Unemployed graduates who want practical Public Service experience have a new opportunity at the National Department of Health. The 2026 internship programme runs for at least 24 months and covers fields such as HR, finance, supply chain, ICT, communications, law, auditing and administration.
The National Department of Health invites unemployed graduates to submit applications for its Internship Programme 2026.
The programme is based in Pretoria, South Africa, and is aimed at graduates who need occupationally based workplace experience.
Applications close on 01 June 2026.
For graduates who have not yet joined an internship programme, this could be a valuable route into public-sector workplace exposure.
What is the National Department of Health Internship Programme about?
The National Department of Health Internship Programme gives unemployed graduates practical work experience in the Public Service.
The programme runs for a minimum of 24 months.
It is designed to improve the employability of unemployed graduates by giving them structured workplace exposure.
This means successful candidates will gain experience in government administration, departmental systems and professional work environments.
Who can be considered for these internships?
Applicants must be unemployed graduates who are seeking practical work experience.
They must also be interested in building experience within the Public Service.
In addition, applicants must not have been exposed to or participated in an internship programme before.
This is important because the programme is meant to support graduates who still need their first formal internship opportunity.
Which internship opportunities are available?
The National Department of Health has listed several internship opportunities for the 2026 intake.
Human Resources Management and Development Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 30/2026
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in:
- Human Resources Management
- Human Resources Development
Organisational Development Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 31/2026
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in:
- Management Services
- Operations Management
- Production Management
Employment Relations Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 32/2026
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in:
- Labour Relations
Financial Management and Accounting Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 33/2026
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in:
- Financial Management
- Accounting
Supply Chain Management Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 34/2026
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in:
- Supply Chain Management
- Logistics
- Public Management
- Purchasing
- Transport Management
Internal Audit Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 35/2026
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in:
- Internal Auditing
- Risk Management
Information Communication and Technology Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 36/2026
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
Communication Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 37/2026
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in:
- Journalism
- Marketing and Communication
- Communication
Legal Services Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 38/2026
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in:
- Law
Office of the Director-General Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 39/2026
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in:
- Management
- Business Management
- Business Administration
- Public Management
- Administration
- Office Management
- Office Administration
- Related administration qualification
Strategic Planning Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 40/2026
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in:
- Public Management
- Public Administration
- Business Management
- Business Administration
- Strategic Management
Office of the Chief Financial Officer Internship
Reference Number: NDOH 41/2026
Applicants need a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in:
- Management
- Business Management
- Business Administration
- Public Management
- Public Administration
- Office Management
- Office Administration
- Related administration qualification
Which documents must applicants submit?
Applications must include a completed Z83 form and a recently updated CV.
Applicants can use this guide to access the new Z83 form download and completion guide.
The application form must clearly show the:
- Reference number
- Position
- Area or centre
Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of their ID documents, qualifications and recent academic transcripts or records.
This means applicants should not forget the reference number. It helps the department identify the correct internship field.
How can candidates submit their applications?
Applicants can submit their applications by post, hand delivery or email.
Postal applications
Applications can be posted to:
The Director-General
National Department of Health
Private Bag X399
Pretoria
0001
Hand delivery
Applications can be hand delivered to:
Reception, Brown Application Box
Dr AB Xuma Building
1112 Voortrekker Road
Pretoria Townlands 351-JR
Email applications
Applications can also be emailed to:
Applicants must quote the correct reference number in the email subject line.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Create a separate email application for the specific internship you are targeting. Use the reference number in the subject line, attach your completed Z83 form and CV, and make sure your CV matches the field you selected.
When do applications close?
Applications close on 01 June 2026.
Candidates should submit early to avoid last-minute mistakes.
Email applications should be checked carefully before sending. Postal and hand-delivered applications should also be prepared in advance.
Why is the reference number important?
Each internship has its own reference number.
The reference number tells the department which opportunity the applicant wants to be considered for.
For example, an applicant for Legal Services must use NDOH 38/2026.
An applicant for Supply Chain Management must use NDOH 34/2026.
Using the wrong reference number can create confusion and may affect how the application is processed.
Why could this internship programme be worth considering?
This programme could help graduates gain practical Public Service experience over a minimum period of 24 months.
It covers several professional fields, including human resources, finance, supply chain, ICT, communication, law, auditing and administration.
As a result, graduates from different study backgrounds may find a suitable route into workplace learning.
For graduates who have not completed an internship before, this is a strong opportunity to build experience and improve employability.
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Final Thoughts
The National Department of Health Internships 2026 offer unemployed graduates a chance to gain practical workplace experience in the Public Service.
The programme runs for at least 24 months and includes opportunities across several professional fields.
Applicants must submit a completed Z83 form and an updated CV.
Applications close on 01 June 2026, and candidates must use the correct reference number when applying.
