Department of Health Graduate Internship Programme: 24 Months
Location: Pretoria
Closing Date: 26 October 2026
The National Department of Health invites unemployed graduates who seek practical work experience and who are interested in the Public Service career to apply for internship (an occupationally based work experience opportunity) in the occupation mentioned below for a minimum of twenty-four (24) months.
The applicants must not have been exposed or have participated in an internship programme. The Department aims to enhance the employability of unemployed graduate as potential employees through this internship programme.
Requirements
A Grade 12 certificate, National Diploma or degree (NQF 6) in Microbiology / Biotechnology. Good communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, attention to detail, scientific analytic in relation to Chapter 8 Regulations and Applications, and computer literacy skills.
Duties
Coordinate the import and export permit programme as per Regulations No. R. 181. Audit Microbiology laboratories for registration with the Department of Health and monitoring them on biosafety and biosecurity as per Regulations No. R. 178. Register and conduct audit of Tissue Banks and Stem Cell Banks
as per Regulations R. 182. And Regulations No. R. 183 respectively. Respond to queries from clinical trial industry, Health Research, post graduate student in health sciences, tissue banks and stem cell banks.
Notes to Applicants
All shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One must be a practical exercise, and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. Selection panels shall score both
technical exercises as an additional criterion in the interview process. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview. Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment batteries. Assessment for core competencies outlined in the SMS Handbook shall be conducted within one month of the appointment of candidate.
Applications should be submitted on the new Z83 form obtainable from any Public Service department and should be accompanied by a CV only (previous experience must be comprehensively detailed). The Z83 must be fully completed (in line with DPSA Practice note), failure to comply will automatically disqualify the applicant. Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualification and other relevant documents on application. Certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents will be requested prior to the final selection phase. Applications should be on one PDF format (If emailed).
Applications received after the closing date and those that do not comply with the requirements will not be considered. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications and national certificates (where applicable) evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Please note by responding to the advertisement, you consent to the collection, processing, and storing of your Personal Information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) Your information will be used solely for the purpose of this promotion and will not be shared with third parties without prior consent unless required by law.
The Department reserves the right not to fill the posts. The successful candidate will be subjected to personnel suitability checks and other vetting procedures. Applicants are respectfully informed that
correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. If notification of an interview is not received within three (3) months after the closing date, candidates may regard their application as unsuccessful. The Department will not be liable where applicants use incorrect/no reference number(s) on their applications.
About The Department of Health South Africa
The Department of Health (DoH) is South Africa’s national government department responsible for leading the country’s public health system. Its mandate comes from the National Health Act of 2003, which requires the department to create a structured and uniform health system and define the responsibilities of national, provincial and local government in delivering health services. The department’s vision is “a long and healthy life for all South Africans”.
The national department focuses mainly on policy development, legislation, national norms and standards, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and support to provincial health departments. Provincial departments are responsible for the day-to-day delivery of healthcare services through hospitals, clinics, community health centres, emergency medical services and district health services. The department’s priorities include preventing illness, promoting healthy lifestyles, improving access to care and strengthening the quality, efficiency and sustainability of the health system.
The Department of Health plays a key role in South Africa’s response to major health challenges, including HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, maternal and child health, mental health, non-communicable diseases and public-health emergencies. It supports programmes such as antiretroviral treatment, HIV prevention, TB prevention and treatment, immunisation, nutrition, maternal care and chronic medication distribution. One of its well-known initiatives is the Central Chronic Medication Dispensing and Distribution programme, also called “Dablap Meds,” which helps stable chronic patients collect repeat medication more conveniently.
The department is also responsible for advancing universal health coverage through National Health Insurance (NHI). NHI is intended to pool funds so that all South Africans can access quality health services based on their health needs, rather than their ability to pay. The department’s work also includes strengthening health infrastructure, developing the health workforce, supporting tertiary hospitals, regulating health products through related entities and improving digital health systems.
HOW TO APPLY
The Director-General, National Department of Health, Private Bag X399, Pretoria, 0001. Hand delivered application may be submitted at Reception (Brown Application Box), Dr AB Xuma Building, 1112 Voortrekker Rd, Pretoria Townlands 351-JR or should be forwarded to recruitment@health.gov.za quoting the reference number on the subject e-mail.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION and go to page 30 and 31 for this particular opportunity.
Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) Circular 36 of 2026: Government Jobs