National Department of Health Internships 2026 - 2028: 5 Posts Offering R8,174.75 Monthly

Who can apply

• If you have a Microbiology or Biotechnology qualification, the National Department of Health Internships 2026–2028 could give you 24 months of practical experience. Checking the official notice revealed a requirement worth knowing immediately: emailed submissions must contain the new Z83 and CV combined into one PDF, not separate attachments.
• No. The Department initially requires a completed new Z83 form and comprehensive CV. Certified supporting documents will be requested later from candidates progressing through the selection process.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to National Department Health - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

If you have a Microbiology or Biotechnology qualification, the National Department of Health Internships 2026 - 2028 could give you 24 months of practical experience. Checking the official notice revealed a requirement worth knowing immediately: emailed submissions must contain the new Z83 and CV combined into one PDF, not separate attachments.

The National Department of Health is recruiting five unemployed graduates for its 2026 - 2028 Graduate Internship Programme in Pretoria, Gauteng.

Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend of R8,174.75 while gaining experience in public health regulation, microbiology laboratory oversight, biosafety and biotechnology-related compliance.

However, this programme is not open to every graduate. You must hold the specified scientific qualification and must not have previously participated in an internship programme.

Closing Date: 26 October 2026.

What Does the National Department of Health Internship Programme 2026 - 2028 Offer?

The programme provides occupational workplace experience for unemployed graduates who want to develop their careers in public service.

Unlike general administration internships, these five positions specifically focus on scientific regulation and health-related compliance activities.

• Organisation: National Department of Health
• Programme: Graduate Internship Programme 2026 - 2028
• Total Positions: 5
• Post Number: 36/39
• Reference Number: NDOH 81/2026
• Directorate: Chief Directorate: Trauma, Violence and EMS
• Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
• Duration: 24 months
• Monthly Stipend: R8,174.75
• Education: Grade 12 and a relevant National Diploma or Degree in Microbiology or Biotechnology, with NQF Level 6 specified
• Previous Internship: No previous participation permitted
• Submission Methods: Email, post or hand delivery
• Closing Date: 26 October 2026

Important: These positions require tertiary education in Microbiology or Biotechnology. Matric alone does not meet the entry requirements.

Who Qualifies for the National Department of Health Graduate Internships?

The Department is looking for unemployed graduates who want to gain practical scientific and regulatory experience.

According to the government notice, candidates must meet these requirements:

• Be an unemployed graduate.
• Have completed Grade 12.
• Hold the specified tertiary qualification in Microbiology or Biotechnology.
• Have no previous internship programme participation.
• Demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills.
• Have good interpersonal skills.
• Pay attention to detail.
• Have computer literacy skills.
• Demonstrate scientific analytical ability relevant to the regulations involved.

The Department does not list previous professional employment as a compulsory requirement. However, it specifically restricts participation by graduates who have already been exposed to an internship programme.

Can You Join With a National Diploma?

Yes. The official notice includes a National Diploma in Microbiology or Biotechnology among the qualifying educational pathways, subject to its stated NQF requirement.

If your qualification has a different title, confirm its suitability with the Department rather than assuming that all Life Sciences qualifications are accepted.

Can You Join With a University Degree?

The notice also mentions a degree in Microbiology or Biotechnology, alongside an NQF Level 6 requirement.

Because bachelor’s degrees are commonly registered at NQF Level 7, graduates should clarify how the Department interprets the qualification level in this particular notice.

You can read our guide to NQF levels in South Africa if you are unsure how your qualification is classified.

Is There an Age Limit for These Internships?

The specific internship notice does not state a numerical age limit.

However, you must meet the Department’s qualification and previous-internship conditions. Contact its recruitment team if you need clarification about your eligibility.

What Will You Actually Do During the Department of Health Internship?

The official notice identifies duties involving the regulation and monitoring of scientific facilities and biological materials.

This means the programme is different from an ordinary hospital internship or a position focused mainly on laboratory experiments.

The advertised responsibilities centre on laboratory oversight, regulatory compliance, permit coordination and specialised public health administration.

1. Microbiology Laboratory Audits

Successful interns will participate in activities connected to the registration and auditing of microbiology laboratories.

