National Department of Health Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028: A 24-Month Public Service Opportunity for Unemployed Graduates

If you recently completed a diploma or degree and are struggling to get workplace experience, you are not alone. One of the biggest challenges facing South African graduates is gaining practical experience that employers actually recognise.

The National Department of Health has opened applications for its Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028, offering unemployed graduates a chance to gain 24 months of workplace exposure and occupational training in the Public Service sector.

The internship is based in Pretoria and applications close on 01 June 2026.

What Is the National Department of Health Graduate Internship Programme?

This programme is designed to help unemployed graduates build workplace experience while learning how government departments operate.

Participants will receive structured exposure across different functions within the Department while developing administrative, technical, analytical, and operational skills relevant to their qualification areas.

Importantly, the internship aims to improve future employability by providing occupational-based training and practical workplace experience in a real government environment.

Applicants who have previously participated in an internship programme will not be considered.

Internship Duration and Monthly Stipend

Graduates accepted into the programme will receive:

• Duration: 24 Months
• Monthly Stipend: R8 174.78

For many unemployed graduates, a funded internship offers both financial relief and an opportunity to gain experience that strengthens long-term employability.

Available Internship Opportunities

The Department is recruiting graduates across several fields.

Human Resources Management and Development Internship (X4 Posts)

Reference Number: NDOH 30/2026

Required qualification:

• Diploma (NQF 6) in:
  • Human Resources Management
  • Human Resources Development

Organisational Development Internship (X1 Post)

Reference Number: NDOH 31/2026

Required qualification:

• Diploma (NQF 6) in:
  • Management Services
  • Operations Management
  • Production Management

Employment Relations Internship (X1 Post)

Reference Number: NDOH 32/2026

Required qualification:

• Diploma (NQF 6) in:
  • Labour Relations

Financial Management and Accounting Internship (X3 Posts)

Reference Number: NDOH 33/2026

Required qualification:

• Diploma (NQF 6) in:
  • Financial Management
  • Accounting

Supply Chain Management Internship (X4 Posts)

Reference Number: NDOH 34/2026

Required qualification:

• Diploma (NQF 6) in:
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics
  • Public Management
  • Purchasing
  • Transport Management

Internal Audit Internship (X3 Posts)

Reference Number: NDOH 35/2026

Required qualification:

• Diploma (NQF 6) in:
  • Internal Auditing
  • Risk Management

Information Communication and Technology Internship (X4 Posts)

Reference Number: NDOH 36/2026

Required qualification:

• Diploma (NQF 6) in:
  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology

Communication Internship (X2 Posts)

Reference Number: NDOH 37/2026

Required qualification:

• Diploma (NQF 6) in:
  • Journalism
  • Marketing and Communication
  • Communication

Legal Services Internship (X3 Posts)

Reference Number: NDOH 38/2026

Required qualification:

• LLB Degree (NQF 6) in Law

Office of the Director-General Internship (X2 Posts)

Reference Number: NDOH 39/2026

Required qualification:

• Diploma (NQF 6) in:
  • Management
  • Business Management
  • Administration
  • Public Management
  • Office Management
  • Related administration qualification

General Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Be unemployed graduates
• Have Grade 12 (NQF 4)
• Hold the relevant qualification listed for the internship stream
• Not have participated in a previous internship programme
• Be interested in gaining Public Service work experience

The Department also indicated that appointments will support its Employment Equity objectives relating to race, gender, and disability representation.

Why This Internship Matters for Future Employability

Many graduates underestimate the value of Public Service experience.

A government internship can help graduates build transferable skills such as:

• Administrative systems experience
• Professional communication
• Policy and compliance awareness
• Reporting and record management
• Data handling and stakeholder engagement
• Professional workplace discipline

Depending on your stream, this experience may support future careers in:

• Human Resources
• Supply Chain and Logistics
• Finance and Accounting
• ICT Support and Systems
• Public Administration
• Internal Audit and Risk
• Labour Relations
• Communication and Public Affairs
• Legal Administration

Government internship experience can also strengthen future applications for permanent positions in both public and private sectors because employers often value proven workplace exposure.

How to Apply

Applicants can submit applications through multiple channels.

Email Applications

Applications should be emailed to:

Important: Use the correct reference number as the email subject line.

Postal Applications

The Director-General
National Department of Health
Private Bag X399
Pretoria
0001

Hand Delivery

Reception (Brown Application Box)
Dr AB Xuma Building
1112 Voortrekker Road
Pretoria Townlands 351-JR

Enquiries

Attention: Ms M Shitiba

Enquiries contact: Mr A Masilo
Telephone: (012) 395 8669

Important Things Applicants Often Miss

Before applying, double-check these common mistakes:

• Using the wrong reference number
• Submitting incomplete documents
• Sending applications after the deadline
• Applying despite already completing a previous internship programme
• Not tailoring documents to the internship stream

Late or incomplete applications may be disqualified.

The Department also notes that participation in the internship programme does not guarantee permanent employment after completion.

Martine Smith’s Expert Insight

Competition for government internships is often stronger than applicants expect. Here are practical ways to improve your chances.

1. Match Your Qualification Exactly

Government recruitment is highly compliance-driven.

If the advert requests a specific qualification category, ensure your qualification title and supporting documents clearly align with the internship stream.

2. Do Not Ignore the Reference Number

One of the most common disqualifiers is forgetting the correct reference number.

Always double-check the code before submitting, especially for email applications.

3. Build a Professional Graduate CV

Even if you have no formal work experience, include:

• Academic projects
• Leadership roles
• Computer literacy
• Volunteer work
• Communication or research assignments

These help demonstrate workplace readiness.

4. Submit Early

Government systems can become overloaded near deadlines, and document issues often surface late.

Submitting early gives you time to fix mistakes.

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What you can access:

• Career Guides
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• Internships
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• Government Services
• SASSA News & Updates

Wrap-Up & Disclaimer

If you are an unemployed graduate looking for structured workplace exposure and a chance to strengthen your employability, the National Department of Health Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028 could be an important first step.

With a 24-month duration and a monthly stipend of R8 174.78, this opportunity offers practical Public Service experience that may help you build confidence, professional skills, and career momentum.

To stay updated on internships, bursaries, and graduate opportunities, visit Mysetaportal.co.za for application guidance and opportunity tracking.

Disclaimer: Mysetaportal.co.za is an independent information publisher providing education, internship, and career opportunity updates. The platform is not an official government department, recruitment agency, or the National Department of Health. Applicants should verify information directly with the official institution before applying.