National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Internships 2026-2028: Gain Experience in Legal and HR

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is offering exciting internship opportunities for unemployed South African graduates. This programme provides a chance to gain valuable workplace experience in the corporate sector. Applications are open for the 2026-2028 intake, with a closing date of 13 November 2026.

Application Closing Date: 13 November 2026
Location: Corporate Region, South Africa
Programme Duration: 2 years
Stipend: Monthly stipend according to NHLS structure and qualification level
Minimum Qualification: LLB degree or relevant HR Diploma/Degree
Opportunity Type: Internship

About the NHLS Internship Programme

The NHLS Internship Programme is a two-year fixed-term contract designed for unemployed graduates. It aims to equip participants with practical skills and exposure within the NHLS corporate environment. This is a non-renewable contract, offering a structured learning experience.

Successful interns will receive a monthly stipend. The amount will be determined by the NHLS stipend structure, based on the qualification level of the individual. The programme is scheduled to begin on 1 December 2026.

About NHLS

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is a leading provider of diagnostic, monitoring, and research laboratory services in South Africa. It plays a critical role in public health by supporting disease surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment across the country. NHLS operates a vast network of laboratories, contributing significantly to the healthcare sector.

Available Internship Opportunities

The NHLS is offering internships in the following areas:

• Legal Services Intern – Commercials and Contract: Focuses on legal aspects of contracts and commercial agreements.
• Legal Services Intern – Compliance: Deals with regulatory compliance within the legal framework.
• Human Resources Internship: Involves various functions within the Human Resources department.

What the Internship Offers

This internship programme provides several benefits for successful candidates:

• Two years of practical workplace experience.
• Exposure to the operations of a major public health institution.
• A monthly stipend to support living expenses.
• Opportunity to develop professional skills in a corporate setting.
• Potential for career development within the healthcare sector.

Programme Duration and Location

The NHLS Internship Programme runs for a duration of two years. All internships are based in the Corporate Region of South Africa. Specific city or district details are not provided.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for these internships, applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be unemployed.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Have completed the relevant qualification for the specific internship advertised.
• Not have participated in a Public Service Internship Programme before.
• Possess excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Be computer literate.
• Have strong technological skills.

A driver’s licence will be considered an advantage.

Specific Qualification Requirements:

• Legal Services Intern – Commercials and Contract:
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
• Admission as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Legal Services Intern – Compliance:
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
• Human Resources Internship:
• 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.
• Industrial Psychology qualification.

Competencies Required

Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate a range of skills and attributes, including:

• Teamwork and collaboration.
• A positive attitude and reliability.
• Self-discipline and responsibility.
• Commitment and results orientation.
• Emotional intelligence and resilience.
• Strong interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Technical and functional competence.

Who Should Apply?

These internships are ideal for unemployed South African graduates who have recently completed their LLB degree or a relevant Human Resources qualification. If you are looking to gain practical experience in legal services or human resources within a large public health organisation, this opportunity is for you. It suits individuals who are eager to learn, willing to work hard, and possess strong communication and computer skills.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents with their application:

• A recent and comprehensive CV, detailing all qualifications and experience with dates.
• Certified copies of all relevant qualifications.
• A certified copy of your South African ID document.
• A certified copy of your driver’s licence, if applicable.

Please ensure all certifications are valid at the time of application submission.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via email to Corporate2@nhls.ac.za.

Applicants must use only the relevant reference number in the email subject line. For example:

• CORP-CAC01-001-11/26 (for Legal Services Intern – Commercials and Contract)
• CORP-C01-001-11/26 (for Legal Services Intern – Compliance)
• CORP-HR-001-11/26 (for Human Resources Internship)

Do not add any other text to the email subject line.

Important Application Instructions

Please ensure the following when submitting your application:

• The correct reference number is used in the email subject line.
• The application is sent to the correct email address: Corporate2@nhls.ac.za.
• All required documents are attached to the email.
• Certified documents are valid at the time of submission.
• Your CV includes relevant dates for qualifications and experience.
• Your application is complete and accurate.

Applications with incorrect reference numbers or those sent to the wrong email address may not be considered. Incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications will also be disqualified.

Enquiries

For any enquiries regarding the internships, please contact:

Sesethu Bhabha
Telephone: 011 555 5309

Selection Process

Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not received any feedback within two weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 13 November 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

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