Free State Health
Free State Health Graduate Internships 2026: R8,174/Month, Closes 4 September
Role Overview
The Free State Health Department is recruiting 99 unemployed graduates for its 2026 Graduate Internship Programme. The 24-month internships pay a stipend of R98,087 per year and are spread across hospitals, district offices and health facilities throughout the province. If you hold a National Diploma or Degree and have never completed a government internship before, you have until 4 September 2026 to apply online.
Available Free State Health Internship Fields
The Free State Department of Health runs the province’s public hospitals, clinics and district health services, making it one of the largest employers in the Free State. Like other provincial departments, it uses the public service internship framework to give unemployed graduates a structured first step into government work.
This intake is unusually large at 99 posts and unusually broad. It is not only for health science graduates. Most of the positions are in support functions that keep the health system running: finance, supply chain, office management, information technology, human resources and the built environment. Interns spend 24 months inside a working department, receive structured training, and complete a funded Personal Mastery Course designed for public service graduate interns. For many past interns, this programme has been the bridge to permanent posts in provincial government.
Information Technology: 19 posts
Supply Chain / Public Management / Financial Management: 10 posts
Dental Assistant: 6 posts (HPCSA registration required)
Supply Chain Management: 5 posts
Quantity Surveying / Architecture / Building Construction: 5 posts
Human Resource Management: 3 posts
RELATED: PSG Graduate Programme 2026
An appropriate tertiary qualification relevant to the field you apply for: National Diploma (NQF Level 6) or Degree (NQF Level 7 or 8)
Must not have completed a 24-month government internship programme before
Dental Assistant applicants must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
Unemployed graduates; preference goes to individuals from historically disadvantaged backgrounds
A detailed, up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (this is all that is required at the application stage)
Certified copy of your ID, ready if requested at shortlisting
Certified copy of your Matric certificate, ready if requested
Certified copies of your tertiary qualifications and academic record, ready if requested
HPCSA registration proof for Dental Assistant applicants
The department does not require certified copies upfront, which saves you certification costs, but shortlisted candidates must produce them quickly, so prepare them now.
Update your CV with your qualification, NQF level and contact details.
Go to the Free State provincial e-Recruitment portal and register a profile if you do not have one.
Search the internship listings and select the field that matches your qualification.
Use the correct reference number for your chosen field and facility.
Complete the online form carefully and submit before 4 September 2026.
Apply online here: Apply at the Free State Department of Health e-Recruitment portal.
The closing date for the Free State Department of Health Graduate Internships 2026 is 4 September 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Thousands of Free State graduates finish their diplomas and degrees every year and then sit at home because employers want experience they have no way of getting. A 24-month public service internship solves exactly that problem. It gives you two full years of verifiable government work experience, a stipend of just over R8,100 a month to stand on, and exposure to the systems that provincial departments use every day, from BAS and PERSAL to supply chain processes.
Government internships are also one of the most common routes into permanent public service posts, because departments recruit from people who already know their systems. With 99 posts across nine fields, this is one of the biggest single internship intakes in the province this year.
No. The programme is designed for unemployed graduates with no formal work experience. Your qualification is what counts.
The stipend is R98,087 per annum, which works out to roughly R8,174 per month for the full 24-month programme.
The rule excludes applicants who have already completed a 24-month internship programme. If your previous internship was shorter, check the specific advert conditions on the portal or confirm with the department before applying.
Placements are at hospitals, district offices and health facilities across the Free State. Specific locations are listed per field on the e-Recruitment portal, and you apply against a specific reference number.
Make sure your application stands out with these free tools:
Key Responsibilities
You will support administrative functions and collaborate with colleagues across different departments to gain a well-rounded understanding of the organisation, while participating in training sessions and professional development activities. As an intern, your responsibilities will typically include assisting senior team members with daily tasks and project deliverables, conducting research and preparing reports as directed by your supervisor, and attending team meetings to contribute ideas.
Entry Requirements
A willingness to learn and adapt in a professional environment, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. South African citizenship or valid work permit, and a relevant qualification or current enrolment at a recognised tertiary institution.
Listing Source
This opportunity was sourced from Nasi-Ispani. Always verify final requirements and deadlines on the official source before applying.
How to Apply
Update your CV with your qualification, NQF level and contact details. Go to the Free State provincial e-Recruitment portal and register a profile if you do not have one. Search the internship listings and select the field that matches your qualification. Use the correct reference number for your chosen field and facility. Complete the online form carefully and submit before 4 September 2026. Apply online here: Apply at the Free State Department of Health e-Recruitment portal.
About Free State Health
This internship is offered by Free State Health.
Why This Is Good for Starters
Internships are one of the most effective ways to break into the South African job market. According to the National Youth Development Agency, candidates with internship experience are up to 3 times more likely to secure permanent employment. This Free State Health internship gives you real workplace exposure, professional references, and a chance to prove yourself before committing to a long-term role. Many South African companies convert their top interns into permanent staff.
CV Tips for This Application
- Highlight any academic projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that show initiative
- Include your university or college details prominently — GPA if above 65%
- Mention any software, tools, or technical skills you learned during your studies
- Keep your CV to one page — hiring managers reviewing intern applications spend under 30 seconds per CV
- Add a short "Career Objective" at the top explaining why you want this specific internship
Application Checklist
- Read the full job description carefully before applying
- Prepare an updated CV tailored to this specific role
- Gather all required documents mentioned in the listing
- Write a brief cover letter explaining why you are a good fit
- Submit before the closing date: 04 September 2026
- Double-check your contact details are correct on your CV
- Follow up after 2 weeks if you have not heard back
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with matric only?
Check the requirements section above for education requirements.
Do I need experience?
This appears to be suitable for candidates with little or no experience.
Can I apply if I live in another province?
Most opportunities accept applications from candidates across South Africa. Check the requirements for any location-specific criteria.
What happens after I apply?
After submitting your application, the employer will review it. If shortlisted, you may be contacted for an interview. Response times vary by employer.
Is this internship paid?
Yes, this opportunity offers: R98087
When is the closing date and what if I miss it?
The closing date is 04 September 2026. Apply before this date to be considered.
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