NHLS Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028: Two-Year Opportunities for Unemployed Graduates

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is inviting applications from suitably qualified unemployed South African graduates for its 2026–2028 Graduate Internship Programme. The programme offers two-year internship opportunities within the NHLS Corporate Region, providing graduates with an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience in Legal Services and Human Resources.

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The internship programme will commence on 1 December 2026 and will be offered on a two-year fixed-term, non-renewable contract. Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend in accordance with the NHLS stipend structure, based on their relevant qualification level.

This opportunity is aimed at young South African graduates who want to gain practical experience and develop professional skills in a corporate working environment.

1. About the NHLS Graduate Internship Programme

The National Health Laboratory Service is offering two internship opportunities for unemployed graduates who meet the advertised qualification and eligibility requirements.

Successful applicants will be placed within the NHLS Corporate Region in the relevant business units.

The available internship opportunities are in the following fields:

• Legal Services – Commercials and Contracts.

• Legal Services – Compliance.

• Human Resources.

The programme provides graduates with an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a professional workplace while developing practical skills and gaining relevant experience.

2. NHLS Internship Opportunities Available

The NHLS has advertised the following internship positions:

A. Legal Services Intern – Commercials and Contracts

Number of posts: 1

Reference number: CORP-CAC01-001-11/26

Required qualification:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.

This opportunity is intended for qualified law graduates who meet the admission requirement and are interested in gaining professional experience within the Commercials and Contracts business unit.

B. Legal Services Intern – Compliance

Number of posts: 2

Reference number: CORP-C01-001-11/26

Required qualification:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.

Graduates with an LLB degree can apply for the Legal Services Intern position within the Compliance business unit.

C. Human Resources Intern

Number of posts: 3

Reference number: CORP-HR-001-11/26

Required qualifications:

Applicants must hold one of the following 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 suitable for graduates who have completed relevant studies in Human Resources, Human Resource Development or Industrial Psychology.

3. Minimum Requirements for NHLS Internships

To qualify for the NHLS Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Must be unemployed South African citizens.

2. Must be between 18 and 35 years old.

3. 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.

4. Must not have previously participated in any internship programme within the Public Service.

5. Must have excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.

6. Must demonstrate computer literacy and strong technological skills.

Additional advantage:

• Possession of a valid driver's licence will be advantageous.

Other Essential Skills and Attributes

Applicants should also demonstrate the following personal and professional attributes:

• Teamwork and collaboration.

• Positive attitude, reliability and self-discipline.

• Responsibility, commitment and results orientation.

• Emotional intelligence and resilience.

• Strong interpersonal and organisational skills.

• Solid technical and functional competence.

4. NHLS Internship Stipend and Duration

Successful candidates will be appointed on a two-year fixed-term, non-renewable contract.

The internship programme is scheduled to commence on 1 December 2026.

Interns will receive a monthly stipend in accordance with the NHLS stipend structure. The amount will depend on the relevant qualification level.

The advertisement does not specify the exact monthly stipend amounts.

5. Documents Required When Applying

Applicants must submit the following documents with their applications:

1. A recent and comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing all qualifications and experience, including dates.

2. Certified copies of qualifications.

3. A certified copy of your South African Identity Document (ID).

4. A certified copy of your driver's licence, if applicable.

Applicants must ensure that all certification is valid at the time of submitting their applications.

Incomplete applications or applications submitted incorrectly will not be considered.

6. How to Apply for NHLS Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028

Interested and suitably qualified applicants must submit their applications by email.

Application email address: Corporate2@nhls.ac.za

When applying, applicants must ensure that they:

• Identify the internship position that matches their qualifications.

• Use the correct reference number for the position.

• Include the relevant reference number in the email subject line.

• Attach all the required supporting documents.

• Ensure that their CV contains complete information about their qualifications and experience.

Important application instruction: Applicants must use the relevant reference number only in the email subject line for each application. The NHLS warns that using an incorrect subject line may result in the application being sent to the wrong file and not being considered.

7. NHLS Internship Closing Date

The closing date for applications is:

13 November 2026

Late applications may not be considered. Interested graduates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.

8. Enquiries and Contact Details

For enquiries regarding the NHLS Graduate Internship Programme, applicants may contact:

Contact person: Sesethu Bhabha
Telephone: 011 555 5309
Application email: Corporate2@nhls.ac.za

Please note that correspondence will only be limited to successful candidates. Applicants who have not received a response within two weeks after the closing date should accept that their applications were unsuccessful.

The NHLS Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028 offers an opportunity for unemployed South African graduates to gain two years of workplace experience in Legal Services and Human Resources.

With six internship positions available, this programme is particularly relevant to graduates with LLB, Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development and Industrial Psychology qualifications.

Eligible applicants should prepare their CVs and certified supporting documents and submit their applications to Corporate2@nhls.ac.za before 13 November 2026.

Apply before the closing date to avoid missing this opportunity.