MastersStipend

Department of Science and Innovation Internships for Unemployed South African Graduates

Heads up — this listing may be outdated. The dates and details below reference a year that has already passed and our editorial team has not re-verified this scholarship is still open. Always confirm the current intake on the sponsor's official website via the button below before you invest time in an application.

The Department of Science and Innovation has posted internships for unemployed South African Sciences and Humanities graduates aged 35 years old or younger., Post a Comment

Provider: Various
Host country: South Africa
Deadline: Annual – check official site
Region: Global

Official source

Topics

Master's scholarships

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Department of Science and Innovation Internships for Unemployed South African Graduates is open to African students applying to study in South Africa at the Masters level, with stipend funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters · applicants for South Africa
Funding: Stipend
Study level: Masters
Deadline: Annual – check official site

Key eligibility criteria

Unemployed South African graduates in science and innovation fields

What the stipend award covers

Monthly stipend
Internship placement

About the Department of Science and Innovation Internships for Unemployed South African Graduates (2026)

##### Are you a South African degree-holder having a hard time landing a job? Why not try an internship at the Department of Science and Innovation? The Department of Science and Innovation – Human Sciences Research Council (DSI-HSRC) has posted internships for unemployed South African Sciences and Humanities graduates aged 35 years old or younger. **Application deadline:** September 5, 2021 ### Table of contents - [Benefits of the DSI-HSRC Internship Program](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/department-of-science-and-innovation-internships-for-unemployed-south-african-graduates/#h-benefits-of-the-dsi-hsrc-internship-program) - [DSI-HSRC Internship Details](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/department-of-science-and-innovation-internships-for-unemployed-south-african-graduates/#h-dsi-hsrc-internship-details) - [Eligibility Criteria](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/department-of-science-and-innovation-internships-for-unemployed-south-african-graduates/#h-eligibility-criteria) - [Internship Program Selection Process](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/department-of-science-and-innovation-internships-for-unemployed-south-african-graduates/#h-internship-program-selection-process) - [How to Apply](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/department-of-science-and-innovation-internships-for-unemployed-south-african-graduates/#h-how-to-apply) ## Benefits of the DSI-HSRC Internship Program Offered for a period of 24 months, the DSI-HSRC Internships Program will provide its interns with a monthly salary depending on the level of qualification for the duration of the two-year period. Bachelor’s degree holders shall receive R6,375 per month while Honor’s degree holders with receive R 7,055 per month. On the other hand, master’s degree holders are entitled to a monthly compensation of R 8,375. ## DSI-HSRC Internship Details Previously handled by the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Department of Science and Innovation-funded Internship Program has now been placed under the care of the HSRC. Over the past 15 years, the program has aided over 6,000 young people, including unemployed South African graduates, to access internship opportunities. It places unemployed graduates in science, engineering and technology disciplines, as well as in the humanities and social sciences, at various research performing or research policy institutions. An NRF study in 2018 showed that 54% of the interns who had been in the program between 2005 and 2017-2018 were registered for postgraduate studies. Meanwhile, 45% were in full-time employment. Significantly, of those in employment, 48% were working in the national system of innovation. Over the next three years, the internship program will focus on strengthening the transversal skills and capabilities of the interns. In turn, this will give them a competitive advantage when entering the labor market, and supporting the growth of mentoring capabilities, particularly in the context of remote work becoming a mainstream phenomenon. The new cohort of interns will be recruited to commence their two-year internships on October 1, 2021. ## Eligibility Criteria In order to be considered for this opportunity, interested parties must first meet the following eligibility criteria: - Be a **South African citizen** or South African Permanent Resident (with a valid South African Identity Document). - Non-South Africans are not eligible to apply; - Should be currently **unemployed** South African graduates and 35 years of age or younger at the time of submitting the application; - A **graduate** holding any of the following: o **NQF Level 7**: Bachelor’s, Advanced Diploma, or B-Tech Degree; o **NQF Level 8**: Bachelor’s Hons Degree, and Postgraduate Diploma; o **NQF Level 9**: Master’s Degree or M-Tech. - Hold a qualification in Science, Engineering and Technology, Research, Development, Innovation, Social Sciences and Humanities or related disciplines and **SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED THEIR STUDY** at the