Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is inviting applications from suitably qualified unemployed South African graduates for the 2026 Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Graduate Internship Programme. A total of six (6) graduate internship opportunities are available across different departments at the university.
The programme offers graduates an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience, develop professional skills and apply their academic knowledge in a practical working environment. Successful applicants will be placed in various departments, where they will receive exposure to administrative, financial, business development, information management and laboratory-related activities.
The internship programme is particularly suitable for graduates who have completed qualifications in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Commerce, Finance, Accounting, Office Management, Business Administration, Public Administration or Chemistry.
The programme offers a 24-month contract, with a monthly stipend of R9 000. Interested applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University MQA Graduate Internship Programme 2026
- Programme: Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Graduate Internship Programme
- Number of Positions: 6
- Contract Duration: 24 Months
- Monthly Stipend: R9 000
- Location: Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, Gauteng
- Closing Date: 06 November 2026 at 16:00
- Application Method: Email
The university is recruiting graduates for the following internship opportunities:
Available Internship Positions
1. Position: Research Information Management System Intern (1 Post)
Minimum Qualification:
- Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.
- Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.
- Or a related field.
Role Overview:
- Assist with research outputs administration and reporting.
- Provide system administration support.
- Provide user support for human and animal research ethics systems.
Email Subject Line: MQA2026 RIMS | Name Surname
2. Position: Business Development Officer Intern (1 Post)
Minimum Qualification:
- Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
- Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship.
- Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Commerce.
Role Overview:
- Support entrepreneurship programmes.
- Assist with business incubation and enterprise development within CfERI.
- Support student entrepreneurs and emerging businesses.
Email Subject Line: MQA2026 CFERI | Name Surname
3. Position: Finance Intern (2 Posts)
Minimum Qualification:
- Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Finance.
- Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
- Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Financial Management.
- Or a related field.
Role Overview:
- Assist with financial administration.
- Support expenditure monitoring.
- Assist with financial reporting.
Email Subject Line: MQA2026 FIN | Name Surname
4. Position: Postgraduate Administration Intern (Pharmacy) (1 Post)
Minimum Qualification:
- Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Office Management.
- Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
- Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Public Administration.
- Or a related field.
Role Overview:
- Assist with postgraduate administration.
- Provide committee secretarial support.
- Assist with external examiner appointment processes.
- Maintain records and assist with meeting administration.
Email Subject Line: MQA2026 PGA | Name Surname
5. Position: Laboratory Technician Intern (1 Post)
Minimum Qualification:
- Honours degree in Chemistry.
- Or master’s degree in Chemistry.
Role Overview:
- Assist with chemistry research.
- Support undergraduate practical sessions.
- Assist with laboratory operations.
- Support laboratory safety and stock control.
Email Subject Line: MQA2026 LAB | Name Surname
Minimum Requirements
Applicants interested in the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University MQA Graduate Internship Programme must meet the following general requirements:
- Must be an unemployed South African citizen.
- Must have completed the relevant qualification required for the selected internship position.
- Must meet the specific academic qualification requirements for the position being applied for.
- Must be able to provide documentary proof of South African citizenship.
- Must submit all required supporting documents in the prescribed format.
- Must be available for an interview if shortlisted.
Applicants should carefully review the qualification requirements for each position before submitting an application. Applications that do not meet the stated requirements may not be considered.
Internship Benefits and Opportunities
The MQA Graduate Internship Programme provides successful candidates with an opportunity to gain workplace experience over a period of 24 months.
The programme offers a monthly stipend of R9 000 to assist successful candidates during the internship period.
Depending on the selected department, interns will gain exposure to different professional working environments, including:
- Information Technology and research information management.
- Business development and entrepreneurship support.
- Financial administration and expenditure monitoring.
- Postgraduate administration and records management.
- Chemistry research and laboratory operations.
- Professional communication and administrative processes.
The experience gained during the programme may help graduates strengthen their CVs, improve their workplace readiness and prepare for future employment opportunities.
Applicants who wish to apply for more than one internship position must submit a separate email application for each position. Each application must have the correct subject line corresponding to the position being applied for.
Required Documents
Applicants must attach the following documents to their email applications:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed and updated CV containing relevant educational qualifications, skills, contact details and any available work experience.
- Motivational Letter: A one-page motivational letter explaining why the applicant is suitable for the selected internship position. The letter should highlight relevant qualifications, skills, knowledge and interest in the opportunity.
- Certified Copy of South African ID: A clear and legible certified copy of the applicant’s South African identity document.
- Certified Matric Certificate: A certified copy of the applicant’s Grade 12 certificate.
- Certified Academic Record: A certified copy of the applicant’s academic record showing completed studies and academic results.
- Certified Qualification Certificate: A certified copy of the relevant completed diploma, bachelor’s degree, Honours degree or master’s degree, depending on the position being applied for.
All supporting documents must be attached as PDF files.
Applicants must ensure that all submitted documents are clear and legible. Image files and password-protected documents will not be accepted.
Applications that are incomplete or submitted after the closing date and time will not be considered.
How to Apply for the SMU MQA Graduate Internship Programme 2026
Interested and qualified applicants must submit their applications via email to:
Applicants must use the correct email subject line specified for their chosen internship position. Replace the words “Name Surname” with your full name.
For example, an applicant applying for the Finance Intern position should use the following subject line:
MQA2026 FIN | John Smith
Important Application Information
Before submitting an application, candidates should take note of the following important information:
- Applications must be submitted by email to [email protected].
- The closing date is 06 November 2026 at 16:00.
- The correct email subject line must be used.
- A separate email application must be submitted for each position when applying for multiple internships.
- A one-page motivational letter is compulsory.
- All supporting documents must be submitted in PDF format.
- Image files and password-protected documents will not be accepted.
- Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
- Shortlisted candidates must be available for interviews on dates communicated by the university.
If applicants have not received communication within 30 days after the closing date, they should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Graduate Internship Programme 2026 is 06 November 2026 at 16:00.
Unemployed South African graduates who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Ensure that the correct position-specific email subject line is used and that all required supporting documents are attached before submitting the application.
APPLY BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.