The National Department of Health is offering five internship posts paying R8 174.75 per month for twenty-four months. What makes these Department of Health internships unusual is the entry requirement: the advert accepts a Grade 12 certificate as well as a National Diploma or degree.
They appear in DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026, published on 9 October 2026, and close on 26 October 2026.
Who These Department of Health Internships Are For
The Department describes these Department of Health internships plainly: it invites unemployed graduates who seek practical work experience and who are interested in a Public Service career to apply for an occupationally based work experience opportunity of at least twenty-four months. The stated aim is to improve the employability of unemployed graduates as potential employees.
One condition rules many people out. Applicants must not have been exposed to, or previously participated in, an internship programme. If you have already done a government internship, you do not qualify for this one.
Internship: Trauma, Violence and EMS (5 Posts)
- Post number: 36/39
- Reference: NDOH 81/2026
- Positions: 5
- Stipend: R8 174.75 per month
- Duration: 24 months (2026–2028)
- Centre: Pretoria
- Chief Directorate: Trauma, Violence and EMS
- Closing date: 26 October 2026
Requirements
The Department of Health internships list a Grade 12 certificate, or a National Diploma or degree (NQF 6) in Microbiology or Biotechnology. The advert also asks for good written and verbal communication, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, scientific analytic ability in relation to Chapter 8 Regulations and Applications, and computer literacy.
What you would be doing
Coordinating the import and export permit programme as per Regulations No. R. 181. Auditing microbiology laboratories for registration with the Department of Health and monitoring them on biosafety and biosecurity as per Regulations No. R. 178. Registering and conducting audits of Tissue Banks and Stem Cell Banks as per Regulations R. 182 and R. 183 respectively. Responding to queries from the clinical trial industry, Health Research, postgraduate students in health sciences, tissue banks and stem cell banks.
Enquiries: M Kgasi, telephone 012 395 9029.
How to Apply for These Department of Health Internships
Applications go to the Director-General, National Department of Health, Private Bag X399, Pretoria, 0001.
- Hand deliver at Reception, Dr AB Xuma Building, 1112 Voortrekker Street, Pretoria Townlands 351-JR.
- Or email to recruitment@health.gov.za, quoting the reference number in the subject line.
- Check the “For attention” line on the official circular before posting, and address the envelope exactly as printed there.
- Use the new Z83 form, which must be fully completed. Failure to comply will automatically disqualify your application.
- Accompany it with a CV only.
- Submit before 26 October 2026.
Certified copies are not required on application. They are requested only from shortlisted candidates, and must be submitted before or on the day of the interview following communication from HR.
If you are emailing, the Department asks that the application be submitted as one PDF format document. Our guide to the Z83 form explains each section and the mistakes that get applications rejected.
After You Apply for the Department of Health Internships
Shortlisted candidates undertake two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise testing the post’s technical requirements, and an integrity or ethical conduct assessment. Candidates may also undergo psychometric assessment covering cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence and integrity.
Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and it is the applicant’s responsibility to have this done where applicable. Successful candidates are subject to personnel suitability checks and vetting procedures.
Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates. If you are not contacted within three months of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful. The Department notes it will not consider applicants who use incorrect reference numbers.
Before You Apply
Department of Health internships, like all government internships, are advertised free of charge and the Z83 is a free document. Nobody can secure you a placement for a fee — see our guide to spotting job scams.
Also open: four graduate internships in the Northern Cape at the same stipend, closing 16 October. Still need workplace experience for your qualification? See our guide to finding a WIL host employer.
Browse everything currently open on our Jobs page.
Details compiled from DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026, published 9 October 2026. Always confirm against the official circular before applying. We are not the employer and do not receive applications.