UCT HIV Mental Health Research Internship 2026: Open for Graduates Passionate About HIV and Mental Health Research
The HIV Mental Health Research Unit at the University of Cape Town has opened applications for its 2026 Clinical Research Internship. Graduates in health and social sciences can gain hands-on exposure to HIV and mental health research in Cape Town.
Introduction
The HIV Mental Health Research Unit (HIVMHRU) at the University of Cape Town has officially opened applications for its highly sought-after Clinical Research Internship Programme for 2026. The opportunity is designed for graduates who are passionate about mental health, HIV research, behavioural science, and community-based healthcare interventions in South Africa.
As mental health challenges continue to affect people living with HIV across the country, institutions such as HIVMHRU are playing an increasingly important role in building evidence-based interventions that can improve healthcare outcomes. Through this internship, graduates will gain meaningful exposure to clinical research and mental health support programmes while working alongside experienced researchers and healthcare professionals in Cape Town.
The internship is targeted at recent graduates who want to strengthen their practical experience in research environments while contributing to projects focused on HIV, mental health, and behavioural health interventions.
About the HIV Mental Health Research Unit
The HIV Mental Health Research Unit was established in 2014 in response to the growing burden of mental health disorders among people living with HIV. These include depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and neurocognitive challenges that often impact both adolescents and adults.
The unit focuses on niche research in neuro-HIV and behavioural HIV studies, with a strong commitment to extending access to effective mental health services in South Africa and other resource-limited settings.
Over the years, the research unit has become known for combining scientific research with practical healthcare interventions aimed at improving the quality of life for vulnerable communities.
Internship Structure for 2026
The Clinical Research Internship will run in two separate intakes during 2026. The first semester internship will take place from January to June, while the second semester will run from July to December.
Interns will work approximately 8 hours per week, which is considered a 20% position. The hours are divided into two allocated four-hour workdays each week.
Although the internship is unpaid, it offers substantial learning opportunities, mentorship, and practical research exposure that can significantly strengthen a graduate’s academic and professional profile.
Successful interns will work within multidisciplinary teams and participate in various research-related and administrative activities connected to HIV and mental health projects.
What Interns Will Be Doing
The programme is divided into two major areas of learning and responsibility.
Research Administration Exposure
Half of the internship focuses on research administration duties. Interns will assist with preparing research materials such as consent forms, intervention workbooks, and participant documentation.
They may also support transcription and translation work linked to intervention sessions and help with participant reimbursement processes and financial reconciliation tasks.
Interns will gain exposure to biomarker specimen management, including handling viral load samples and dried blood spots. In addition, they will assist with participant retention and tracking processes to help research studies maintain accurate follow-up systems.
The internship also introduces graduates to science communication by involving them in content creation and dissemination for the HIVMHRU website and social media platforms.
Clinical Research Experience
The second half of the internship focuses on direct clinical research exposure.
Interns may conduct site visits to research offices located at primary healthcare facilities around Cape Town. During these visits, they will assist with daily operational activities and observe how clinical research projects are managed on the ground.
Participants will also attend debriefing sessions with project directors, clinical psychologists, and intervention staff, giving them firsthand insight into how mental health and HIV interventions are designed and evaluated.
The internship aims to provide graduates with a balanced understanding of both the scientific and operational sides of clinical research.
Eligibility Requirements
The HIVMHRU internship is open to applicants from diverse academic and social backgrounds. However, candidates must meet the minimum academic requirement of holding an NQF Level 8 qualification, which includes an Honours degree or a four-year degree in a health or social science-related field.
While not mandatory, applicants with strong communication skills and proficiency in multiple South African official languages may have an advantage during the selection process.
The research unit is also looking for candidates who can work effectively in multicultural environments and demonstrate strong writing, communication, and teamwork skills.
Valuable Learning Opportunities
Although the internship is unpaid, participants will gain valuable professional development opportunities that can support future careers in healthcare, research, psychology, public health, and social development.
Interns will have access to short courses and research programmes within the HIV Mental Health Research Unit during their placement period.
Upon successful completion of the programme, interns who maintain more than 80% attendance will receive a certificate of completion and a recommendation letter from the internship coordinators.
These credentials can become valuable additions to future postgraduate applications, employment opportunities, or research careers.
Highly Competitive Selection Process
The HIVMHRU has confirmed that placements are limited, making the programme highly competitive. Candidates who are shortlisted after submitting their applications will be invited for selection interviews.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare complete and professional applications with all required supporting documents included in a single PDF submission.
Application Deadline and Submission Details
Applications for the 2026 Clinical Research Internship are currently open and will close on 31 October 2025.
Interested candidates must complete the official application form and submit all supporting documents as a single PDF file to [email protected] before the closing date.
The file should be named using the applicant’s surname and initials.
For graduates passionate about HIV advocacy, mental health research, behavioural science, and community healthcare, this internship represents a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience within one of South Africa’s respected research environments.
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