HSRC Youth Internship Programme Celebrates 20 years of Empowering Female Professionals
Reading Time: 2 minutesTHE HSRC youth internship programme continues to strengthen the futures of skilled female professionals in South Africa.
Image Credit: HSRC WC
As Women’s Month draws to a close, the HSRC Internship Programme continues to play an important role in empowering female graduates through workplace experience, professional development and exposure to diverse career opportunities.
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Internship Programme celebrated 20 years of existence in 2025, marking two decades of helping young South Africans develop skills and gain valuable experience in the workplace.
Since the programme began in 2005, 7,531 interns have been placed between 2005 and 2025. Of these, 4,965, or approximately 66%, were female interns. This exceeds the Ministerial target of 55% female representation and highlights the programme’s contribution to gender inclusion and women’s participation in the workforce.
HSRC Creates Pathways for Young Graduates
Through structured mentorship, practical workplace exposure and continuous skills development, the HSRC Internship Programme helps graduates strengthen their employability, expand professional networks and prepare for long-term career growth.
The programme is open to unemployed graduates in fields including Science, Engineering and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Research Development and Innovation. Interns gain practical experience while contributing their knowledge to host institutions and developing skills in research management, research support and administration.
Over the years, the HSRC has expanded the disciplines covered by its internship programme. These currently include Economic and Management Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Sciences, Law, Information Sciences and Communications.
Supporting South Africa’s Future Workforce
The programme’s capacity-building initiatives are supported by strategic partners, including the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the National Skills Fund (NSF).
These partnerships support graduate placements, work-readiness initiatives, specialised skills development and exposure to emerging sectors such as green hydrogen and Power-to-X.
As the HSRC Internship Programme enters its third decade, its focus remains on developing the next generation of skilled young professionals in South Africa.
The next intake will be announced soon across various media platforms.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to follow the HSRC website and social media platforms for updates on applications and opportunities.