Internships

National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Graduate Internship Programme 2026

10 months ago
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by Sifiso Mhlongo
National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Graduate Internship Programme 2026
Written by Sifiso Mhlongo

 

If you’re a young South African graduate looking to launch your career in a real, impactful way, then the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Graduate Internship Programme 2026 might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

The NHLS is opening 35 internship opportunities across several provinces and divisions—including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State/North West, Limpopo/Mpumalanga, Western/Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), and the Corporate Division.

These internships are two-year fixed-term, non-renewable contracts, starting 1 March 2026, designed to give unemployed graduates hands-on experience, mentoring, coaching, and exposure to real workplace challenges.

If you’ve been struggling to find experience after completing your qualification, this opportunity is a genuine career breakthrough.

Quick Overview

Opportunity NHLS Graduate Internship Programme 2026
Organisation National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS)
Contract Type 2-year fixed-term internship
Start Date 1 March 2026
Number of Positions 35 Internships
Stipend As per NHLS stipend structure
Who Can Apply Unemployed SA graduates aged 18–35
Minimum Qualification Diploma / Advanced Diploma / Degree / Honours / Master’s in listed fields
Closing Date 10 December 2025
Application Method Email your documents to the correct regional email

 

 

About the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS)

The NHLS is South Africa’s leading public health laboratory service, supporting the national healthcare system with diagnostic pathology services, disease surveillance, specialized testing, and research.

It is home to some of the country’s most important health institutions, including:

  • NICD (National Institute for Communicable Diseases)
  • NIOH (National Institute for Occupational Health)
  • Training academies and corporate divisions

The organisation plays a crucial role in diagnosing diseases, responding to public health emergencies, and supporting evidence-based healthcare.

For young graduates, training under the NHLS means learning at world-class facilities, contributing to national health priorities, and gaining hard-to-find experience.

Programme Overview

The NHLS Graduate Internship Programme 2026 is designed to equip graduates with practical skills, real workplace exposure, and mentorship from experienced professionals.

Internships will be offered across NHLS divisions and provinces, including:

  • Gauteng
  • KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
  • Limpopo/Mpumalanga
  • Free State/North West
  • Western/Northern Cape
  • Eastern Cape
  • NICD (Gauteng)
  • NIOH (Gauteng)
  • Corporate Division (Gauteng)

During the two-year internship, graduates will receive:

  • On-the-job training
  • Mentorship and coaching
  • Technical and administrative experience
  • Professional skill development
  • A monthly stipend (according to NHLS salary structure)

Accommodation and transport are not provided.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be unemployed South African citizens, aged 18–35 years
  • Have completed an NQF 6–8 qualification (Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree, Honours, or Master’s)
  • Hold a qualification relevant to the position applied for
  • Not have participated in a previous internship within the Public Service
  • Possess strong communication skills in English
  • Demonstrate computer literacy
  • A driver’s licence is advantageous

Essential Skills & Attributes:

  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Positive attitude, reliability, and self-discipline
  • Responsibility and results orientation
  • Emotional intelligence and resilience
  • Strong organisational and interpersonal skills
  • Technical and functional competence

 

 

Available Internship Positions (By Region & Division)

 

  1. NIOH – National Institute for Occupational Health (Gauteng)

Available Positions:

Department Ref No. Posts Minimum Qualification
Information Technology NIOH-IT-001-12/25 1 Diploma/Advanced Diploma/BBA/BCom in IT, Computer Science, Software Engineering, IS, Computer Engineering
Finance NIOH-FIN-001-12/25 1 Diploma/National Diploma/BCom/BBA in Financial Management, Accounting, Finance
Human Resources NIOH-HR-001-12/25 1 Diploma/Advanced Diploma/BTech/BCom/BA in HRM/Development/Industrial Psychology

 

  1. Western & Northern Cape Region

Positions:

Department Ref No. Posts
Human Resource WCNC-HR-001-12/25 2

 

  1. Limpopo/Mpumalanga Region

Positions:

Department Ref No. Posts
Human Resource LIMP-HR-001-12/25 2

 

  1. NICD – National Institute for Communicable Diseases (Gauteng)

Positions:

Department Ref No. Posts
NICD-IT Department NICD-IT-001-12/25 1

 

 

