Even if you are unsure, give it a try – many applicants feel nervous about their lack of experience, but the programme is designed for beginners. Good luck, and take the first step toward a career in the life‑science industry.
