NHLS – Graduate Internship Programme 2026
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) invites applications for 35 internship opportunities available within various divisions, regional offices, and specialised institutes across the country. The Graduate Internship Programme, commencing on 01 March 2026, is designed to provide practical exposure, structured learning, and hands-on workplace experience to support graduates in developing technical and professional competence. The programme runs over a two-year fixed-term, non-renewable contract and aims to empower young South Africans with the skills needed to strengthen their career prospects within the health and science sectors.
Position: NHLS Graduate Internship Programme (35 Posts)
Duration: Two-year fixed-term, non-renewable contract (01 March 2026 – 28 February 2028)
Stipend: Monthly stipend paid according to the NHLS stipend structure, based on qualification level
Location: Various NHLS divisions, regional offices, and sites across:
• Gauteng
• KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
• Limpopo/Mpumalanga
• Free State/North West
• Western/Northern Cape
• Eastern Cape
• NICD (Gauteng)
• NIOH (Gauteng)
• Corporate Division (Gauteng)
Closing Date: 05 December 2025
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) invites suitably qualified and unemployed South African graduates aged 18–35 to submit applications for placement in fields aligned to their academic qualifications. Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend determined according to the NHLS stipend structure and will be guided through on-the-job training, mentoring, and coaching throughout the programme. Applications must be submitted to the relevant region or division, with all required documentation included, by the closing date of 05 December 2025.
1. Programme Overview
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is offering 35 internship opportunities on a two-year fixed-term, non-renewable contract. The Graduate Internship Programme will commence on 01 March 2026. Successful applicants will be placed across various NHLS divisions, regional offices, and sites, including:
• Gauteng
• KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
• Limpopo/Mpumalanga
• Free State/North West
• Western/Northern Cape
• Eastern Cape
• NICD (Gauteng)
• NIOH (Gauteng)
• Corporate Division (Gauteng)
2. Programme Details
During the internship period, participants will gain valuable practical experience through on-the-job training, mentoring, and coaching. Graduate Interns will receive a monthly stipend aligned with NHLS stipend rates. Accommodation and transport are not provided.
3. Minimum Requirements
To be considered, applicants must:
• Be unemployed South African citizens aged 18–35 years
• Have completed an Advanced Diploma (NQF 6), Degree, Honours, or Master’s degree in one of the specified disciplines
• Not have previously participated in any Public Service Internship Programme
• Demonstrate excellent English communication skills (written and verbal)
• Possess computer literacy and strong technological skills
• Hold a driver’s licence (advantageous)
Other Essential Skills and Attributes:
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Positive attitude, reliability, and self-discipline
• Responsibility, commitment, and results orientation
• Emotional intelligence and resilience
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Solid technical/functional competence
4. Stipend
The stipend will be determined according to the NHLS stipend structure, based on the relevant qualification level.
5. Application Process
Refer to the tables provided to identify suitable positions.
When applying:
• Use the correct email address for the specific region or division
• Clearly indicate the position title and reference number in the email subject line
• Ensure all submissions are complete and accurate, as incomplete applications will not be considered
Required Application Documents:
- A recent, comprehensive CV detailing qualifications and experience (with dates)
- Certified copies of qualifications, ID, and driver’s licence (if applicable)
- Valid certification at the time of submission
6. Application Contacts
For any enquiries, applicants may contact the HR Officers listed under each respective region or division.
