The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) invites suitably qualified unemployed South African graduates to apply for its 2026–2028 Graduate Internship Programme. The programme offers internship opportunities within the Corporate Region for graduates holding qualifications in Law, Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development and Industrial Psychology. Successful candidates will be appointed on a two-year fixed-term, non-renewable contract commencing on 1 December 2026.
The internship programme provides graduates with an opportunity to gain valuable practical workplace experience, develop professional skills and apply their academic knowledge in a professional environment. Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend in accordance with the NHLS stipend structure, based on their relevant qualification level.
Programme: Graduate Internship Programme
Contract Duration: 2 Years (Fixed-Term, Non-Renewable)
Commencement Date: 1 December 2026
Location: Corporate Region, South Africa
Closing Date: Not specified in the supplied advertisement
About the NHLS Graduate Internship Programme
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) invites suitably qualified unemployed South African graduates to apply for its 2026–2028 Graduate Internship Programme.
The programme offers two-year internship opportunities within the organisation’s Corporate Region, providing graduates with an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience, develop professional skills and apply their academic knowledge in a practical working environment.
Successful candidates will be appointed on a two-year fixed-term, non-renewable contract commencing on 1 December 2026. Interns will receive a monthly stipend in accordance with the NHLS stipend structure, which will be determined by the relevant qualification level.
The internship programme is aimed at helping graduates gain practical exposure in their respective fields while developing essential workplace competencies that can support their future career development.
A total of three internship opportunities are listed across Legal Services and Human Resources.
Available Internship Positions
1. Legal Services Intern – Commercials and Contracts
Number of Posts: 01
Reference Number: CORP-CAC01001-11/26
Required Qualification: Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree
Additional Requirement: Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
This internship opportunity is intended for suitably qualified candidates with an LLB degree who have also been admitted as Attorneys of the High Court of South Africa.
Successful candidates will gain professional exposure within the Commercials and Contracts function of the Legal Services Directorate.
The opportunity is suitable for graduates seeking to develop their professional experience in legal services, commercial matters and contractual environments.
2. Legal Services Intern – Compliance
Number of Posts: 02
Reference Number: CORP-C01-001-11/26
Required Qualification: Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
The NHLS is inviting applications from unemployed graduates holding an LLB degree for two Legal Services Intern positions within the Compliance function.
The opportunity provides exposure to the legal and compliance environment of the organisation, allowing successful candidates to develop their understanding of legal requirements and professional responsibilities.
Candidates should demonstrate strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills, together with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
3. Human Resources Intern
Number of Posts: 03
Reference Number: CORP-HR-001-11/26
Required Qualifications:
- Diploma in Human Resource Management or Development.
- Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management or Development.
- BTech in Human Resource Management or Development.
- BCom in Human Resource Management or Development.
- Industrial Psychology qualification.
This opportunity is aimed at unemployed graduates who have completed relevant qualifications in Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development or Industrial Psychology.
Successful candidates will gain workplace exposure within the Human Resources Directorate, providing an opportunity to develop practical knowledge and professional competencies in the human resources field.
Applicants should have good communication skills, computer literacy, strong interpersonal abilities and the willingness to learn in a professional working environment.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must be an unemployed South African citizen.
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Must have completed a Diploma, Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 6 with 360 credits), Degree, Honours or Master’s degree in one of the specified disciplines.
- Must not have previously participated in an Internship Programme within the Public Service.
- Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Must be computer literate and possess strong technological skills.
- A valid driver’s licence will be an added advantage.
Applicants must ensure that their qualifications match the specific requirements of the internship position they intend to apply for.
Meeting the general eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee selection. Candidates must also meet the qualification requirements for their preferred position.
Essential Skills and Competencies
The NHLS is looking for candidates who demonstrate the ability to work professionally and contribute positively within an organisational environment.
The following skills and attributes are important:
- Teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
- Reliability and self-discipline.
- Responsibility and commitment to assigned duties.
- Results-oriented approach to work.
- Emotional intelligence and resilience.
- Strong interpersonal and organisational skills.
- Good communication skills.
- Solid technical and functional competence.
- Ability to work effectively with others.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate professionalism, adaptability and a commitment to delivering quality work.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Comprehensive and Updated CV: A recent CV detailing all relevant qualifications and work experience, including dates.
- Certified Copies of Qualifications: Certified copies of all relevant academic qualifications.
- Certified Copy of South African ID: A certified copy of a valid identification document.
- Certified Driver’s Licence: A certified copy of the driver’s licence, if applicable.
All certification must be valid at the time of application submission.
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are included before sending their applications. Incomplete applications or applications submitted incorrectly will not be considered.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must identify the internship position that matches their qualifications and submit their applications using the correct email address for the relevant region or division.
When submitting an application, applicants must:
- Use the correct email address corresponding to the specific position or division.
- Clearly indicate the position title in the email subject line.
- Include the correct reference number in the email subject line.
- Attach a recent and comprehensive CV.
- Attach certified copies of qualifications and South African ID.
- Include a certified driver’s licence, if applicable.
- Ensure that all required documents are submitted and that certification is valid.
Important: The supplied application guidelines do not include the specific application email addresses or the complete application contact details. Applicants should consult the official NHLS vacancy advertisement for the relevant email addresses and submission instructions before applying.
Internship Programme Duration and Stipend
The NHLS Graduate Internship Programme will run for two years.
- Start Date: 1 December 2026.
- Duration: Two years.
- Contract Type: Fixed-term, non-renewable.
- Monthly Stipend: Payable according to the NHLS stipend structure and relevant qualification level.
- Placement: Corporate Region.
Successful applicants will receive practical workplace exposure in their respective fields while gaining experience within the National Health Laboratory Service.
Important Information for Applicants
Applicants are encouraged to carefully read the internship requirements before submitting their applications.
Only candidates who meet the specified qualification requirements and general eligibility criteria should apply.
A valid driver’s licence is advantageous but is not listed as a compulsory requirement.
Applicants must also take note that previous participation in an Internship Programme within the Public Service makes them ineligible for this programme.
Ensure that the correct reference number and position title are used in the email subject line. Failure to follow the application instructions or submit the required documentation may result in disqualification.
The programme offers an opportunity for unemployed graduates to gain valuable professional experience and strengthen their career prospects.
Closing Date: Not specified in the supplied guidelines. Applicants should check the official NHLS advertisement for the closing date and complete application details.