The National Department of Health has officially opened applications for its 2026–2028 Graduate Internship Programme, offering unemployed South African graduates an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience within government over a 24-month period.
For many graduates, completing a qualification is only the beginning. One of the biggest challenges afterward is finding work experience. This internship programme aims to help bridge that gap by providing workplace exposure, professional development, and administrative experience across several departments within the public service.
Programme Information
- Duration: 24 months
- Location: Pretoria
- Monthly Stipend: R8 174.78 Per Month
- Programme Type: Graduate Internship
- Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 plus relevant Diploma or Degree
Why Government Internships Matter
One of the biggest barriers facing South African graduates is the lack of workplace experience required by employers.
Government internship programmes help graduates by:
- providing practical workplace exposure
- improving employability
- helping graduates build professional confidence
- exposing candidates to government systems
- creating networking opportunities
- strengthening CVs
- preparing graduates for future permanent employment
The Department of Health specifically states that the programme is intended to improve employability by giving graduates structured workplace experience.
General Requirements
Applicants must:
- be unemployed
- be South African graduates
- have Grade 12 (NQF Level 4)
- hold the required Diploma or Degree qualification
- not have participated in a previous internship programme
- show interest in public service careers
This programme is especially valuable for graduates struggling to secure their first professional opportunity.
Available Internship Opportunities
Human Resources Management and Development Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 30/2026
- Posts Available: 4
- Department: Chief Directorate: Human Resources Management and Development
- Location: Pretoria
Required qualification:
- Human Resources Management
- Human Resources Development
Applicants must hold a Diploma at NQF Level 6.
Organisational Development Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 31/2026
- Posts Available: 1
- Department: Directorate: Human Resources Administration
Accepted qualifications:
- Management Services
- Operations Management
- Production Management
Employment Relations Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 32/2026
- Posts Available: 1
- Department: Directorate: Employment Relations
Required qualification:
- Labour Relations
Financial Management and Accounting Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 33/2026
- Posts Available: 3
- Department: Chief Directorate: Financial Management and Accounting
Accepted qualifications:
- Financial Management
- Accounting
Supply Chain Management Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 34/2026
- Posts Available: 4
- Department: Chief Directorate: Supply Chain and Assets Management
Accepted qualifications:
- Supply Chain Management
- Logistics
- Public Management
- Purchasing
- Transport Management
Internal Audit Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 35/2026
- Posts Available: 3
- Department: Chief Directorate: Internal Audit or Risk Management
Accepted qualifications:
- Internal Auditing
- Risk Management
Information Communication and Technology Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 36/2026
- Posts Available: 4
- Department: Chief Directorate: Information Communication and Technology
Accepted qualifications:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
Communication Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 37/2026
- Posts Available: 2
- Department: Chief Directorate: Communication and Stakeholder Management
Accepted qualifications:
- Journalism
- Marketing and Communication
- Communication
Legal Services Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 38/2026
- Posts Available: 3
- Department: Chief Directorate: Legal Services and Parliamentary Affairs
Required qualification:
- LLB Degree in Law
Office of the Director-General Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 39/2026
- Posts Available: 2
Accepted qualifications:
- Management
- Business Management
- Administration
- Public Management
- Office Management
Strategic Planning Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 40/2026
- Posts Available: 2
Accepted qualifications:
- Public Management
- Business Management
- Strategic Management
- Administration
Office of the Chief Financial Officer Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 41/2026
- Posts Available: 1
Accepted qualifications:
- Management
- Business Management
- Administration
- Public Management
- Office Management
Skills Graduates May Develop
Depending on placement, successful interns may gain experience in:
- administration
- government systems
- financial management
- communication and stakeholder engagement
- ICT systems
- legal and compliance processes
- strategic planning
- HR and labour relations
- supply chain administration
- policy implementation
These skills may improve future opportunities in both government and private-sector environments.
How to Apply
Applications may be submitted using one of the following methods.
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
Email Applications
Applications may also be emailed to:
Applicants must quote the correct reference number in the email subject line.
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