The National Department of Health has officially opened applications for its 2026–2028 Graduate Internship Programme, giving unemployed South African graduates an opportunity to gain practical work experience in government for a period of 24 months.
For many graduates, getting a qualification is only the first step. The biggest challenge usually comes afterward: finding work experience. The National Department of Health internship programme is designed to help bridge that gap by allowing graduates to work in different departments within the public service while earning a monthly stipend.
The programme covers several fields including Human Resources, Finance, ICT, Communication, Legal Services, Strategic Planning, Supply Chain Management and more. Successful applicants will be placed in Pretoria and will receive a monthly stipend of R8 174.78.
This internship programme can become an important stepping stone for graduates who want to build careers within government departments, state institutions, administration, finance, communication, legal services, and public sector management.
Quick Overview
| Programme | National Department of Health Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028 |
| Duration | 24 Months |
| Location | Pretoria |
| Monthly Stipend | R8 174.78 |
| Employer | National Department of Health |
| Programme Type | Graduate Internship |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 plus relevant Diploma or Degree |
| Fields Available | HR, Finance, ICT, Communication, Legal Services, SCM, Internal Audit and more |
| Number of Posts | Multiple |
| Target Group | Unemployed South African graduates |
| Work Experience Required | None |
| Internship Exposure | Applicants must not have previously participated in an internship programme |
Why These Internships are Important
One of the biggest challenges facing South African graduates is the “experience barrier.” Many employers require experience even for entry-level positions.
Government internship programmes are important because they:
- Give graduates workplace exposure
- Help young people build professional confidence
- Improve CVs and employability
- Allow graduates to learn government systems
- Create networking opportunities
- Open doors for future permanent employment
The National Department of Health specifically states that the programme aims to “enhance the employability of unemployed graduates as potential employees through this internship programme.”
Important Internship Requirements
Applicants must meet the following general requirements:
- Must be unemployed
- Must be a South African graduate
- Must have Grade 12 (NQF 4)
- Must hold the required Diploma or Degree qualification
- Must not have previously participated in an internship programme
- Must be interested in public service careers
This is particularly important for graduates who have been struggling to secure their first professional opportunity after completing their studies.
Full List of Internship Opportunities and Reference Numbers
Below is the complete list of internship opportunities currently available under the National Department of Health Graduate Internship Programme 2026.
Human Resources Management and Development Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 30/2026
Number of Posts: X4 Posts
Department: Chief Directorate: Human Resources Management and Development
Location: Pretoria
Monthly Stipend: R8 174.78
Required Qualification:
- Diploma (NQF 6) in:
- Human Resources Management
- Human Resources Development
Organisational Development Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 31/2026
Number of Posts: X1 Post
Department: Directorate: Human Resources Administration
Location: Pretoria
Required Qualification:
- Management Services
- Operations Management
- Production Management
Employment Relations Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 32/2026
Number of Posts: X1 Post
Department: Directorate: Employment Relations
Location: Pretoria
Required Qualification:
- Labour Relations
Financial Management and Accounting Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 33/2026
Number of Posts: X3 Posts
Department: Chief Directorate: Financial Management and Accounting
Location: Pretoria
Required Qualification:
- Financial Management
- Accounting
Supply Chain Management Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 34/2026
Number of Posts: X4 Posts
Department: Chief Directorate: Supply Chain and Assets Management
Required Qualification:
- Supply Chain Management
- Logistics
- Public Management
- Purchasing
- Transport Management
Internal Audit Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 35/2026
Number of Posts: X3 Posts
Department: Chief Directorate: Internal Audit or Risk Management
Required Qualification:
- Internal Auditing
- Risk Management
Information Communication and Technology Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 36/2026
Number of Posts: X4 Posts
Department: Chief Directorate: Information Communication and Technology
Required Qualification:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
Communication Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 37/2026
Number of Posts: X2 Posts
Department: Chief Directorate: Communication and Stakeholder Management
Required Qualification:
- Journalism
- Marketing and Communication
- Communication
Legal Services Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 38/2026
Number of Posts: X3 Posts
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
Number of Posts: X2 Posts
Department: Office of the Director-General
Required Qualification:
- Management
- Business Management
- Administration
- Public Management
- Office Management
Strategic Planning Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 40/2026
Number of Posts: X2 Posts
Department: Strategic Planning
Required Qualification:
- Public Management
- Business Management
- Strategic Management
- Administration
Office of the Chief Financial Officer Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 41/2026
Number of Posts: X1 Post
Department: Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Required Qualification:
- Management
- Business Management
- Administration
- Public Management
- Office Management
Skills Graduates May Gain During the Internship
Depending on the internship placement, successful candidates may gain:
- Administrative experience
- Public service exposure
- Financial management skills
- Communication and stakeholder engagement experience
- Government policy understanding
- Supply chain administration skills
- ICT systems exposure
- HR and labour relations experience
- Strategic planning exposure
- Legal and compliance understanding
These skills can significantly improve future employment opportunities in both government and private sectors.
How to Apply
Applications should be sent to:
The Director-General, National Department of Health, Private Bag X399, Pretoria, 0001. Hand delivered application may be submitted at Reception (Brown Application Box), Dr AB Xuma Building, 1112 Voortrekker Rd, Pretoria Townlands 351-JR or should be forwarded to vacancies@Health.gov.za quoting the reference number on the subject e-mail.
How to Improve Your Chances of Being Selected
Competition for government internships is usually very high. Here are some important tips:
Match Your Qualification Properly
Apply only for internships that match your qualification exactly. If your qualification does not align with the stated requirements, your application may be rejected automatically.
Include the Correct Reference Number
Always include the correct reference number on your application. Missing or incorrect reference numbers can lead to disqualification.
Prepare Your Documents Carefully
Typical required documents usually include:
- Updated CV
- Certified ID copy
- Certified qualification copies
- Academic transcript
- Grade 12 certificate
Make Your CV Professional
Your CV should clearly show:
- Educational background
- Skills
- Computer literacy
- Volunteer work
- Leadership roles
- Short courses
Even without work experience, a well-organised CV can help you stand out.
Edupstairs Advice
Government internships are not just temporary opportunities. They can become the foundation of a long-term professional career.
If you qualify for any of these National Department of Health internships:
- Apply as early as possible
- Double-check your reference number
- Ensure all certified documents are included
- Submit a clean and professional CV
- Apply for every position that matches your qualification
Many graduates wait too long before applying or submit incomplete applications. Small mistakes can cost you an opportunity.
It is also important to keep copies of all documents and proof of application submission.
For graduates struggling to secure work experience, programmes like these can provide valuable exposure that employers often look for later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who can apply for the National Department of Health internships?
Unemployed South African graduates who meet the qualification requirements and have not previously participated in an internship programme can apply.
- How long is the internship programme?
The internship programme runs for 24 months.
- Where will interns be placed?
Successful candidates will be placed in Pretoria.
- What is the monthly stipend?
Interns will receive R8 174.78 per month.
- Can applicants with no work experience apply?
Yes. The internship is designed for unemployed graduates seeking workplace experience.
- Can someone who already completed another internship apply?
No. The department states that applicants must not have previously participated in an internship programme.
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Applicants should always verify details, application procedures, and closing dates directly with the National Department of Health official advertisement before submitting applications.
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