South African graduates who are currently unemployed have a chance to start a paid 24‑month internship at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) in Ga‑Rankuwa, Pretoria. The deadline is 06 November 2026 at 16:00, so you need to act now.
What the opportunity is
SMU is running the Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027. The programme offers a monthly stipend of R9 000 and placement in one of five areas:
- Research Information Management System (RIMS)
- Business Development Officer (CfERI)
- Finance (two positions)
- Postgraduate Administration
- Laboratory Technician (Chemistry)
Who can apply
You must be a South African citizen, currently unemployed, and have completed the qualification required for the role you are interested in.
Specific qualifications per internship:
- RIMS: Diploma or degree in IT, Computer Science or a related field (Reference MQA2026‑RIMS).
- Business Development Officer: Diploma or degree in Commerce, Business Management or Entrepreneurship (Reference MQA2026‑CFERI).
- Finance (x2): Diploma or degree in Finance, Accounting, Financial Management or a related field (Reference MQA2026‑FIN).
- Postgraduate Administration: Diploma or degree in Office Management, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field (Reference MQA2026‑PGA).
- Laboratory Technician: Honours or Master’s degree in Chemistry (Reference MQA2026‑LAB).
What you will gain
The internship gives you:
- Real‑world experience in research administration, IT, business development, finance, postgraduate services or laboratory work.
- Professional skills such as data management, financial reporting, stakeholder support and laboratory safety.
- A solid entry on your CV that can lead to permanent employment.
- Mentoring from university staff and exposure to the health‑science sector.
How to apply – step by step
- Gather the required documents in PDF format:
- Curriculum Vitae
- One‑page motivation letter (why you are suitable)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Certified academic record
- Certified qualification certificate
Ensure all files are clear, legible and not password‑protected.
- Write the correct email subject line for the position you want, for example:
- MQA2026‑RIMS | John Doe
- MQA2026‑CFERI | John Doe
- MQA2026‑FIN | John Doe
- MQA2026‑PGA | John Doe
- MQA2026‑LAB | John Doe
- Compose a brief email to tshepo.sebesho@smu.ac.za. Attach all PDF documents and include the subject line exactly as shown.
- If you are applying for more than one internship, send a separate email for each position.
- Send your application before 16:00 on 06 November 2026.
Tips to improve your chances
- Tailor your motivation letter to the specific internship – mention relevant coursework or projects.
- Proofread your CV for spelling and formatting errors.
- Ensure every document is certified and legible; blurry scans are rejected.
- Submit early – applications received close to the deadline are more likely to be missed.
- Prepare for an interview by reviewing basic concepts of the chosen field (e.g., research data handling, basic finance, laboratory safety).
Next steps
This internship can be the first step toward a career in health sciences, business development or finance. Gather your documents, follow the application steps, and submit before the deadline. If you do not hear back within 30 days after the closing date, consider the application unsuccessful and keep looking for other opportunities.
Click here to apply for Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Internships 2026 / 2027
