Application Deadline: Sunday, 05 September 2021
The Department of Science and Innovation-funded Internship Programme, previously managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF), has been moved to the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). Over the 15 years it was led by the NRF, the programme enabled over 6 000 young people to access internship opportunities, and the HSRC hopes to build on this impressive work.
The Internship Programme, intended to bridge the gap between academic study and competent performance in the workplace, 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.
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is responsible for the management of the DSI-HSRC Internship Programme on behalf of the Department of Science and Innovation. The Internship Programme provides unemployed Science, Engineering and Technology (SET), Research, Development, Innovation, Social Sciences and Humanities graduates and postgraduates (excluding Post-doctoral candidates) an opportunity to acquire practical work experience through mentoring and an exposure in an environment, relevant to their qualification.
Placement will be available in public and private higher education institutions, private sector, non-profit organisations and in relevant industries. Candidates with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Reasonable disability support may be provided on request from the Intern or the institution.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible, interns MUST meet the following minimum requirements:
• Be a South African citizen or South African Permanent Resident (with a valid South African Identity Document).
o Non-South Africans are not eligible to apply;
• Should be currently unemployed 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 list of areas of specialisations/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.
DURATION
The internship programme is offered for a period of 24 months. Successful applicants will be required to sign a contract for the duration of the internship.
REMUNERATION
The DSI-HSRC Internship will provide interns with a monthly salary depending on the level of qualification for the duration of the two-year period:
• Bachelors: R 6,375 per month
• Honours: R 7,055 per month
• Masters: R 8,375 per month
PLACEMENT AT VARIOUS HOST INSTITUTIONS
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.
Applicants are urged to consider the choice of province carefully as the cost of living away from home maybe high and place a burden on you.
SHORT LISTING AND INTERVIEWS
Short listing 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 you have provided in the application. Applicants are advised to check their emails regularly during the period 13 to 30 September 2021. After the Host Institution has selected their candidate, they will inform the DSI-HSRC Internship Programme office, and we will send out the letter inviting you to the programme and the contract documents that you will have to sign.
HOW TO APPLY
All applications must be submitted electronically on the DSI-HSRC Internship Online Management System. Applicants must first register under the tab new registration and provide their personal details as required. After registration, log in and go to my applications and create an application and complete all the relevant sections following instructions provided. The closing date for applications is Sunday, 05 September 2021; no late applications will be considered. You will be required to provide us with the following documents. Please click here to access the online system.
ATTACHMENTS TO SUBMIT
• Certified copies of certificates;
• Certified academic records; and
• Certified copy of the South African ID or Passport
DISCIPLINES AVAILABLE IN YOUR PROVINCE
Applicants can review the areas of specialisation or disciplines available in their respective provinces in the guidelines document attached.
ENQUIRIES
For online enquiries, please contact the DSI-HSRC Internship Programme Desk via email:
Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. If no correspondence has been received by the 8th October 2021, they should consider their applications unsuccessful. Successful applicants will start their internship on 01 October 2021.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the DSI-HSRC Internship Programme 2021/2023
