The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) invites suitably qualified South African graduates to apply for Intern Medical Scientist positions for the 2026/2027 intake.
Internship Application Closing Date: 23 January 2026
Internship Duration: Two (2) years – 2026/2027 intake
Internship Location: Various NHLS-accredited training centres across South Africa
About National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS)
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is South Africa’s largest diagnostic pathology service, supporting public healthcare through laboratory testing, disease surveillance, and medical research. NHLS plays a critical role in training health science professionals and advancing public health outcomes nationwide.
About the Intern Medical Scientist Programme
The Intern Medical Scientist Programme provides supervised practical training in diagnostic laboratory procedures and medical science research within an established public health environment.
The programme is designed to prepare interns for registration as Independent Medical Biological Scientists with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Training is conducted according to approved standard operating procedures in accredited laboratories.
Internship Details
- Position: Intern Medical Scientist (Grade TC1)
- Contract: Two-year fixed-term contract
- Intake: 2026/2027
- Training Centres: Universities and national institutes accredited by NHLS
Stipend Structure
Interns will receive an annual stipend aligned to their qualification level:
- NQF Level 8: R193,583.78 per annum
- NQF Level 9: R243,353.53 per annum
- NQF Level 10: R294,026.14 per annum
Available Training Centres and Disciplines
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Ref: GAUSMU-1225-001
- Anatomical Pathology ×1
- Haematology ×2
- Virology ×4
University of Cape Town
Ref: WNCUCT-1225-001
- Chemical Pathology ×1
- Genetic Counselling ×5
- Haematology ×2
- Immunology ×1
- Virology ×2
University of the Free State
Ref: FNWUFS-1225-001
- Chemical Pathology ×2
- Haematology ×1
- Medical Microbiology ×1
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Ref: KZNUKZN-1225-001
- Anatomical Pathology ×3
- Chemical Pathology ×1
- Medical Microbiology ×2
University of Pretoria
Ref: GAUUP-1225-001
- Chemical Pathology ×3
- Haematology ×2
- Medical Microbiology ×2
- Medical Virology ×2
Stellenbosch University
Ref: WNCUS-1225-001
- Immunology ×1
- Medical Microbiology ×1
- Medical Virology ×2
University of the Witwatersrand
Ref: GAUWITS-1225-001
- Anatomical Pathology ×2
- Genetic Counselling ×4
- Haematology ×2
- Human Genetics ×4
- Molecular Biology ×2
National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)
Ref: NICD-1225-001
- Medical Microbiology ×5
- Molecular Biology ×2
- Virology ×2
National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH)
Ref: NIOH-1225-001
- Analytical Services ×2
- Anatomical Pathology ×1
- Medical Microbiology ×2
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- A four-year BSc degree or Honours degree in a medical or clinical pathology discipline
- Pathology-related coursework is compulsory
- Only graduates with relevant pathology courses will be shortlisted
How to Apply
Click here to apply for NHLS Intern Medical Scientist Positions 2026/2027 by submitting your application via email.
📧 Email applications to:
internmedicalscientist@nhls.ac.za
📌 Important – Email Subject Line:
You must clearly state the University/Training Centre and Discipline in the subject line.
Example: University of Pretoria – Immunology
Documents to Submit
- Concise Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Full academic transcripts
Incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications will not be considered.
Important Notes
- Pre-employment screening and qualification verification will be conducted
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- If you have not heard from NHLS within 2 months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful
- Employment Equity targets will guide appointments
Internship Closing Date
Closing Date: 23 January 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.