Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Internships 2026/2027: Gain Experience in Various Fields
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is offering unemployed South African graduates the chance to gain valuable workplace experience through its Graduate Internship Programme for 2026/2027. This opportunity is based in Pretoria and provides a monthly stipend of R9,000.
Application Closing Date: 06 November 2026 at 16:00
Location: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Programme Duration: 24 months
Stipend: R9,000 per month
Minimum Qualification: Diploma or Degree (depending on the internship)
Opportunity Type: Internship
About the SMU Graduate Internship Programme
The SMU Graduate Internship Programme is designed to equip unemployed South African citizens with practical skills and workplace experience. This programme focuses on various areas within the university, offering a structured learning environment for recent graduates. It aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.
The internship covers diverse fields such as research administration, information technology, business development, finance, postgraduate administration, and laboratory operations. Participants will gain exposure to real-world challenges and contribute to the university’s ongoing projects and functions.
About Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is a higher education institution located in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria. It is dedicated to health sciences education, research, and community engagement. SMU plays a significant role in training healthcare professionals and contributing to advancements in health and medicine in South Africa.
Available Internship Opportunities
SMU has several internship positions available for graduates with relevant qualifications. These opportunities are spread across different departments, offering a chance to specialize in a chosen field.
The available internships include:
- Research Information Management System Intern
- Business Development Officer Intern
- Finance Intern – X2
- Postgraduate Administration Intern
- Laboratory Technician Intern
About the Research Information Management System Intern
This internship focuses on supporting the university’s research administration and reporting systems. The intern will work with various databases and platforms used to track research outputs and manage ethical approvals. This role is ideal for those with a background in IT or computer science.
Applicants for this role must have a Diploma or Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related qualification. The intern will assist with research outputs administration, reporting, system administration, user support, and human and animal research ethics systems.
About the Business Development Officer Intern
The Business Development Officer Intern will support initiatives related to entrepreneurship, business incubation, and enterprise development within the university. This role is suited for graduates interested in fostering business growth and supporting emerging businesses.
Required qualifications include a Diploma or Degree in Commerce, Business Management, or Entrepreneurship. The intern will assist with entrepreneurship programmes, business incubation, enterprise development, and providing support for student entrepreneurs and emerging businesses.
About the Finance Intern
SMU is looking to fill two Finance Intern positions. These roles will provide hands-on experience in financial administration and reporting within a higher education setting. Graduates with a background in finance or accounting are encouraged to apply.
Candidates must possess a Diploma or Degree in Finance, Accounting, Financial Management, or a related field. The successful interns will assist with financial administration, expenditure monitoring, and financial reporting.
About the Postgraduate Administration Intern
This internship involves supporting the administrative functions of the university’s postgraduate studies. The intern will gain experience in managing academic records, supporting committees, and handling external examiner processes.
Applicants should have a Diploma or Degree in Office Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. The intern’s duties will include assisting with postgraduate administration, committee secretarial support, external examiner appointments, and records and meeting administration.
About the Laboratory Technician Intern
The Laboratory Technician Intern will contribute to research activities and support undergraduate practical sessions in the chemistry department. This role requires a strong background in chemistry and an interest in laboratory operations and safety.
This position requires an Honours Degree or Master’s Degree in Chemistry. The successful intern will assist with chemistry research, undergraduate practical sessions, laboratory operations, laboratory safety, and stock control.
Programme Duration and Location
The Graduate Internship Programme at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University spans 24 months. All internships are based at the university’s campus in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.
Minimum Requirements
To be eligible for these internships, applicants must meet the following general requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be unemployed.
- Have successfully completed the qualification required for the specific internship they are applying for.
- Submit a complete application before the closing date.
Competencies Required
Successful applicants will likely demonstrate the following skills and qualities:
- Strong communication skills.
- Computer literacy.
- Interpersonal skills.
- A willingness to learn and adapt.
- A professional attitude towards work.
- Self-motivation and initiative.
- Attention to detail.
Who Should Apply?
These internships are ideal for unemployed South African graduates who have recently completed their qualifications and are eager to gain practical experience in their respective fields. If you are looking to kick-start your career in research administration, IT, business development, finance, postgraduate studies, or laboratory science, this programme offers a valuable opportunity.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and attach the following documents in PDF format to their application:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A one-page motivational letter explaining why you are suitable for the selected internship.
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate.
- Certified academic record.
- Certified qualification certificate.
Ensure all documents are clear and legible. Image files and password-protected documents will not be accepted.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via email to: [email protected].
Applicants must use the correct subject line for the specific internship they are applying for. Failure to do so may result in the application being overlooked.
Email Subject Lines:
- Research Information Management System: MQA2026-RIMS | Name Surname
- Business Development Officer: MQA2026-CFERI | Name Surname
- Finance: MQA2026-FIN | Name Surname
- Postgraduate Administration: MQA2026-PGA | Name Surname
- Laboratory Technician: MQA2026-LAB | Name Surname
Remember to replace Name Surname with your full name. If you wish to apply for more than one position, submit a separate email application for each internship.
Important Application Information
Please take note of the following important details regarding the application process:
- Applications close strictly at 16:00 on 06 November 2026.
- Late applications will not be considered.
- Incomplete applications will also not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by SMU.
- Shortlisted applicants must be available for interviews on dates that will be communicated by the university.
- If you do not receive feedback within 30 days after the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful.
Closing Date
The closing date for all applications is 06 November 2026 at 16:00. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.
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