Free State Department of Health Graduate Internships 2026: 99 Positions Available

The Free State Department of Health is offering 99 Graduate Internship Programme opportunities for 2026. This programme is designed for unemployed South African graduates looking to gain valuable practical experience in various health-related fields.

Application Closing Date: 04 September 2026
Location: Various hospitals, district offices and health facilities across the Free State, South Africa
Programme Duration: 24 months
Stipend: R98,087 per annum (approximately R8,174 per month)
Minimum Qualification: Relevant tertiary qualification (NQF Level 6, 7 or 8)
Opportunity Type: Graduate Internship

About the Free State Department of Health Graduate Internships

This Graduate Internship Programme is a 24-month initiative by the Free State Department of Health. It aims to provide unemployed graduates with essential workplace experience. A total of 99 positions are available across different occupational fields within the department.

The programme offers structured learning and practical exposure, helping graduates to develop their skills and enhance their career prospects. It is a valuable opportunity for those seeking to enter the public health sector.

About the Free State Department of Health

The Free State Department of Health is responsible for providing healthcare services to the residents of the Free State province. It operates various health facilities, including hospitals and clinics, and works to improve public health outcomes through various programmes and initiatives. The department plays a critical role in the healthcare sector of South Africa.

Available Internship Fields

The 99 internship positions are spread across various fields, offering diverse opportunities for graduates. These include:

• Office Management (27 posts)
• Finance Management (23 posts)
• Information Technology (19 posts)
• Supply Chain / Public Management / Financial Management (10 posts)
• Dental Assistant (6 posts)
• Supply Chain Management (5 posts)
• Quantity Surveying / Architecture / Building Construction (5 posts)
• Human Resource Management (3 posts)
• Data Analyst (1 post)

What the Internship Offers

Successful interns will gain significant benefits during their 24-month programme. These include:

• Valuable workplace experience in the public health sector.
• Structured training and development opportunities.
• A monthly stipend of approximately R8,174.
• Exposure to various departments and functions within the health sector.
• Practical skills development relevant to their qualification.
• An opportunity to build a professional network.

Programme Duration and Location

The Graduate Internship Programme will run for a period of 24 months. Internships will be based at various hospitals, district offices, and health facilities located throughout the Free State province in South Africa. Specific placement will depend on the field and availability.

Minimum Requirements

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

• Be South African citizens.
• Have completed Grade 12 (Matric).
• Hold an appropriate tertiary qualification relevant to the internship field (National Diploma at NQF Level 6 or Degree at NQF Level 7 or 8, depending on the specific post).
• Be unemployed graduates.
• Must not have previously completed a 24-month government internship programme.
• Dental Assistant interns must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Preference will be given to applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, certain competencies will be beneficial for applicants. These include:

• Good communication skills.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Interpersonal skills for working within a team.
• A willingness to learn and adapt to new environments.
• A professional attitude towards work.
• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently when needed.

Who Should Apply?

This internship programme is ideal for unemployed South African graduates who have recently completed their tertiary qualifications and are seeking practical experience to kick-start their careers. It is particularly suited for individuals interested in public administration, finance, IT, healthcare support, or built environment fields within the public sector. If you are eager to learn, contribute to public service, and gain professional exposure, this opportunity is for you.

Required Documents

For the initial application stage, applicants are required to submit a detailed and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV). Certified copies of documents are not required upfront. However, shortlisted candidates should be prepared to provide the following:

• Certified copy of South African ID.
• Certified copy of Matric certificate.
• Certified copies of tertiary qualifications.
• Academic record.
• Proof of HPCSA registration (for Dental Assistant applicants).

Applicants should keep these documents ready in case they are requested during the shortlisting process.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the Free State Department of Health e-Recruitment portal.

Click here to apply for Free State Department of Health Graduate Internships 2026

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Register or log in to the e-Recruitment portal.
2. Search for the relevant Graduate Internship position.
3. Select the field that matches your qualification.
4. Ensure you use the correct reference number for the selected post.
5. Complete the online application form accurately.
6. Submit your CV before the closing date.

Important Application Notes

• A total of 99 internship positions are available across various fields.
• The programme duration is 24 months.
• The stipend is R98,087 per annum, approximately R8,174 per month.
• Applicants must be unemployed South African graduates.
• A relevant NQF Level 6, 7 or 8 qualification is required, depending on the post.
• Previous participants of a 24-month government internship programme are not eligible.
• Dental Assistant applicants require HPCSA registration.
• Only a detailed CV is needed for the initial application.
• Applications must be submitted online via the provided portal.

Closing Date

Applications close on 04 September 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

SHARE THIS POST WITH OTHERS.

Meta Description: Apply for the Free State Department of Health Graduate Internships 2026. See 99 positions, stipend, requirements, duration, and how to apply online.

FAQs:

Who can apply for the Free State Department of Health Graduate Internships 2026?
Unemployed South African graduates with a relevant tertiary qualification and who have not completed a 24-month government internship before can apply.

What is the closing date for the Free State Department of Health Graduate Internships 2026?
The closing date for applications is 04 September 2026.

Does the Free State Department of Health Graduate Internships 2026 pay a stipend?
Yes, successful interns will receive an annual stipend of R98,087, which is approximately R8,174 per month.

What documents are needed to apply?
Initially, only a detailed CV is required. Shortlisted candidates will need to provide certified copies of their ID, Matric certificate, tertiary qualifications, and academic record.

Can I apply with only Matric?
No, a relevant tertiary qualification (NQF Level 6, 7 or 8) is required in addition to Grade 12 (Matric).

How do I apply for the learnership online?
Applications must be submitted online through the Free State Department of Health e-Recruitment portal by registering or logging in and following the application steps.