Employers keep saying they need experience, but you need a chance to get that experience. The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Graduate Internship Programme 2026 at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) offers exactly that – a paid 24‑month placement that can jump‑start your career.
What the opportunity is
SMU is looking for six interns for a 24‑month contract. Each intern will receive a monthly stipend of R9 000. The internships are spread over five professional fields, with two posts in Finance and one post in each of the other areas.
Who can apply
To be eligible you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be currently unemployed.
- Hold the required qualification for the position you choose (see details below).
- Submit all required documents in PDF format before the deadline.
The advertisement does not set an age limit or require previous internship experience.
Available positions and minimum qualifications
Research Information Management System (RIMS) – 1 post
Minimum qualification: Diploma or Bachelor’s in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related field.
Business Development Officer – 1 post
Minimum qualification: Diploma or Bachelor’s in Business Management, Entrepreneurship or Commerce.
Finance – 2 posts
Minimum qualification: Diploma or Bachelor’s in Finance, Accounting or a related field.
Postgraduate Administration (Pharmacy) – 1 post
Minimum qualification: Diploma or Bachelor’s in Office Management, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field. A Pharmacy degree is not required.
Laboratory Technician – 1 post
Minimum qualification: Honours or Master’s degree in Chemistry. A simple Bachelor’s or Diploma does not meet this requirement.
What you gain
- Paid work experience (R9 000 per month) for two years.
- Hands‑on skills in research administration, business development, financial management, university administration or laboratory work.
- Professional references and real‑world examples to put on your CV.
- Insight into how a public university operates beyond teaching and research.
How to apply – step by step
- Choose the right internship. Match your qualification to one of the five categories above.
- Prepare a CV. Include your contact details, qualifications, relevant modules or projects, and any work, volunteer or internship experience you have.
- Write a one‑page motivational letter. Answer these three questions:
- Why are you applying for this specific internship?
- How does your qualification match the role?
- What can you contribute?
- Gather the required documents (PDF only):
- Curriculum vitae
- Motivational letter
- Certified copy of SA ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Certified copy of academic transcript
- Certified copy of qualification certificate
All files must be clear, legible and not password‑protected.
- Use the correct email subject line. Replace “Name Surname” with your full name.
Internship Required subject line RIMS MQA2026‑RIMS | Name Surname Business Development MQA2026‑CFERI | Name Surname Finance MQA2026‑FIN | Name Surname Postgraduate Administration MQA2026‑PGA | Name Surname Laboratory Technician MQA2026‑LAB | Name Surname - Send your application. Email everything to tshepo.sebesho@smu.ac.za before 16:00 on Friday, 6 November 2026. If you want to apply for more than one post, send a separate email for each, using the matching subject line.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that your qualification exactly matches the listed requirement. For example, the Laboratory Technician role only accepts Honours/Master’s in Chemistry.
- Proofread your CV and letter for spelling or formatting errors. A clean, well‑structured document is easier to read.
- Make sure every attachment opens correctly and is not corrupted.
- Do not leave any required document out – incomplete applications are rejected automatically.
- Submit early. Email servers can be slow, and a late arrival will be disqualified.
Conclusion and next steps
If you meet the eligibility criteria, this internship gives you a real chance to turn your diploma or degree into practical experience. Prepare your documents, follow the steps above, and send your application before the 6 November deadline.
For the official advertisement and to download any forms, visit the university’s support‑positions page: SMU Support Positions.
