Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), located in South Africa, is giving young people a reason to smile. The university is now offering internship opportunities for unemployed graduates as part of its commitment to helping the youth build strong futures. These internships are designed to equip young South Africans with the work experience they need to become employable and confident in the job market.
For many young people, especially those who have studied hard but are still sitting at home without work, this is a chance to grow, gain skills, and take a positive step forward. The SMU internships for 2025/2026 are not just about work—they’re about career development and being part of something bigger.
Internship Positions Available
SMU is offering six internship positions in various departments. These opportunities are open to graduates with a Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) in specific fields. All internships require candidates to have good computer skills, communication skills, and the ability to work well with others.
Let’s take a closer look at each position:
1. Payroll Administration Intern
- Reference Number: Payroll/BGM/Intern
- Requirements: Degree in Accounting, Finance, or similar (transcript must be attached).
- Duties:
- Help process employee payroll, unpaid leave, claims, and deductions.
- Respond to payroll queries.
- Process appointments and terminations.
- Prepare payroll journals and assist with audits.
2. Employee Wellness Intern
- Reference Number: Wellness/BGM/Intern
- Requirements: Degree in HR Management, Social Sciences, or Psychology.
- Duties:
- Assist in planning and running wellness programmes.
- Help with mental health, chronic illness, and financial wellness campaigns.
- Maintain attendance and activity records.
- Create wellness reports and contribute to health ideas.
3. Organisational Development Intern
- Reference Number: OD/BGM/Intern
- Requirements: Degree in Organisational Psychology, HR, or related fields.
- Duties:
- Support employee engagement surveys.
- Assist in performance management activities.
- Help with training attendance and employee development.
- Research best practices and help write internal reports.
4. Human Resources Administration Intern
- Reference Number: HRA/BGM/Intern
- Requirements: Degree in HR, Industrial Psychology, or an equivalent.
- Duties:
- Assist with scheduling interviews and recruitment tasks.
- File and organise employee documents.
- Support HR meetings and staff communication.
- Help improve the HR working environment.
5. Remuneration and Benefits Intern
- Reference Number: REM/BGM/Intern
- Requirements: Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or HR.
- Duties:
- Support in salary structure planning and grading.
- Help gather data for salary benchmarking.
- Maintain benefit records like pensions and medical aid.
- Provide assistance to employees with benefits questions.
How to Apply
All applications must be typed and should include:
- A comprehensive CV
- Certified copies of all qualifications
- Academic transcript
- Contact details for three referees
- The correct reference number for the internship you are applying for
Applications must be sent via email to the correct address based on the internship:
- Payroll Intern: hr.recruitment9@smu.ac.za
- Wellness Intern: hr.recruitment6@smu.ac.za
- Organisational Development: hr.recruitment7@smu.ac.za
- HR Admin: hr.recruitment5@smu.ac.za
- Remuneration & Benefits: hr.recruitment8@smu.ac.za
Note: If you studied outside of South Africa, your qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. If you do not get contacted within 30 days after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Why This Internship Matters
This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to make a meaningful start. Interns will not only gain work experience but will also:
- Learn professional work culture
- Improve their CVs for future job opportunities
- Connect with people in their chosen career paths
- Make a real contribution to the smooth running of SMU
SMU values growth and inclusion. By training the youth, they are creating a better, more prepared workforce for tomorrow.
Check also: Rand Water Graduate Development Programme 2025/2026
The internship programme at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is a valuable stepping stone for South Africa’s unemployed graduates. It not only opens doors to real-world work experience but also helps young professionals build confidence, sharpen their skills, and prepare for future employment. These internships are more than just job placements—they are opportunities to grow, contribute, and become part of a respected public institution.
If you or someone you know meets the requirements, don’t let this chance pass by. Take the time to prepare your documents, apply to the correct email address, and take that first step toward a brighter future. SMU is waiting for passionate, eager, and dedicated youth to help shape tomorrow—starting today.