SMU MQA Graduate Internships 2026: Research, Business, Finance, Administration and Chemistry

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) invites unemployed South African graduates to apply for its Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Graduate Internship Programme 2026 in Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng. There are 6 posts across research information systems, business development, finance, postgraduate administration and chemistry.

• Closing Date: 6 November 2026 at 16:00 (South African time)
• Location: Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
• Programme Duration: 24 months
• Monthly Stipend: R9,000
• Number of Posts: 6
• Application Subject Codes: MQA2026-RIMS, MQA2026-CFERI, MQA2026-FIN, MQA2026-PGA and MQA2026-LAB
• Operating Directorate: Research and Innovation Directorate

About the Programme

The MQA Graduate Internship Programme offers fixed-term placements at SMU for graduates who have completed the qualification required for their chosen position. Each internship runs for 24 months and pays a stipend of R9,000 per month.

The university has advertised 1 Research Information Management System Intern, 1 Business Development Officer Intern, 2 Finance Interns, 1 Postgraduate Administration Intern (Pharmacy) and 1 Laboratory Technician Intern. These are graduate internships, not learnerships.

Minimum Requirements

All applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be unemployed.
• Have completed the relevant qualification for the position.

Research Information Management System Intern — 1 post

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related field.
• Email subject: MQA2026-RIMS | Name Surname.

Business Development Officer Intern — 1 post

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Entrepreneurship or Commerce.
• Email subject: MQA2026-CFERI | Name Surname.

Finance Intern — 2 posts

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Financial Management or a related field.
• Email subject: MQA2026-FIN | Name Surname.

Postgraduate Administration Intern (Pharmacy) — 1 post

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Office Management, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field.
• Email subject: MQA2026-PGA | Name Surname.

Laboratory Technician Intern — 1 post

• Honours or master’s degree in Chemistry.
• Email subject: MQA2026-LAB | Name Surname.

Programme Purpose and Benefits

Interns will receive a R9,000 monthly stipend during the 24-month contract and assist with work in their assigned area:

• Research information systems: Research outputs administration and reporting, plus system administration and user support for human and animal research ethics systems.
• Business development: Entrepreneurship programmes, business incubation and enterprise development within CfERI, including support for student entrepreneurs and emerging businesses.
• Finance: Financial administration, expenditure monitoring and reporting.
• Postgraduate administration: Committee secretarial support, external examiner appointment processes, records and meeting administration.
• Laboratory work: Chemistry research, undergraduate practical sessions and laboratory operations, including safety and stock control.

Employment Equity

The official advert requires applicants to be unemployed South African citizens. It does not state a separate employment-equity preference.

How to Apply

View the MQA graduate internship listing and application details on FirstJobly.

1. Select the position for which you meet the qualification requirements. 2. Email your application to tshepo.sebesho@smu.ac.za. 3. Use the exact subject code listed above, followed by | and your full name. Replace “Name Surname” with your own details. 4. Submit a separate email application for each position if applying for more than one internship. 5. Attach the following documents as PDF files:

• Curriculum vitae.
• A one-page motivational letter explaining your suitability for the selected internship.
• Certified copy of your South African ID.
• Certified copy of your Matric certificate.
• Certified copy of your academic record.
• Certified copy of your qualification certificate.

All copies must be clear and legible. Image files and password-protected documents will not be accepted. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Shortlisted applicants must be available for interviews on the dates communicated by the university. If you have not been contacted within 30 days after the closing date, regard your application as unsuccessful.

Read the official SMU MQA internship advert.

Closing Date: 6 November 2026 at 16:00 (South African time). Applicants are responsible for submitting before the deadline.