If you’re a South African science graduate with a passion for medical laboratories, this is your chance to step into a professional pathology career. The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is inviting applications for its 2026/2027 Intern Medical Scientist Programme.
This two-year, paid internship offers hands-on laboratory training in accredited facilities across South Africa and can lead to professional registration with the HPCSA.
Why Choose NHLS?
NHLS is South Africa’s largest diagnostic pathology service, supporting public hospitals and clinics nationwide. Every day, NHLS laboratories test patient samples, monitor disease outbreaks, and contribute to lifesaving research.
As an intern, you’ll train under experienced medical scientists, work with real patient samples, and follow internationally recognised laboratory standards — preparing you for a long-term career in health sciences.
About the Internship
Programme
During the 24-month internship, you will:
- Receive supervised, structured laboratory training
- Work in SANAS-accredited laboratories
- Follow approved NHLS and HPCSA protocols
- Gain competencies required for professional practice
After successful completion, you may apply for registration as an Independent Medical Biological Scientist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Internship Overview
- Position: Intern Medical Scientist (Grade TC1)
- Contract: Fixed-term (2 years)
- Intake: 2026/2027
- Locations: NHLS-approved universities & national institutes across South Africa
Annual Stipend
The stipend is paid annually and depends on your qualification level:
- NQF Level 8: R193,583.78
- NQF Level 9: R243,353.53
- NQF Level 10: R294,026.14
Training Centres & Available Disciplines
When applying, you must match the training centre with the discipline you are applying for.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Ref: GAUSMU-1225-001
- Anatomical Pathology ×1
- Haematology ×2
- Virology ×4
University of Cape Town
Ref: WNCUCT-1225-001
- Chemical Pathology ×1
- Genetic Counselling ×5
- Haematology ×2
- Immunology ×1
- Virology ×2
University of the Free State
Ref: FNWUFS-1225-001
- Chemical Pathology ×2
- Haematology ×1
- Medical Microbiology ×1
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Ref: KZNUKZN-1225-001
- Anatomical Pathology ×3
- Chemical Pathology ×1
- Medical Microbiology ×2
University of Pretoria
Ref: GAUUP-1225-001
- Chemical Pathology ×3
- Haematology ×2
- Medical Microbiology ×2
- Medical Virology ×2
Stellenbosch University
Ref: WNCUS-1225-001
- Immunology ×1
- Medical Microbiology ×1
- Medical Virology ×2
University of the Witwatersrand
Ref: GAUWITS-1225-001
- Anatomical Pathology ×2
- Genetic Counselling ×4
- Haematology ×2
- Human Genetics ×4
- Molecular Biology ×2
National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)
Ref: NICD-1225-001
- Medical Microbiology ×5
- Molecular Biology ×2
- Virology ×2
National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH)
Ref: NIOH-1225-001
- Analytical Services ×2
- Anatomical Pathology ×1
- Medical Microbiology ×2
Who Can Apply?
You must meet all requirements:
- South African citizen
- Four-year BSc degree or Honours degree in medical/clinical pathology
- Proof of core pathology coursework
- Only candidates with relevant subjects will be considered
Applications without the required academic background will be rejected.
Required Documents
Email the following:
- Short CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of all degrees
- Full academic transcripts
Incomplete or incorrectly labelled applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
📧 Email your application to:
internmedicalscientist@nhls.ac.za
Correct subject line format:Training Institution – Discipline
Example: University of Pretoria – Immunology
Important Information
- All applicants will undergo background and qualification checks
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Employment Equity principles apply
- If you do not receive feedback within two months, consider your application unsuccessful
Deadline
23 January 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
Why This Internship Is Worth It
- Work in real medical laboratories
- Learn from leading medical scientists
- Earn while you train
- Gain skills required for HPCSA registration
- Build a long-term career in healthcare and research
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this internship paid?
Yes. NHLS pays an annual stipend based on your qualification level.
Can I apply without core pathology subjects?
No. Proof of required coursework is mandatory.
Can I apply to more than one discipline?
You must clearly specify one training centre and discipline per application.
Does completing the internship guarantee registration?
No, but it allows you to apply for HPCSA registration.
Will NHLS contact all applicants?
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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