The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is inviting suitably qualified unemployed South African graduates to apply for Support Internship opportunities for 2026/2027.
The internships cover several professional support areas, including Information Technology, Health and Safety, Research Capacity Development, Human Resources, Finance and Supply Chain Management.
These opportunities are designed to give graduates practical workplace exposure and job-related experience in areas connected to their qualifications.
Applications close on 3 September 2026.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) |
| Opportunity | Support Internships |
| Opportunity Type | Internship |
| Location | South Africa |
| Target Group | Unemployed South African graduates |
| Qualification | Diploma, Degree, National Diploma or BCom, depending on position |
| Age | Not specified in the supplied information |
| Duration | Not disclosed |
| Stipend / Salary | Not disclosed |
| Closing Date | 3 September 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
Why This Opportunity Matters
Finding the first job after graduation can be challenging when employers ask candidates for previous workplace experience.
The SAMRC Support Internship Programme provides graduates with an opportunity to gain practical exposure in a professional organisation while working in an area related to their studies.
The available positions also cover a broad range of career fields. Graduates in IT, Health and Safety, Health Sciences, Human Resources, Accounting, Supply Chain and Logistics can therefore consider the position that best matches their qualification.
Applicants should focus on the specific requirements of the internship they want rather than assuming that one application qualifies them for every position.
Available SAMRC Internships
1. SAMRC Support Intern: IT
The IT internship is aimed at applicants with a higher education Diploma or Degree in Information Technology or a similar field.
Applicants should also be computer literate and able to communicate effectively.
Minimum qualification: Diploma or Degree in Information Technology or a similar field.
Apply: Use the official SAMRC Support Intern: IT application link supplied for this vacancy.
2. SAMRC Support Intern: HSE
The Health, Safety and Environment internship is aimed at graduates with a Diploma or Degree in Health and Safety or a similar field.
Applicants should also demonstrate computer literacy and effective communication skills.
Minimum qualification: Diploma or Degree in Health and Safety or a similar field.
Apply: Use the official SAMRC Support Intern: HSE application link supplied for this vacancy.
3. SAMRC Support Intern: RCD
The Research Capacity Development internship requires a three-year qualification in a Health Science discipline or another similar relevant qualification.
Applicants should be computer literate and able to communicate effectively.
Exposure to Microsoft Excel will be an advantage.
Minimum qualification: Three-year qualification in a Health Science discipline or similar relevant field.
Apply: Use the official SAMRC Support Intern: RCD application link supplied for this vacancy.
4. SAMRC Support Intern: HR
The Human Resources internship is aimed at applicants with a three-year National Diploma or Degree in Human Resource Management or a similar relevant qualification.
Applicants should also be computer literate and able to communicate effectively.
Minimum qualification: Three-year National Diploma or Degree in Human Resource Management or similar relevant qualification.
Apply: Use the official SAMRC Support Intern: HR application link supplied for this vacancy.
5. SAMRC Support Intern: Finance
The Finance internship requires a three-year National Diploma or Degree in Accounting or a similar relevant qualification.
Applicants should have appropriate computer skills.
Exposure to Microsoft Excel and an accounting package such as Pastel will be advantageous.
Minimum qualification: Three-year National Diploma or Degree in Accounting or similar relevant qualification.
Apply: Use the official SAMRC Support Intern: Finance application link supplied for this vacancy.
6. SAMRC Support Intern: SCM
The Supply Chain Management internship is aimed at applicants with a BCom Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics or another similar relevant qualification.
Applicants should also be computer literate.
Minimum qualification: BCom Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics or similar relevant qualification.
Apply: Use the official SAMRC Support Intern: SCM application link supplied for this vacancy.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is aimed at unemployed South African graduates who meet the qualification requirements of the specific internship.
Applicants should:
- Be South African.
- Be unemployed.
- Have the required qualification for the selected internship.
- Meet any additional requirements attached to the specific position.
- Be able to communicate effectively.
- Have appropriate computer literacy where required.
- Submit an online application before the closing date.
Because the positions have different qualification requirements, applicants should carefully match their qualification to the correct internship.
Who Should Not Apply?
Applicants should avoid applying for a position if they:
- Do not have the required qualification.
- Have a qualification unrelated to the specific internship.
- Do not meet the stated minimum academic requirements.
- Are not part of the intended unemployed graduate target group.
- Submit an incomplete application.
- Miss the closing date.
If your qualification does not match one position, check the other SAMRC Support Intern opportunities because the programme covers several different disciplines.
General Skills
Several of the opportunities require applicants to demonstrate good workplace skills.
These include:
- Computer literacy
- Effective written communication
- Effective verbal communication
- Ability to work with workplace information
- Professional communication
- Relevant technical knowledge for the selected field
Some positions also identify specific software or technical exposure as an advantage.
