The South African National Department of Health is offering a 24-month paid Graduate Internship Programme from 2026 to 2028 in Pretoria, aimed specifically at unemployed graduates holding qualifications in Microbiology or Biotechnology. This internship provides practical experience in public health regulatory functions for scientific graduates who have not previously participated in internship programmes.
About the Internship
This programme focuses on giving recent graduates a workplace opportunity to bridge the gap between academic training and professional experience. Interns will gain hands-on involvement in microbiology laboratory audits, biosafety and biosecurity compliance, managing import and export permit processes related to biological materials, and the regulation of tissue and stem cell banks.
Who Can Apply and Requirements
- Applicants must be South African unemployed graduates who have never been part of a previously registered internship programme.
- Minimum educational qualification: Grade 12 plus a National Diploma or Degree in Microbiology or Biotechnology at NQF Level 6.
- Competencies required include good verbal and written communication skills, strong interpersonal and scientific analytical skills, attention to detail, and computer literacy.
- Applicants must carefully verify that their qualifications match the official academic requirements as outlined in the government vacancy advertisement.
Internship Details
- Number of positions: 5
- Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
- Duration: 24 months
- Monthly stipend: R8,174.75
- Reference number: NDOH 81/2026 (Post Number 36/39)
Role and Responsibilities
Interns will be involved in scientific regulation and administrative functions within the Chief Directorate for Trauma, Violence and EMS. Key duties include:
- Coordinating activities related to import and export permits of biological material under Regulation R.181.
- Auditing microbiology laboratories to ensure compliance with biosafety and biosecurity standards (Regulation R.178).
- Registering and auditing tissue banks and stem cell banks in line with Regulations R.182 and R.183.
- Responding to scientific and regulatory enquiries concerning clinical trials, health research, and biological material regulation.
Application Process
Applicants need to carefully follow the official guidelines to apply. The steps include:
- Download and complete the new Z83 government application form. This form is available through the McNitols website.
- Prepare a comprehensive CV highlighting relevant skills and experience related to microbiology or biotechnology, including academic projects and laboratory practicals.
- Combine the completed Z83 form and CV into a single PDF document for email submissions.
- Submit applications by email, post, or hand delivery before the closing date:
Email: [email protected]
Subject line: Application for Graduate Internship – NDOH 81/2026
Postal address:
The Director-General
National Department of Health
Private Bag X399
Pretoria, 0001
Attention: Ms M Shitiba
Hand delivery address:
Reception – Brown Application Box
Dr AB Xuma Building, 1112 Voortrekker Road
Pretoria Townlands 351-JR
Attention: Ms M Shitiba
Important Dates and Notes
The closing date for applications is 26 October 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Candidates selected for interview will be contacted, while others can consider their applications unsuccessful if no feedback is received within three months after the closing date.
The Department reserves the right not to fill any of the advertised positions. Applicants must ensure their submissions meet all requirements and comply with specified procedures, including correct referencing and document formatting.
Additional Information for Applicants
This programme targets graduates interested in careers within public health and government service. The internship provides experience in scientific regulation and compliance and builds skills that could be valuable in future roles related to microbiology, biotechnology, public health regulation, laboratory services, and research administration.
Applicants unsure whether their prior workplace experience counts as an internship should contact the Department for clarification before applying.
For a detailed list of requirements and official conditions, applicants should review the official National Department of Health vacancy advertisement published in DPSA Circular 36 of 2026.
