The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) invites suitably qualified unemployed South African graduates to apply for its Graduate Internship Programme for the 2026/2027 financial year. This internship programme offers an opportunity for graduates to gain valuable workplace experience within one of South Africa’s key healthcare regulatory institutions.

SAHPRA is responsible for regulating medicines, medical devices, clinical trials, and related health products to ensure they meet the required standards of quality, safety, and effectiveness. Through this 12-month internship programme, successful candidates will gain practical exposure to regulatory operations while developing professional skills that can support future career growth in the health and science sectors.

A total of six internship positions are available for the 2026/2027 intake. Five positions will be placed within the Health Products Authorisations Unit, while one position will be allocated to the Inspectorate and Regulatory Compliance Unit. The internships will run for a period of 12 months and will be based in Pretoria.

Internship Overview

• Position: Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027
• Number of Positions: 6
• Duration: 12 Months
• Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
• Reference Number: 16 of 2026/27
• Monthly Stipend: R16,666.66
• Closing Date: 15 June 2026 at 16:00

This programme is aimed at graduates who have not previously participated in an internship programme and who are currently unemployed. Successful candidates will gain practical exposure to regulatory operations, administrative processes, compliance monitoring, and stakeholder engagement within a professional environment.

About SAHPRA

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority was established in terms of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 101 of 1965, as amended. The authority serves as South Africa’s National Medicines Regulatory Authority and plays a critical role in protecting public health.

SAHPRA is responsible for monitoring, evaluating, regulating, investigating, inspecting, registering, and controlling medicines, scheduled substances, clinical trials, medical devices, including in-vitro diagnostic devices (IVDs), and related healthcare products. Through these functions, the organisation ensures that products reaching consumers comply with the highest standards of safety and quality.

The internship programme provides graduates with an opportunity to gain firsthand experience in these important regulatory functions while building a strong foundation for future careers in health sciences, natural sciences, compliance, administration, and regulatory affairs.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants interested in the internship programme must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen.
• Must be unemployed at the time of application.
• Must not have participated in any internship programme previously.
• Must possess a Matric Certificate.
• Must have an appropriate National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Sciences, Health Sciences, or a related field.
• Qualification must be registered at NQF Level 6 or NQF Level 7 and recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Graduates with qualifications related to healthcare, biological sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, laboratory sciences, public health, chemistry, biotechnology, or similar disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Preference may be given to youth applicants, persons living with disabilities, and candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds in accordance with SAHPRA’s Employment Equity Plan.

Internship Responsibilities

Successful interns will be involved in a variety of administrative and regulatory support functions. The programme is designed to provide practical workplace exposure while assisting various business units with operational activities.

Key responsibilities include:

Application and Workflow Administration

Interns will assist with the allocation of applications and responses to queries submitted by applicants. This process involves ensuring that applications are assigned to evaluators and quality control personnel within agreed timelines.

Data Capturing and Record Management

The internship will require capturing evaluation reports on shared systems and updating databases and trackers. Accurate record management is important for maintaining transparency, accountability, and traceability throughout the regulatory review process.

Evaluation Support

Interns will support the evaluation process by capturing reports intended for peer review and adjudication. This function contributes to maintaining efficient workflows within the authorisation process.

Monitoring and Reporting

Candidates will monitor evaluator workloads and follow up on outstanding evaluations. Regular tracking of application status and preparation of updates for Portfolio Coordinators will form part of daily responsibilities.

Statistical Reporting

The role includes compiling basic statistics and preparing performance reports to support operational planning and performance management within the business unit.

Compliance Support

Interns will assist in conducting compliance checks to ensure that employees are using the latest Quality Management System-controlled templates and following approved Standard Operating Procedures.

Audit Support

Support will be provided during both internal and external audits, including audits related to ISO 9001:2015 quality management standards. This exposure offers valuable insight into quality assurance and compliance processes.

Stakeholder Liaison

Successful candidates will interact with internal stakeholders such as Evaluators, Technical Screeners, and Portfolio Coordinators. Assistance may also be provided in responding to applicant queries when necessary.

General Administrative Duties

Additional responsibilities will include document management, workflow administration, filing, record keeping, and other administrative activities necessary for the smooth functioning of the business unit.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit a complete application package to be considered.

The following documents are required:

• Signed cover letter
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copy of Matric Certificate
• Copies of academic qualifications
• Copy of South African Identity Document

Candidates who obtained qualifications outside South Africa must also submit a SAQA evaluation certificate together with their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents before the interview stage.

Failure to provide all required documentation may result in the application being disqualified.

Important Information for Applicants

Applicants should carefully note the following conditions before submitting applications:

• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Communication will only be made with shortlisted candidates.
• Applicants who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend interviews at a date, time, and venue determined by SAHPRA.
• Successful candidates will be subjected to various verification processes before appointment.

These verification processes may include:

• Qualification verification
• Criminal record checks
• Security clearance
• Credit checks
• Citizenship verification

Appointment will only be finalised after satisfactory completion of all required pre-employment checks.

Employment Equity

SAHPRA remains committed to equal employment opportunities and transformation within the workplace. Recruitment decisions are guided by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Employment Equity Act.

Preference may be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups in line with the organisation’s Employment Equity targets. Persons living with disabilities are encouraged to indicate their disability status when applying.

The authority also reserves the right not to make an appointment should suitable candidates not be identified during the recruitment process.

Protection of Personal Information

SAHPRA processes personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Act 4 of 2013.

Information submitted during the recruitment process will only be used for recruitment and selection purposes. Application documents will not be returned, and unsuccessful applications may be retained for internal audit and compliance purposes.

How to Apply

• Applications should be submitted through the SAHPRA Website Online Portal: SAHPRA
  website (https://www.sahpra.org.za/vacancies) / Portal Link
• Applicants should clearly indicate the position title and reference number in their application.
• Applications can be submitted through the SAHPRA vacancies portal before the closing date.

For enquiries related to the internship programme, candidates may contact Ms Setlola Molepo via email. However, applications submitted directly to the enquiry email address will not be accepted as part of the recruitment process.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is: 15 June 2026 at 16:00

Graduates who meet the requirements are encouraged to submit applications before the deadline to avoid missing this valuable opportunity. With a monthly stipend of R16,666.66 and exposure to South Africa’s health products regulatory environment, this internship offers an excellent platform for professional growth and career development.