For example, Microsoft Excel exposure is advantageous for the RCD and Finance opportunities, while Pastel exposure is advantageous for the Finance position.
Stipend / Salary
Stipend / Salary: Not disclosed in the supplied vacancy information.
YouthScope has therefore not assigned a monthly stipend amount to these internships.
Applicants should check the official vacancy information and application page for any remuneration details or employment conditions associated with their specific position.
Duration
Duration: Not disclosed in the supplied information.
Applicants should check the official SAMRC vacancy information for the applicable internship period and conditions before accepting an opportunity.
Documents Required
Applicants should have their relevant academic and personal information available before starting the online application.
Depending on the requirements of the specific recruitment process, candidates may be asked for information relating to:
- South African citizenship
- Identity details
- Contact information
- Academic qualifications
- Academic records
- CV or employment history
- Relevant supporting information
Applicants should follow the document requirements shown on the official SAMRC application system and avoid submitting documents that are not requested.
How to Apply
Step 1: Choose the correct internship
Review the six available Support Intern positions and select the one that matches your qualification.
Step 2: Check the minimum qualification
Confirm that your Diploma, Degree, National Diploma or BCom meets the academic requirement for the selected position.
Step 3: Prepare your information
Have your personal, academic and contact information ready before opening the online application.
Step 4: Open the relevant SAMRC application
Use the direct official application link associated with the position you want to apply for.
Step 5: Complete the online form
Enter your information accurately and complete all required fields.
Step 6: Review your application
Check your qualification details, contact information and other answers before submitting.
Step 7: Submit before the deadline
Applications must be submitted by 3 September 2026.
Direct SAMRC Application Options
Applicants should use the application link corresponding to their selected internship:
- Support Intern: IT — official SAMRC application
- Support Intern: HSE — official SAMRC application
- Support Intern: RCD — official SAMRC application
- Support Intern: HR — official SAMRC application
- Support Intern: Finance — official SAMRC application
- Support Intern: SCM — official SAMRC application
The direct application URLs supplied for this article point to the SAMRC recruitment system.
Important Before You Apply
Do not select an internship simply because the SAMRC is a well-known organisation.
Your qualification should be the first consideration.
For example:
- IT graduates should consider the Support Intern: IT position.
- Health and Safety graduates should consider Support Intern: HSE.
- Health Science graduates can consider Support Intern: RCD.
- Human Resource Management graduates can consider Support Intern: HR.
- Accounting graduates can consider Support Intern: Finance.
- Supply Chain or Logistics graduates with the required BCom qualification can consider Support Intern: SCM.
Applicants should also avoid relying on unconfirmed stipend figures circulating on social media or recruitment websites.
Official Source
Organisation: South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
Recruitment platform: SAMRC online recruitment system
Applicants should use the official SAMRC recruitment/application link for the specific internship they wish to pursue.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the SAMRC Internship closing date?
The application closing date is 3 September 2026.
2. Who can apply for the SAMRC Support Internships?
The opportunities are aimed at unemployed South African graduates who meet the qualification requirements for the selected position.
3. What qualifications are required?
The requirements differ by position. Qualifications include Diplomas, Degrees, three-year National Diplomas, three-year Health Science qualifications and a BCom Degree, depending on the internship.
4. How many Support Intern opportunities are available?
Six Support Intern opportunities are listed: IT, HSE, RCD, HR, Finance and SCM.
5. Is there a confirmed SAMRC internship stipend?
A stipend amount was not provided in the information available for this article. Applicants should check the official vacancy information for remuneration details.
6. How long is the SAMRC internship?
The internship duration was not disclosed in the supplied information. Applicants should check the specific SAMRC vacancy for the applicable contract period.
7. Can an IT graduate apply for the Finance internship?
The Finance internship specifically requires a three-year National Diploma or Degree in Accounting or a similar relevant qualification. Applicants should therefore apply for the position that matches their academic background.
8. Where are the SAMRC internships located?
The programme location is listed as South Africa. Applicants should check the specific vacancy and recruitment information for the applicable work location.
Related Opportunities
YouthScope readers can also explore:
- Graduate internships
- Government internships
- Medical and healthcare opportunities
- Finance internships
- Human Resources internships
- Supply Chain internships
- SETA learnerships
- Graduate programmes
YouthScope Verification
Source: South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) recruitment information
Opportunity: Support Internships 2026/2027
Positions: IT, HSE, RCD, HR, Finance and SCM
Last checked: 30 August 2026
Application status: Open based on the supplied vacancy information
Closing date: 3 September 2026
Stipend: Not disclosed
Duration: Not disclosed
Editorial Information
Author: Mbalizuke Nkosi
Reviewer: YouthScope Editorial Team
Published: 30 August 2026
Updated: 30 August 2026
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
Through informative and professionally curated content, YouthScope.co.za aims to equip young people with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
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