time of submitting the application. See the list of areas of specializations/disciplines by province below: The following applies to candidates who are **NOT ELIGIBLE** to be appointed as DSI-HSRC interns: • Candidates who hold a Diploma at **BELOW NQF level 7** as well as PhD at **NQF level 10**; • Candidates who would be registered full-time for study • Registered Doctoral (PhD, DPhil and DTech) students; and • Candidates who hold DSI-funded scholarships or bursaries during the internship year. ## Internship Program Selection Process Shortlisting and interview of applicants will be conducted by mentors at the participating host institutions*. Applicants will be shortlisted and contacted by the specific host institution to schedule interviews, using the personal email they have provided in the application. Furthermore, applicants are advised to check their emails regularly during the period of September 13-30. After the host institution has selected their candidate, they will inform the DSI-HSRC Internship Program office. In turn, they will send out the letter inviting successful applicants to the program and forward the necessary contract documents for signing. ###### _\* Participating host institutions are located throughout the country, and so, interested applicants should ensure that they apply for a position available in the province where they would like to be placed. **Kindly note that the HSRC does not pay relocation costs to any appointed candidates who choose to relocate to another province**._ ## How to Apply All applications must be submitted electronically on the [DSI-HSRC Internship Online Management System](http://interns.hsrc.ac.za/login.php). Aspiring interns must first register under the tab new registration and provide their personal details as required. After the registration, applicants are required to log in and go to My Applications, where they must create an application and complete all the relevant sections following the instructions provided. The closing date for applications is **Sunday, September 5, 2021**. No late applications will be considered. Furthermore, the DSI-HSRTC is asking applicants to attach the following documents within their submission: • Certified copies of certificates; • Certified academic records; and • Certified copy of the South African ID or Passport To download the application guidelines and internship program framework please click on the links provided below: - [Download application guidelines](http://www.hsrc.ac.za/uploads/pageContent/1045987/DSI-HSRC%20Internship%20Advert%20-%20Call%20for%20GRADUATES%20to%20Apply%202021-23%20(2).pdf) (in pdf format) - [Download internship programme framework](http://www.hsrc.ac.za/uploads/pageContent/1045987/DSI-HSRC%20Internship%20Programme%20Framework%20for%202021-23%20INTERNSHIP%20CALL.pdf) (in pdf format) - [Download flowchart](http://www.hsrc.ac.za/uploads/pageContent/1045987/Flowchart-01.png) _For further information on the implementation of the program, direct your queries to the HSRC on_ [_DSI_HSRC_Internship.queries@hsrc.ac.za_](mailto:DSI_HSRC_Internship.queries@hsrc.ac.za) * * * _brought to you by Scholarships for Africans_ [**Scholarships for Africans**](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/) is a premier scholarship information blog committed to bringing more opportunities for Africans globally. 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What the Stipend Department of Science and Innovation Internships for Unemployed South African Graduates covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Monthly stipend
Internship placement

Department of Science and Innovation Internships for Unemployed South African Graduates eligibility for South Africa applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Unemployed South African graduates in science and innovation fields

Documents required for the Department of Science and Innovation Internships for Unemployed South African Graduates application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Department of Science and Innovation Internships for Unemployed South African Graduates 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open http://www.hsrc.ac.za/uploads/pageContent/1045987/DSI-HSRC%20Internship%20Advert%20-%20Call%20for%20GRADUATES%20to%20Apply%202021-23%20(2 and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Unemployed South African graduates in science and innovation fields". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on http://www.hsrc.ac.za/uploads/pageContent/1045987/DSI-HSRC%20Internship%20Advert%20-%20Call%20for%20GRADUATES%20to%20Apply%202021-23%20(2, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Annual – check official site (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Various will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Department of Science and Innovation Internships for Unemployed South African Graduates deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Department of Science and Innovation Internships for Unemployed South African Graduates?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Various, and be able to relocate to South Africa for the duration of the programme.

Is the Department of Science and Innovation Internships for Unemployed South African Graduates fully funded?+

Funding model: Stipend. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Annual – check official site. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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