We are pleased to announce that the application for the 2023/25 DSI-HSRC Internship Programme is now open.
As the job market grows increasingly competitive, the importance of gaining practical experience alongside academic qualifications cannot be overstated. The DSI-HSRC Internship Programme, managed by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) on behalf of the Department of Science and Innovation, offers a unique opportunity for unemployed graduates and postgraduates to acquire such experience. This blog post will guide you through the benefits of the programme, eligibility requirements, and application procedure, so you can secure a spot in this prestigious initiative.
The DSI-HSRC Internship Programme is specifically designed for unemployed graduates and postgraduates in the fields of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET), Research, Development, Innovation, Social Sciences and Humanities. The programme doesn’t just offer an internship opportunity but an immersive, practical work experience through mentoring and exposure in environments relevant to the interns’ qualifications.
Participants have the opportunity to be placed in public and private higher education institutions, science councils, research agencies, the private sector, non-profit organisations, and relevant industries. Especially encouraged to apply are candidates with disabilities, with the assurance of reasonable disability support upon request.
Benefits of the DSI-HSRC Internship Programme
The benefits of participating in the DSI-HSRC Internship Programme extend beyond simply gaining practical work experience:
- Exposure to Professional Environments: Interns are placed in institutions and organizations directly relevant to their fields of study, providing exposure to real-world professional environments.
- Mentorship Opportunities: The program offers mentoring, which can provide invaluable advice, guidance, and industry insights.
- Competitive Remuneration: Interns receive a monthly salary dependent on their level of qualification for the two-year duration of the internship.
- Career Boost: Participation in a prestigious program like this one can significantly boost your resume and increase your chances of securing a desirable job in the future.
DSI-HSRC Internship Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the DSI-HSRC Internship Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- South African citizen or Permanent Resident with a valid South African Identity Document.
- Currently unemployed and 35 years of age or younger at the time of appointment to the internship programme.
- Hold a graduate degree in the specified fields. The degree should be at the following levels:
- NQF Level 7: Bachelor’s, Advanced Diploma, or B-Tech Degree;
- NQF Level 8: Bachelor’s Hons Degree, and Postgraduate Diploma;
- NQF Level 9: Master’s Degree or M-Tech.
- Completed their studies at the time of submitting the application.
Please note that certain categories of applicants are not eligible for this programme, including those who hold a Diploma at below NQF level 7 or a PhD at NQF level 10, full-time students, registered Doctoral students, and those holding DSI-funded scholarships or bursaries during the internship year.
DSI-HSRC Internship Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted electronically through the DSI-HSRC Internship Online Management System. Follow these steps:
- Register under the tab ‘Create Intern Account’ and provide your personal details.
- After registration, log in and go to the ‘My Profile’ menu to complete all the required information.
- Proceed to ‘My Applications’ menu and create an application, filling out all relevant sections as per instructions provided.
Attachments required for the application include certified copies of certificates, academic records indicating the completion of the qualification (or Letter of completion), and a certified copy of the South African ID or Passport.
DSI-HSRC Internship Application Dates
The closing date for applications is Friday, 26 May 2023. No late applications will be considered.