Here is your content rewritten exactly in the style/format you requested, using this structure:
Region:
Number of Posts:
Department:
Reference Number:
Qualification:
CORPORATE DIVISION
Region: Corporate Division (Gauteng)
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Communications
Reference Number: CORP-COMM1-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma in Graphic Arts / Multimedia Design / Communication
Region: Corporate Division (Gauteng)
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Communications
Reference Number: CORP-COMM2-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma or Degree in Web Design / Information Management
Region: Corporate Division (Gauteng)
Number of Posts: 2
Department: Human Resources
Reference Number: CORP-HR-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma / BTech / BCom in Human Resource Management / Development
Region: Corporate Division (Gauteng)
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Information Technology (Microsoft)
Reference Number: CORP-ITM-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma in IT
Region: Corporate Division (Gauteng)
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Information Technology (Networks)
Reference Number: CORP-ITN-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma in IT with Networking
Region: Corporate Division (Gauteng)
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Information Technology (Unix)
Reference Number: CORP-ITU-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma in IT and Linux Certificate
Region: Corporate Division (Gauteng)
Number of Posts: 4
Department: Risk & Internal Audit
Reference Number: CORP-RI-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma / BCom Degree in Internal Auditing
Region: Corporate Division (Gauteng)
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Logistics
Reference Number: CORP-LOG1-001-11/25
Qualification: BCom Honours in Transport Management and Logistics (Warehouse Management)
Region: Corporate Division (Gauteng)
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Logistics
Reference Number: CORP-LOG2-001-11/25
Qualification: BTech Industrial Engineering / Project Management
EASTERN CAPE REGION
Region: Eastern Cape
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Finance
Reference Number: EC-FIN-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma / Degree in Accounting
Region: Eastern Cape
Number of Posts: 2
Department: Human Resource
Reference Number: EC-HR-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma / BTech / BCom in HRM / HRD
Region: Eastern Cape
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Information and Technology
Reference Number: EC-IT-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma / BTech / BA / Degree in Information Technology
FREE STATE & NORTH WEST REGION
Region: Free State & North West
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Procurement
Reference Number: FSNW-PROC-001-11/25
Qualification: BCom or Advanced Diploma in Procurement
GAUTENG REGION
Region: Gauteng
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Finance
Reference Number: GAU-FIN-001-11/25
Qualification: BCom or Advanced Diploma in Procurement
Region: Gauteng
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Office of the Area Manager
Reference Number: GAU-AM-001-11/25
Qualification: BSc Honours in Quantity Surveying / Building Engineering
Region: Gauteng
Number of Posts: 2
Department: Human Resource
Reference Number: GAU-HR-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma in Warehousing / SCM / Logistics Management
KWAZULU-NATAL REGION
Region: KwaZulu-Natal
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Finance
Reference Number: KZN-FIN-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
Region: KwaZulu-Natal
Number of Posts: 2
Department: Human Resource
Reference Number: KZN-HR-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma / BTech / BCom in HRM / HRD
LIMPOPO / MPUMALANGA REGION
Region: Limpopo / Mpumalanga
Number of Posts: 2
Department: Human Resource
Reference Number: LIMP-HR-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma / BTech / BCom in HRM / HRD
Region: Limpopo / Mpumalanga
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Training
Reference Number: LIMP-TRA-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma / BTech / BCom in HRM / HRD
Region: Limpopo / Mpumalanga
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Finance
Reference Number: LIMP-FIN-001-11/25
Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce in Finance
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NICD – GAUTENG)
Region: Gauteng (NICD)
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases
Reference Number: NICD-CEZPD-001-11/25
Qualification: Bachelor of Business Administration
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH (NIOH – GAUTENG)
Region: Gauteng (NIOH)
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Information Technology
Reference Number: NIOH-IT-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma or Degree in Information Technology
Region: Gauteng (NIOH)
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Finance
Reference Number: NIOH-FIN-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma in Purchasing & Supply Chain Management / Accounting Diploma
Region: Gauteng (NIOH)
Number of Posts: 1
Department: Human Resource
Reference Number: NIOH-HR-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma / BTech / BCom in HRM / HRD
WESTERN & NORTHERN CAPE REGION
Region: Western & Northern Cape
Number of Posts: 2
Department: Human Resource
Reference Number: WCNC-HR-001-11/25
Qualification: Advanced Diploma / BTech / BCom in HRM / HRD
Closing Date: 05 December 2025
How to Apply
Applicants must select a suitable internship position from the tables provided and submit their applications using the correct regional or divisional email address. The email subject line must clearly state the position title and reference number. All applications must include a recent, comprehensive CV with full details of qualifications and experience, certified copies of qualifications, ID, and driver’s licence (if applicable), and all certifications must be valid at the time of submission. Incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications will not be considered.
Email Applications & Contact Details
Corporate Division (Gauteng)
Email: [email protected]
Contacts: Ms Sesethu Bhabha / Mr Lunga Mndebele
Tel: 011 386 6187
Eastern Cape Region
Email: [email protected]
Contacts: Ms Lindokuhle Mbele / Ms Phumzile Mbilini / Mr Funda Nobatyi
Tel: 047 502 4192 / 041 395 6162
Free State & North West Region
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Ms Nomusa Sithole
Tel: 066 376 6372
Gauteng Region
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Mr Michael Ramalepe
Tel: 011 489 9775
KwaZulu-Natal Region
Email: [email protected]
Contacts: Mr Shaun Govender / Ms Promise Mncube / Mr Calvin Naidoo / Ms Stacey Wilkins
Tel: 031 327 6768
Limpopo/Mpumalanga Region
Email: [email protected]
Contacts: Ms Marcia Nxumalo / Ms Jeaneth Masibigiri
Tel: 015 296 3910
NICD Division (Gauteng)
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Ms Kgaogelo Mkwanazi
Tel: 011 386 6090
NIOH Division (Gauteng)
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Ms Ketsitseng Maseko
Tel: 011 712 6528
Western & Northern Cape Region
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Mr Asamkele Gonose