PAID INTERNSHIP: Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Internship Program 2025 For Young Unemployed South African Graduates

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Internship Program offers South African graduates a chance to gain practical work experience and mentorship in various fields, enhancing their career prospects. Apply below: 

When is the Application Deadline:

The application deadline is 17 March 2025

Tell Me About The Human Sciences Research Council  Internship Program:

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Internship Programme offers an opportunity to unemployed graduates in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET),  Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) as well as Research Development and Innovation fields to:

• Acquire practical work experience through mentoring and exposure; and
• Promote an environment in which the interns acquire the required skills needed to ease entry into the relevant sector/job market;
• Transfer their knowledge to host institutions and contribute to the goals of the institution;
•   Gain experience in research management, research support, and administration at public higher education institutions and research institutions at large.

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Which Fields are Eligible?

The internship is open to graduates in the following fields:

• Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET)
• Research, Development, and Innovation
• Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS)

Type:

Internship 

Who can Apply for the Human Sciences Research Council  Internship Program?

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen or a South African Permanent Resident with a valid South African ID.
• Be unemployed at the time of application.
• Be 35 years of age or younger at the time of appointment.
• Hold a qualification from an accredited higher education institution in one of the eligible fields, including:
  • NQF Level 7: Bachelor’s, Advanced Diploma, or B-Tech Degree
  • NQF Level 8: Bachelor’s Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma
  • NQF Level 9: Master’s Degree or M-Tech
• Have completed their studies at the time of application.

Ineligible Candidates:

The following applicants are not eligible for the internship:

• Candidates with qualifications below NQF Level 7 or PhD qualifications (NQF Level 10)
• Full-time registered students during the internship period
• Registered Doctoral (PhD, DPhil, DTech) students
• Candidates holding DSI-funded scholarships or bursaries during the internship year
• Past beneficiaries of the DSI-NRF or DSI-HSRC Internship Program

How Are Applicants Selected?

The selection process involves the following steps:

• Host institutions express their interest and submit intern profile requests.
• Graduates submit applications.
• Approved host institutions gain access to the intern portal to identify suitable candidates.
• Hosts identify, interview, and shortlist candidates based on alignment with their requirements.
• The HSRC verifies eligibility and finalizes the contract for selected interns.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

South Africa 

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Where will the Award be Taken?

South Africa 

How Many Awards?

Not specified

What is the Benefit of the Human Sciences Research Council  Internship Program?

Additionally, the benefits include:

• Monthly stipend for the 24-month internship duration
• Exposure to research projects and practical work experience
• Mentorship and training from experienced professionals
• Capacity development workshops, including soft skills training
• Employee Wellness Program, offering psycho-social support, financial advice, and counseling services

How Long Will the Award Last?

24 months 

How to Apply:

• For Host Institutions: Submit an expression of interest to host interns.
• For Graduates: Apply online by clicking the designated application link.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by host institutions for interviews.
• Selected candidates will undergo eligibility verification by the HSRC before final approval.

Visit the official application wwebpage to begin.