  1. KwaZulu-Natal Region

  • Email: kznrecruitment@nhls.ac.za
  • Contacts: Mr Shaun Govender / Ms Promise Mncube / Mr Calvin Naidoo / Ms Stacey Wilkins
  • Tel: 031 327 6768

Positions:

Department Ref No. Posts
Finance (Procurement) KZN-FIN-001-12/25 1
Human Resource KZN-HR-001-12/25 2

 

  1. Free State & North West Region

Positions:

Department Ref No. Posts
Procurement FSNW-PROC-001-12/25 1
Finance FSNW-FIN-001-12/25 1

 

  1. Gauteng Region

Positions:

Department Ref No. Posts
Finance (Procurement) GAU-FIN-001-12/25 1
Office of Area Manager GAU-AM-001-12/25 1
Human Resource GAU-HR-001-12/25 2

 

  1. Eastern Cape Region

  • Email: Ecrecruitment@nhls.ac.za
  • Contacts: Ms Lindokuhle Mbele / Ms Phumzile Mbilini / Mr Funda Nobatyi
  • Tel: 047 502 4192 / 041 395 6162

Positions:

Department Ref No. Posts
Infrastructure EC-INFR-001-12/25 1
Human Resource & Learning Academy EC-HR-001-12/25 1
Logistics EC-LOG-001-12/25 1
Procurement/SCM EC-PROC-001-12/25 1

 

  1. Corporate Division (Gauteng)

Positions:

Department Ref No. Posts
Communications (Graphic Design) CORP-COMM1-001-12/25 1
Communications (Web Design) CORP-COMM2-001-12/25 1
Human Resources CORP-HR-001-12/25 1
ER Department CORP-IR-001-12/25 1
IT Developers CORP-ITD-001-12/25 2
Risk & Internal Audit CORP-RI-001-12/25 4

 

 

Required Application Documents

Your application must include:

  1. A comprehensive CV (with dates of qualifications & experience)
  2. Certified copies of your ID, qualifications, driver’s licence (if applicable)
  3. Certification must be valid at submission

How to Apply

When applying:

  • Use the correct email for the region/division
  • Clearly state the position title + REF number in the subject line
  • Submit all documents—incomplete applications are NOT considered
  • Apply before 10 December 2025

 

Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application

Edupstairs Advice

  • Apply early—do not wait for the last day
  • Make sure your documents are certified and readable
  • Tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills
  • Use a professional email subject line, e.g.:
    NHLS Internship Application – REF: GAU-HR-001-12/25 – Human Resource
  • Follow up politely if you don’t receive an acknowledgement

And most importantly: Don’t doubt yourself. Opportunities like this change lives.

Career Growth Path After This Internship

Completing an NHLS internship opens several professional doors:

  • Permanent roles within NHLS divisions
  • Entry-level positions in government health departments
  • Opportunities at hospitals, clinics, research institutions
  • Roles in HR, IT, Finance, Logistics, Supply Chain, Risk & Audit
  • Pathways into postgraduate studies, laboratory training, or specialised fields

Many former interns secure employment in the public sector due to the credibility and experience gained.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Is work experience required?

No. This programme is specifically for unemployed graduates with limited or no experience.

  1. Can I apply for more than one region?

Yes—but submit separate applications to each region’s email.

  1. What is the stipend amount?

As per NHLS policy (exact amount not listed in the advert).

  1. Can I apply if I already completed an internship elsewhere?

Not if the internship was within the public service.

  1. Can I apply without a driver’s licence?

Yes. A licence is only advantageous, not compulsory.

CLOSING DATE: 10 DECEMBER 2025

You can also:

Disclaimers

  • Edupstairs is not the official NHLS recruiter.
  • Always verify information through official NHLS channels.
  • Edupstairs does not charge any fees—applications are FREE.
  • Do not send documents via WhatsApp or Facebook groups claiming to represent NHLS.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE

 

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About the author

Sifiso Mhlongo

Sifiso Mhlongo is the Founder and Editor of Edupstairs, one of South Africa's leading online platforms for education, careers, and employment opportunities. Passionate about empowering young people, he is dedicated to making learnerships, internships, bursaries, graduate programmes, and job opportunities more accessible through clear, practical, and trustworthy content.

With a background in education and digital publishing, Sifiso leads Edupstairs' editorial strategy, ensuring every article is accurate, relevant, and designed to help South Africans make informed career decisions.
Contact: sifisomhlongo@edupstairs.org

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