Explore the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Internship Programme for 2026. Learn about available fields, regional placements, requirements, deadlines, and how to apply.
Introduction: A Gateway Into South Africa’s Public Health Sector
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Internship Programme, offering graduates across South Africa a rare and exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in one of the country’s most important public institutions.
Known for supporting national health priorities, disease surveillance, and laboratory diagnostics, the NHLS internship programme is widely recognised as one of the strongest career entry pathways for young professionals looking to contribute to the future of healthcare systems, science, and administrative excellence.
With diverse internship placements across provinces, the programme aims to empower graduates with professional readiness, practical exposure, and mentorship from experienced specialists.
Programme Overview
The NHLS Internship Programme invites applications from qualified graduates in multiple disciplines, including:
- Communications
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Risk and Audit
- Finance
- Supply Chain and Procurement
- Engineering
- Project Management
- Logistics
- Administration
- Internal Auditing
- Occupational Health
- And more across regional divisions
The internships are available nationwide, including:
- Corporate Division
- Eastern Cape Region
- Free State & North West Region
- Gauteng Region
- KwaZulu-Natal Region
- Limpopo & Mpumalanga Region
- Western & Northern Cape Region
- NICD & NIOH Divisions
Each department has unique requirements and its own application email, which applicants must follow strictly.
Important Notes Before Applying
To ensure fairness and efficiency, the NHLS emphasises the following application rules:
- Applicants must use the correct email address for the region or department they are applying for.
- The position title and reference number must appear clearly in the subject line.
- Incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications will be disqualified.
- Certified documents must be valid at the time of submission.
Required Application Documents
Every application must include:
- A recent, comprehensive CV with full details of qualifications and dates
- Certified copies of academic qualifications
- A certified ID copy
- A certified driver’s licence (if relevant to the post)
2026 Internship Opportunities by Department
Below is a summarised breakdown of available opportunities and qualifications needed:
Corporate Division – Nationwide
Fields include:
- Graphic Arts, Multimedia Design
- Communications
- Web Design, Information Management
- Human Resources, Industrial Psychology
- Information Technology & Engineering
- Risk, Internal Auditing, Compliance
- Logistics & Transport Management
- Industrial Engineering & Project Management
Email for applications: [email protected]
Eastern Cape Region
Fields include:
- Civil Engineering, Construction, Structural Engineering
- Logistics, Supply Chain, Transport Management
- Procurement & Supply
Email: [email protected]
Free State & North West Region
Fields include:
- Supply Chain & Procurement
- Finance, Accounting
Email: [email protected]
Gauteng Region
Fields include:
- Supply Chain, Logistics
- Quantity Surveying, Building Engineering
- Human Resources
Email: [email protected]
KwaZulu-Natal Region
Fields include:
- Supply Chain, Logistics, Procurement
- HR & Industrial Psychology
Email: [email protected]
Limpopo & Mpumalanga Region
Fields include:
- Human Resources
- Project Management, Business/Office/Public Admin
- Finance & Accounting
Email: [email protected]
NICD (National Institute for Communicable Diseases)
Fields include:
- Software Engineering
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
Email: [email protected]
NIOH (National Institute for Occupational Health)
Fields include:
- Information Technology
- Finance
- HR & Industrial Psychology
Email: [email protected]
Western & Northern Cape Region
Fields include:
- Human Resources
- Industrial Psychology
- HR Development
Email: [email protected]
Application Deadline
📅 Closing Date: 10 December 2025
Applicants are encouraged to submit early to avoid last-minute complications.
How to Apply
Follow these steps for a successful application:
1. Prepare Your Documents
Ensure your CV and certified documents are updated and clearly scanned.
2. Identify the Correct Department & Region
Select the position best suited to your qualifications and career interests.
3. Send Your Application to the Correct Email
Each listing includes a specific email address and reference number—these are mandatory.
Why This Internship Matters
The NHLS Internship Programme is more than just work experience—it is a powerful career foundation that:
- Builds practical skills
- Provides mentorship from experts
- Enhances employability
- Opens pathways into public health, research, administration, and laboratory services
- Connects graduates to national and provincial networks
For any young professional seeking growth within a respected national institution, this programme offers unmatched exposure and learning.
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