Act now – the Western Cape Blood Service internship for Medical Laboratory Scientists closes on 16 October 2026, and the bursary can ease the cost of your final year.
What the internship is
Western Cape Blood Service is offering a nine‑ to twelve‑month internship in blood‑transfusion laboratory work. It is aimed at third‑year Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHS) students who need the practical training required to become Medical Laboratory Scientists. The placement is temporary, lasts about one year, and carries a Paterson A3 work classification.
Who can apply
To be eligible you must meet all of the following:
- Matric certificate.
- Enrolled as a third‑year BHS student.
- At least 50 % in the Immunohaematology module.
- Current student registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.
- Basic computer skills.
- Availability for a nine‑ to twelve‑month placement, including shift work when required.
Make sure your HPCSA registration stays valid throughout the selection process; an expired registration will disqualify you.
What you will gain
The programme provides:
- Financial support for fourth‑year tuition (bursary).
- A market‑related stipend (exact amount disclosed during recruitment).
- Hands‑on training in blood collection, laboratory testing and transfusion protocols.
- Exposure to a professional blood‑bank environment for about a year.
- Mentoring from experienced laboratory staff.
- Experience that can strengthen future job prospects in hospitals, pathology labs, donor services or research settings.
- Possible consideration for full‑time employment after you pass the Final Summative Assessment.
How to apply – step by step
All applications must be submitted through the official recruitment portal.
- Visit the Western Cape Blood Service recruitment portal.
- Record the reference number 63/79/27/07/2026 and keep it handy.
- Upload the required documents (see list below). Use clear, readable PDFs.
- Complete any online questionnaires or psychometric tests if invited.
- Submit your application before 16 October 2026.
Documents you will need
- Current CV with contact details.
- Copy of South African ID.
- Matric certificate.
- Recent academic transcript showing the 50 % Immunohaematology mark.
- Proof of enrolment as a third‑year BHS student.
- Evidence of current HPCSA student registration.
- Any additional certificates requested on the portal.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that the Immunohaematology result and percentage are clearly visible on the uploaded transcript.
- Make sure your HPCSA registration number is current and matches the document you upload.
- Proofread your CV for spelling errors and ensure your contact information is up‑to‑date.
- Submit early; technical glitches can happen close to the deadline.
- Be prepared to attend a psychometric assessment or interview if shortlisted.
- Monitor your phone and email regularly after applying – a response is usually given within four weeks.
Final thoughts
This internship offers a rare mix of practical training, a bursary for your fourth year, and a stipend. If you have the required 50 % in Immunohaematology, a valid HPCSA student registration, and can work shifts, you are a strong candidate. Prepare your documents carefully, apply before the 16 October 2026 deadline, and take the first step toward a career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.