Applications for the National Department of Health Internships 2026–2028 are open right now, but only five graduates will be chosen. If you hold a Microbiology or Biotechnology qualification, this is a real chance to earn R8,174.75 per month for 24 months while building experience in Pretoria. Many strong applicants lose out every year over small mistakes, like sending two separate files by email. For emailed applications, the Department only accepts the new Z83 form and CV combined into one PDF. Learn the rules first, then apply with confidence.
What Is the National Department of Health Graduate Internship Programme?
The National Department of Health is hiring five unemployed graduates for its 2026–2028 Graduate Internship Programme in Pretoria, Gauteng. The programme runs for 24 months and focuses on scientific regulation and public health compliance, not general office work.
Here are the key details from the official notice:
- Organisation: National Department of Health
- Programme: Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028
- Total Positions: 5
- Post Number: 36/39
- Reference Number: NDOH 81/2026
- Directorate: Chief Directorate: Trauma, Violence and EMS
- Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
- Duration: 24 months
- Monthly Stipend: R8,174.75
- Closing Date: 26 October 2026
Important: Matric alone is not enough for these posts. You need a tertiary qualification in Microbiology or Biotechnology.
Who Can Apply for These Health Internships?
The Department wants unemployed graduates who are ready to work in a regulated scientific environment. You must meet all of these requirements:
- You are currently unemployed.
- You have completed Grade 12.
- You hold a National Diploma or Degree in Microbiology or Biotechnology, with NQF Level 6 stated in the notice.
- You have never participated in an internship programme before.
- You have good written and verbal communication skills.
- You have good interpersonal skills.
- You pay attention to detail.
- You are computer literate.
- You can apply scientific and analytical thinking to regulations.
Many graduates worry because their qualification title sounds slightly different. Do not guess. Contact the Department and confirm that your qualification matches what they want.
There is one more detail worth checking. Bachelor’s degrees are usually registered at NQF Level 7, but this notice mentions NQF Level 6. If you hold a degree, ask the Department how it reads this requirement before you submit.
The notice does not list an age limit. However, the previous-internship rule is firm. If you have completed a learnership, in-service training or another structured programme, ask the Department whether it counts as an internship.
What Will You Do and What Will You Gain?
This is not a hospital internship, and it is not a laboratory bench job. The work centres on regulating and monitoring scientific facilities and biological materials.
Your duties could include:
- Registering and auditing microbiology laboratories under Regulation R.178, including biosafety and biosecurity compliance.
- Coordinating import and export permits for biological materials under Regulation R.181.
- Supporting the registration and auditing of tissue banks and stem cell banks under Regulations R.182 and R.183.
- Handling enquiries from clinical trial organisations, health research stakeholders, postgraduate health sciences students, tissue banks and stem cell banks.
This kind of exposure is rare for new graduates. It could support future careers in biosafety and biosecurity, laboratory compliance, quality assurance, scientific administration, health research regulation and public health regulatory affairs.
Be honest with yourself here. The Department does not promise a permanent job after the 24 months. Treat this as experience and a network, not a guaranteed career.
How Much Will You Earn?
The stipend is R8,174.75 per month for the full 24-month programme. The notice does not mention extra benefits such as transport or accommodation. Confirm the payment schedule, working arrangements and contract conditions directly with the Department before you accept any offer.
How to Apply Step by Step
Keep it simple. At the start, the Department only wants two documents: a fully completed new Z83 form and a comprehensive CV. Certified copies of qualifications are not needed yet. Those are requested later, before final selection.
Step 1: Download and Complete the New Z83 Form
Use the official government form and fill in every required section. Download the Official New Z83 Form – DPSA. Check your personal details, the reference number and your signature before moving on.
Step 2: Update Your CV
Your CV must connect your studies to the duties of this post. Include real things you have done, such as:
- Microbiology laboratory practicals
- Biotechnology research projects
- Laboratory safety knowledge
- Scientific report writing
- Data recording and analysis
- Computer and spreadsheet skills
Only list skills you genuinely have. Never describe a university practical as professional employment.
Step 3: Choose Your Submission Method
There are three ways to apply. Whichever you choose, always use reference number NDOH 81/2026.
Option 1: Email
Send your documents to [email protected]. Put the reference number in the subject line, for example: Graduate Internship – NDOH 81/2026. Combine the Z83 and CV into one PDF before attaching it. One file, not two. You could name it NDOH-81-2026-Internship.pdf to stay organised.
Option 2: Post
Address your application to:
The Director-General
National Department of Health
Private Bag X399
Pretoria
0001
For Attention: Ms M Shitiba
Post early. Posting before the closing date does not guarantee your documents arrive on time.
Option 3: Hand Delivery
Deliver your documents to:
Reception – Brown Application Box
Dr AB Xuma Building
1112 Voortrekker Road
Pretoria Townlands 351-JR
Pretoria
For Attention: Ms M Shitiba
Before you fill in anything, read the full official notice yourself: Download the National Department of Health Internship Notice – DPSA Circular 36 of 2026.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Only five posts are available, so small errors can push you out. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Use the right reference number. It is NDOH 81/2026. The same circular includes a senior management post with a different reference. Do not mix them up.
- Complete every part of the Z83. Missing compulsory information can get you disqualified.
- Send one PDF by email. Check that both documents are inside, readable and in the correct order.
- Do not attach extra documents. Only the Z83 and CV are needed now. Keep certified copies ready for later.
- Check your internship history. If you have completed any structured programme before, confirm your eligibility first.
- Apply early. Do not wait for the last day.
What Happens After You Apply?
The Department will screen applications against the published criteria. Shortlisted candidates may face a practical assessment and an integrity assessment. Personnel suitability checks and document verification will follow.
Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you hear nothing within three months after the closing date, the Department says you may regard your application as unsuccessful. That is disappointing, but it is not the end of your journey. Keep building your skills and keep applying.
Who Can You Contact for Help?
If you are unsure about your qualification, your previous training or the duties of the post, contact the Department directly:
- Contact Person: M Kgasi
- Telephone: 012 395 9029
- Recruitment Email: [email protected]
- Reference Number: NDOH 81/2026
The Bottom Line
The National Department of Health Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028 offers five places in Pretoria for unemployed Microbiology and Biotechnology graduates. You will earn R8,174.75 per month for 24 months and gain regulatory experience few new graduates ever get.
Your next steps are clear. Confirm your qualification and internship history. Complete the new Z83 form fully. Update your CV with your real skills. If you apply by email, combine both documents into one PDF and quote reference NDOH 81/2026.
Closing Date: 26 October 2026. Start today, and give yourself the best possible chance.