The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) is now accepting applications for its 2026/2027 Graduate Internship Programme – a timely chance to start a career in health regulation.
What the opportunity is
SAHPRA will offer six paid internships in Pretoria for a period of 12 months. The monthly stipend is R16 666,66. Five posts are in the Health Products Authorisations Unit and one post is in the Inspectorate and Regulatory Compliance Unit.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- South African citizen.
- Unemployed graduate who has never done an internship.
- National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences, Health Sciences or a related field.
- Qualification must be recognised by SAQA and be at NQF Level 6 or 7.
- Applicants with disabilities, from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, or youth are given preference.
What you will gain
- Monthly stipend of R16 666,66.
- Hands‑on experience in regulatory administration, data management, compliance support and stakeholder coordination.
- Exposure to real‑world health product authorisation and inspection processes.
- Valuable CV entry that is recognised across public‑sector and private‑sector organisations.
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Visit the SAHPRA recruitment portal.
- Create an account and log in.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required documents (see below).
- Submit the application before 15 June 2026, 16:00.
Official application link: Apply for the SAHPRA Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027 here
Documents required
- Signed cover letter.
- Updated CV.
- Copy of South African ID.
- Copy of Matric certificate.
- Copies of all qualifications.
- If you studied abroad, a SAQA evaluation certificate.
Only shortlisted candidates will need to provide certified copies.
Tips to improve your chances
- Prepare all documents before you start the online form.
- Proofread your cover letter and CV; avoid spelling errors.
- Highlight any coursework, projects or volunteer work related to health sciences or regulation.
- Explain clearly why you want to work in a public‑sector health regulator.
- Check that foreign qualifications have a valid SAQA evaluation.
- Submit early – technical glitches are less likely before the deadline.
Next steps
Start gathering your documents today. Once you have a polished CV and cover letter, create your SAHPRA portal account and submit your application before the 15 June deadline. Even if competition is high, a well‑prepared application gives you a strong chance to secure this valuable internship and open doors to future employment.