These activities include monitoring laboratory compliance with biosafety and biosecurity requirements under Regulation R.178.

This exposure could help graduates understand how laboratory operations are assessed against relevant public health requirements.

2. Import and Export Permit Coordination

The Department also identifies coordination of import and export permits under Regulation R.181 as part of the internship duties.

Participants may gain experience with regulatory documentation, administrative processes and the procedures governing certain biological materials.

3. Tissue Bank and Stem Cell Bank Oversight

The internship includes registration and auditing activities involving tissue banks and stem cell banks.

The notice refers to Regulations R.182 and R.183 in connection with these responsibilities.

For a Biotechnology or Microbiology graduate, this could provide an introduction to specialised areas of public health regulation.

4. Responding to Scientific and Regulatory Enquiries

Interns may also deal with enquiries from organisations and individuals involved in scientific and health-related work.

These include:

• Clinical trial organisations
• Health research stakeholders
• Postgraduate health sciences students
• Tissue banks
• Stem cell banks

These responsibilities require clear communication, accurate information handling and an understanding of the relevant regulations.

How Much Will You Receive During the 24-Month Health Internship?

The National Department of Health lists a stipend of R8,174.75 per month for the five internship positions.

The programme runs for a minimum of 24 months, giving participants an opportunity to gain sustained workplace experience.

However, the official notice does not guarantee additional benefits such as transport, accommodation or permanent employment after completion.

Before accepting a position, confirm the payment schedule, working arrangements and contract conditions with the Department.

What Documents Do You Need for the National Department of Health Internships?

The government notice makes an important distinction between documents required at the initial submission stage and documents requested later.

You initially need only two documents:

• A fully completed new Z83 form.
• A comprehensive and updated CV.

The Department specifically states that copies of qualifications and other supporting documents are not required during the initial submission stage.

Certified supporting documents will be requested later, before final selection.

Where Can You Get the New Z83 Form?

You must use the prescribed government Z83 form and complete all required sections accurately.

Download the Official New Z83 Form - DPSA

Check your personal details, reference number, qualifications and signature before submitting the form.

How Should You Prepare Your CV for a Scientific Internship?

Your CV should explain how your academic background connects to the internship duties.

For example, you can highlight relevant university projects, laboratory practicals, research assignments and documented technical skills.

Useful areas to describe may include:

• Microbiology laboratory practicals
• Biotechnology research projects
• Laboratory safety knowledge
• Scientific report writing
• Data recording and analysis
• Computer and spreadsheet skills

Only include skills and practical activities that you have genuinely completed. Do not describe a university practical as professional employment if it was part of your academic studies.

How Can You Submit Your Details for the Department of Health Internship Programme?

The Department provides three official submission methods: email, post and hand delivery.

Whichever method you choose, use reference number NDOH 81/2026.

Option 1: Submit Your Documents by Email

The official recruitment email address is:

[email protected]

The Department requires the reference number in the email subject line.

Suggested Email Subject: Graduate Internship - NDOH 81/2026

Combine the completed Z83 form and your CV into one PDF document before attaching it to your email.

For example, you can name the combined file NDOH-81-2026-Internship.pdf to keep your documents organised.

Do not attach two separate PDFs when using email. The official notice requires emailed documents to be submitted together in a single PDF file.

Option 2: Submit Your Documents by Post

Postal submissions should be addressed to:

The Director-GeneralNational Department of HealthPrivate Bag X399Pretoria0001

For Attention: Ms M Shitiba

Ensure that your documents reach the Department before the closing date. Posting them before the deadline does not guarantee timely delivery.

Option 3: Hand Deliver Your Documents in Pretoria

If you prefer physical delivery, use the location provided in the official recruitment notice.

Hand Delivery Address:Reception - Brown Application BoxDr AB Xuma Building1112 Voortrekker RoadPretoria Townlands 351-JRPretoria

For Attention: Ms M Shitiba

Include the completed Z83 form and your comprehensive CV, with the correct internship reference number.

What Mistakes Could Prevent Your Submission From Being Considered?

The government notice contains several conditions that can affect whether your documents are accepted for consideration.

Here are the most important mistakes to avoid.

