National Department of Health Graduate. The National Department of Health is inviting unemployed South African graduates to apply for its Graduate Internship Programme 2026 to 2028 in Pretoria, Gauteng. This opportunity is suitable for graduates with qualifications in Microbiology or Biotechnology who want to gain practical work experience in the public health sector.
The internship will run for 24 months and offers a monthly stipend of R8,174.75. A total of five positions are available. Interested applicants should review the requirements and submit their applications before the closing date.
National Department of Health Internship 2026
- Department: National Department of Health
- Programme: Graduate Internship Programme 2026 to 2028
- Position: Intern
- Chief Directorate: Trauma, Violence and EMS
- Reference Number: NDOH 81/2026
- Number of Posts: 5
- Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
- Duration: 24 months
- Monthly Stipend: R8,174.75
- Closing Date: 26 October 2026
Graduate Internship Programme
The National Department of Health Graduate Internship Programme aims to help unemployed graduates develop workplace skills and gain practical experience. The programme provides exposure to public service activities, including laboratory regulation, research support, and biosafety management.
Applicants must be unemployed and must not have previously participated in an internship programme. This opportunity can help eligible graduates prepare for future careers in public health administration and laboratory-related fields.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the National Department of Health internships, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have a Grade 12 certificate.
- Hold a National Diploma or degree at NQF Level 6 in Microbiology or Biotechnology.
- Be unemployed.
- Have no previous internship programme experience.
- Possess good written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
- Have scientific analytical abilities.
- Be computer literate.
Applicants should ensure that their qualifications and personal details meet the stated requirements before submitting their applications.
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful candidates will assist the department with several technical and administrative activities. These include coordinating import and export permits according to relevant regulations, auditing microbiology laboratories, and monitoring biosafety and biosecurity requirements.
Interns may also support the registration and auditing of tissue banks and stem cell banks. Other responsibilities include responding to enquiries from the clinical trial industry, assisting with health research enquiries, supporting postgraduate health sciences students, and handling enquiries related to tissue and stem cell banks.
These duties will give interns practical exposure to public health regulation and laboratory compliance.
How to Apply
Applicants can submit their applications by post, hand delivery, or email.
Email applications: Send your application to [email protected]. Use NDOH 81/2026 as the email subject line.
Postal applications:
The Director-General
National Department of Health
Private Bag X399
Pretoria
0001
Hand delivery:
Reception, Brown Application Box
Dr AB Xuma Building
1112 Voortrekker Road
Pretoria Townlands 351-JR
Pretoria
For attention: Ms M Shitiba
For enquiries, contact M Kgasi on (012) 395 9029.
Employment Equity
Appointments will consider employment equity, including race, gender, and disability, in line with the department’s Employment Equity Plan.
Closing Date
The closing date for the National Department of Health Graduate Internships 2026 is 26 October 2026. Applicants should submit their applications early and ensure they quote the correct reference number.
Conclusion
Eligible graduates interested in Microbiology, Biotechnology, and public health regulation should review the requirements carefully before applying.
