If you are an unemployed South African graduate, the National Department of Health has opened applications for its 2026–2028 Graduate Internship Programme. This is a 24-month programme based in Pretoria, and it comes with a monthly stipend of R8 174.78. If you have been struggling to find your first work experience, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.
What Is This Programme?
This is a government graduate internship designed to give unemployed graduates real workplace experience inside a national department. You will work alongside professionals in your field for two years while earning a monthly income.
The programme covers a wide range of fields including Human Resources, Finance, ICT, Communication, Legal Services, Strategic Planning, Supply Chain Management, Internal Audit, and more. All placements are in Pretoria.
One of the hardest things about being a new graduate is that many jobs require experience you have not yet had a chance to get. This programme is specifically designed to help you break through that barrier.
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 |
| Previous Internship | Applicants must not have previously participated in an internship programme |
Who Can Apply?
To be considered, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- You must be unemployed
- You must be a South African citizen and graduate
- You must have passed Grade 12 (NQF 4)
- You must hold a relevant Diploma or Degree qualification
- You must NOT have previously participated in any internship programme
- You must be interested in building a career in the public service
That last point is important. If you have already completed a government or SETA-funded internship before, you will not qualify. Check your history carefully before applying.
Full List of Internship Opportunities
Here are all the available positions under the 2026 programme:
Human Resources Management and Development Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 30/2026
- Posts Available: 4
- Department: Chief Directorate: Human Resources Management and Development
- Location: Pretoria
- Required Qualification: Diploma (NQF 6) in Human Resources Management or Human Resources Development
Organisational Development Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 31/2026
- Posts Available: 1
- Department: Directorate: Human Resources Administration
- Location: Pretoria
- Required Qualification: Management Services, Operations Management, or Production Management
Employment Relations Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 32/2026
- Posts Available: 1
- Department: Directorate: Employment Relations
- Location: Pretoria
Financial Management and Accounting Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 33/2026
- Posts Available: 3
- Department: Chief Directorate: Financial Management and Accounting
- Location: Pretoria
- Required Qualification: Financial Management or Accounting
Supply Chain Management Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 34/2026
- Posts Available: 4
- Department: Chief Directorate: Supply Chain and Assets Management
- Required Qualification: Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Public Management, Purchasing, or Transport Management
Internal Audit Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 35/2026
- Posts Available: 3
- Department: Chief Directorate: Internal Audit or Risk Management
- Required Qualification: Internal Auditing or Risk Management
Information Communication and Technology Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 36/2026
- Posts Available: 4
- Department: Chief Directorate: Information Communication and Technology
- Required Qualification: Computer Science or Information Technology
Communication Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 37/2026
- Posts Available: 2
- Department: Chief Directorate: Communication and Stakeholder Management
- Required Qualification: Journalism, Marketing and Communication, or Communication
Legal Services Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 38/2026
- Posts Available: 3
- Department: Chief Directorate: Legal Services and Parliamentary Affairs
Office of the Director-General Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 39/2026
- Posts Available: 2
- Department: Office of the Director-General
- Required Qualification: Management, Business Management, Administration, Public Management, or Office Management
Strategic Planning Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 40/2026
- Posts Available: 2
- Department: Strategic Planning
- Required Qualification: Public Management, Business Management, Strategic Management, or Administration
Office of the Chief Financial Officer Internship
- Reference Number: NDOH 41/2026
- Posts Available: 1
- Department: Office of the Chief Financial Officer
- Required Qualification: Management, Business Management, Administration, Public Management, or Office Management
What Will You Gain?
Government internships are often underestimated. Many graduates think they are just a gap-filler. In reality, a two-year placement inside a national department can give you a strong foundation for your career.
Depending on your placement, you may gain experience in:
- Public administration and government systems
- Financial management and reporting
- HR and labour relations processes
- ICT systems and support environments
- Communication and stakeholder engagement
- Supply chain and asset management
- Legal and compliance work
- Strategic planning and policy exposure
- Internal audit and risk management
These are skills that employers in both government and the private sector actively look for. You will also earn R8 174.78 per month throughout the programme, which makes this a financially supported learning opportunity.
How to Apply
Follow these steps carefully to make sure your application is complete and correctly submitted:
- Identify the correct post. Find the internship that matches your qualification and note the exact reference number.
- Prepare your documents. Gather the following:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copies of your qualification certificates
- Academic transcript
- Grade 12 certificate
- Submit your application. You can apply in one of three ways:
- By post: The Director-General, National Department of Health, Private Bag X399, Pretoria, 0001
- By hand: Reception (Brown Application Box), Dr AB Xuma Building, 1112 Voortrekker Road, Pretoria Townlands 351-JR
- By email: vacancies@Health.gov.za — quote the reference number in the subject line of your email
How to Improve Your Chances
Competition for government internships in South Africa is very high. Meeting the basic requirements is not enough on its own. Here is what you can do to strengthen your application:
Apply Only for Posts That Match Your Qualification
Do not apply for a post if your qualification is not listed as a requirement. Applications that do not meet the criteria are often rejected before they are even reviewed.
Use the Correct Reference Number
Always write the reference number on your application or in the subject line of your email. A missing or wrong reference number can get your application dismissed. This is one of the most common mistakes applicants make.
Certify Your Documents Before Submitting
Uncertified copies are not accepted. Make sure all copies are certified and clearly readable. Do not send blurry scans or documents with expired certification stamps.
Write a Strong, Focused CV
Many graduates submit generic CVs. Your CV should clearly show your educational background, relevant skills, computer literacy, any volunteer or community work, leadership roles, and short courses you have completed. Even without formal work experience, a well-structured CV can set you apart.
Apply Early
Many applicants wait until the last minute. Early applications reduce the chance of technical errors and give you time to fix any problems before the deadline.
You Can Do This
If you qualify for any of these positions, do not talk yourself out of applying. Many graduates feel uncertain or think their application will not be noticed. The truth is that every complete, well-prepared application has a genuine chance.
Government internships like this one are not just temporary jobs. They can become the foundation of a long and stable career in public service. Even if you are not selected this time, going through the application process teaches you something valuable for the next opportunity.
Start gathering your documents today. Choose the post that matches your qualification. Submit before the deadline. Keep a copy of everything you send.