1. Using the Wrong Reference Number

The correct internship reference is NDOH 81/2026.

Do not confuse it with the reference for the separate senior management position included in the same government circular.

2. Sending an Incomplete Z83 Form

The Department requires the new Z83 form to be fully completed.

Missing compulsory information or failing to follow the form instructions can result in disqualification.

3. Forgetting to Combine Your PDF Documents

For email submissions, the Z83 and CV must be combined into one PDF.

Check that both documents are included, readable and in the correct order before sending.

4. Sending Unnecessary Certificates Initially

The Department requests only the Z83 and CV at the initial stage.

Keep certified qualification documents ready for later verification, but follow the specific initial submission instructions.

5. Ignoring Previous Internship Participation

Graduates who have already participated in an internship programme should not assume that they remain eligible.

If your previous workplace experience involved a learnership, in-service training or another structured programme, ask the Department whether it falls under this restriction.

What Happens After You Submit Your Internship Documents?

The National Department of Health will assess candidates against the published qualifications and selection criteria.

Shortlisted candidates may undergo a practical assessment and an integrity assessment as part of the Department’s recruitment process.

Successful candidates will also be subject to personnel suitability checks and other relevant verification procedures.

The Department may request certified qualifications and other relevant documents before final selection.

Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates.

If you do not receive an interview notification within three months after the closing date, the Department advises that you may regard your submission as unsuccessful.

How Could This Internship Support Your Microbiology or Biotechnology Career?

The programme could help bridge the gap between academic scientific knowledge and professional responsibilities in a government regulatory environment.

University practicals introduce scientific techniques, but regulatory work also involves documentation, legal requirements, inspections and communication with stakeholders.

Depending on the experience gained, the internship may provide useful exposure for future career development in:

• Microbiology laboratory compliance
• Biosafety and biosecurity
• Scientific administration
• Health research regulation
• Biotechnology compliance
• Laboratory quality assurance
• Public health regulatory affairs

These are possible career directions, not guaranteed positions after the internship.

The Department does not promise permanent employment after the 24-month programme.

When Is the National Department of Health Internship Closing Date?

The official closing date is Monday, 26 October 2026.

The government notice does not specify a separate closing time for these internship submissions.

To avoid last-minute problems, submit your completed documents ahead of the deadline.

Late submissions and those that do not meet the stated administrative requirements will not be considered.

Who Can You Contact About the National Department of Health Internships?

If you need clarification about your qualification, previous internship experience or programme responsibilities, contact the official enquiry representative.

Contact Person: M Kgasi

Telephone: 012 395 9029

Recruitment Email: [email protected]

Reference Number: NDOH 81/2026

Read the full official government notice before completing your submission:

Download the National Department of Health Internship Notice - DPSA Circular 36 of 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About the Department of Health Internships 2026 - 2028

1. Can You Join the National Department of Health Internship With Matric Only?

No. You must hold Grade 12 together with the specified tertiary qualification in Microbiology or Biotechnology.

2. How Much Is the Department of Health Internship Stipend?

The advertised monthly stipend is R8,174.75. The internship runs for a minimum of 24 months.

3. Can You Join if You Have Already Completed an Internship?

The programme excludes graduates who have previously been exposed to or participated in an internship programme. Contact the Department if you need clarification about previous training.

4. Do You Need Certified Qualifications During the Initial Submission?

No. The Department initially requires a completed new Z83 form and comprehensive CV. Certified supporting documents will be requested later from candidates progressing through the selection process.

5. What Is the Closing Date for the National Department of Health Internships 2026?

The closing date is 26 October 2026. Candidates should use reference NDOH 81/2026 when submitting their documents.

The Bottom Line

The National Department of Health Graduate Internship Programme 2026 - 2028 offers five positions in Pretoria for unemployed graduates with relevant Microbiology or Biotechnology qualifications.

Successful candidates will receive R8,174.75 per month while gaining 24 months of experience in scientific regulation and public health administration.

Before submitting your documents, check your qualification, confirm that you meet the previous-internship condition and use reference number NDOH 81/2026.

Closing Date: 26 October 2026.

Official Recruitment Email: [email protected]

Official Programme Notice: National Department of Health Graduate Internships 2026 - 2028

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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