Health and Welfare SETA (HWSETA) Invites Suitable Graduates to Apply for Their 2026 Graduate Internship Programme
Closing date for applications: 31 January 2026
Why This Internship Is a Great Chance for You
If you studied Development Studies, Population Studies, Demography, or Statistics in South Africa and love working with data, research, and policy, HWSETA’s 12‑month paid internship could be the stepping‑stone you need. Based in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, the programme offers a competitive annual stipend of R146 311,80 and gives you hands‑on experience in the public‑sector health and welfare field.
Two roles are available:
- Research Intern – help scientists collect, clean, and analyse data and write reports.
- Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Intern – track how well programmes perform, analyse outcomes, and write M&E reports.
Both positions welcome applicants with disabilities – HWSETA is committed to inclusive skills development.
Quick Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Health and Welfare SETA (HWSETA) |
| Programme | Graduate Internship Programme 2026 |
| Fields | Research & Monitoring & Evaluation |
| Eligible Disciplines | Development Studies, Population Studies, Demography, Statistics (or closely related) |
| Location | Bedfordview, Johannesburg (Eastern Suburbs) |
| Stipend | R146 311,80 per year (12 months) |
Internship 1: Research Intern – What You’ll Do
As a Research Intern, you’ll work closely with HWSETA researchers on projects that shape health and welfare policy.
Typical Tasks
- Help with sector research projects and write up findings.
- Collect, tidy, and analyse both numbers and interview data.
- Do literature reviews and scan current policies.
- Support the creation of research reports and skill‑plan documents.
- Translate data into charts and presentations for meetings.
- Keep research databases organised and up to date.
You’ll sharpen your technical research skills, plus improve writing and analytical thinking.
Internship 2: Monitoring & Evaluation Intern – What You’ll Do
This role focuses on measuring how well programmes are working and why.
Typical Tasks
- Build and maintain M&E frameworks.
- Track performance indicators and check data quality.
- Analyse programme data to spot trends and gaps.
- Prepare clear M&E reports for funders and partners.
- Verify evidence submitted by projects.
- Use dashboards to share progress and suggest improvements.
M&E is a hot skill in government, NGOs, and international agencies, so this internship can open many doors.
Minimum Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | Honours degree in Development Studies, Population Studies, Demography, Statistics, or a closely related field. |
| Skills | • Strong analytical and research abilities. • Good writing and speaking. • Basic knowledge of research methods or statistics. • Comfortable working with data tools (Excel, SPSS, STATA). • Interest in public‑sector development. |
| Disability | Interns with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. |
No formal work experience is required, but any research exposure will help.
Where You’ll Work
- Office: HWSETA headquarters in Bedfordview, Johannesburg.
- Environment: On‑site office with experienced researchers, analysts, and programme managers.
- Duration: 12‑month fixed term.
How to Apply
- Visit the official HWSETA vacancies page.
- Click Apply for the HWSETA Graduate Internship Programme 2026 here.
- Complete the online application before 31 January 2026.
Apply for the HWSETA Graduate Internship Programme 2026 here
Getting Ready for Success
What You Should Do Before Applying
- Update your CV with any research projects, data analysis work, or surveys you’ve done.
- Highlight any statistics or research methods you know.
- Write a short statement explaining why you’re excited about research or M&E.
Helpful Resources
- CV Builder – make your CV look professional.
- Internship Readiness Checklist – ensure you’ve covered everything.
- Interview Preparation Guide – practice common questions.
(These tools are available on most job‑search platforms.)
What Happens After the Internship
Many interns move into permanent roles such as:
- Research Assistant / Officer
- Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
- Policy Analyst
- Programme Officer (Health or Development)
- Labour Market Analyst
- Junior Statistician or Data Analyst
- Postgraduate Researcher (Master’s or PhD)
Some go on to work in public sector, NGOs, universities, or consulting firms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the stipend?
R146 311,80 per annum for 12 months.Is this open to diploma holders?
No – you need a completed Honours degree.Can people with disabilities apply?
Yes, interns with disabilities are encouraged to apply.Is the internship renewable or permanent?
It is a fixed‑term 12‑month internship, but the experience boosts future job prospects.Do I need prior work experience?
No formal experience is required, but research exposure is a plus.Where will I work?
Bedfordview, Johannesburg (Eastern Suburbs).When is the closing date?
31 January 2026.
Important Notes
- Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a spot.
- HWSETA may verify your qualifications.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- The internship does not guarantee a permanent job.
Make sure all the information you give is accurate and honest before you submit.
Verified / Low Risk
- Organisation: Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA)
- Source: Official SETA/Government website
- Apply via: Online portal
- Reference: JHB000214 & JHB000215
Disclaimer: This is a risk assessment, not a legal guarantee. Always double‑check official sources before sharing personal details or making payments.
