University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Internship 2026: Apply for Prestigious Research Intern Positions at the School of Public Health
Are you a recent Master’s graduate or completing your Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Epidemiology, Demography, Applied Mathematics, or a related quantitative field? The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) is offering an exceptional opportunity for talented and ambitious researchers to join its internationally recognized School of Public Health (SPH) as Pre-PhD Research Interns.
Based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, these highly sought-after internships offer candidates the opportunity to work with some of South Africa’s leading public health researchers while contributing to groundbreaking projects involving large-scale health and demographic datasets. Successful candidates will also benefit from unparalleled career development opportunities, including support towards future PhD studies.
If you’re looking for one of the best research internships in South Africa for 2026, this opportunity should be at the top of your list.
About the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
The University of the Witwatersrand, commonly known as Wits University, is one of Africa’s leading research-intensive universities. Located in Johannesburg, Wits has earned a global reputation for academic excellence, innovation, scientific discovery, and impactful research.
Wits consistently ranks among the top universities in Africa and attracts students and researchers from around the world. The institution is recognized for producing influential graduates who contribute significantly to academia, industry, healthcare, government, and research sectors.
Its School of Public Health (SPH) is particularly renowned for advancing public health research, policy development, epidemiological studies, and health systems strengthening across South Africa and the African continent.
About the Wits School of Public Health
The Wits School of Public Health is one of the largest and most respected public health schools in South Africa.
The School is internationally recognized for:
- High-quality public health research
- Innovative teaching programmes
- Community engagement initiatives
- Policy development and advocacy
- Health systems research
- Epidemiological investigations
- Population health studies
The School collaborates with local and international partners to address some of the most pressing public health challenges facing South Africa and the world.
Internship Overview
Position Title
Pre-PhD Research Intern
Reference Number
IRC106489
Location
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Institution
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
School
School of Public Health (SPH)
Employment Type
Internship
Closing Date
30 June 2026
About the Research Project
The successful interns will play a key role in creating a unique and highly valuable research data resource.
The project focuses on integrating complex, multidimensional datasets from various health-related domains, including:
- Infectious diseases
- Non-communicable diseases
- Cancer research
- Maternal health
- Child health
- Environmental health
- Health systems research
The data will be sourced from:
- Disease registries
- National Cancer Registry databases
- Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSS)
- Population surveys
- Clinical investigations
- Laboratory records
- Geospatial platforms
- Longitudinal research studies
This innovative project aims to generate powerful evidence that can improve healthcare planning, policy development, disease prevention, and public health interventions across South Africa.
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be responsible for several important research activities.
Data Linkage and Integration
Interns will assist with linking multiple health and demographic datasets, including:
- National Cancer Registry data
- Clinical databases
- Laboratory datasets
- Health surveillance systems
This process will help create comprehensive research resources for future public health studies.
Statistical Analysis
Candidates will perform advanced analyses on linked datasets using modern statistical techniques.
Responsibilities may include:
- Data cleaning
- Data transformation
- Statistical modelling
- Trend analysis
- Predictive analytics
- Epidemiological investigations
Research Publications
Interns will contribute to:
- Research reports
- Academic manuscripts
- Scientific publications
- Conference presentations
This provides valuable experience for candidates interested in academic and research careers.
Collaborative Research
The role involves working closely with:
- Epidemiologists
- Biostatisticians
- Public health specialists
- Data scientists
- Researchers
- Academic supervisors
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for this opportunity, applicants should possess a Master’s degree in one of the following disciplines:
- Applied Mathematics
- Statistics
- Epidemiology
- Demography
- Data Science
- Biostatistics
- Computational Sciences
- Other quantitative research fields
Candidates currently completing their Master’s degrees will also be considered.
Preferred Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong technical and analytical capabilities.
Research Skills
Applicants should have strong interests in:
- Data linkage
- Public health research
- Epidemiology
- Population health
- Data science
- Biostatistics
Programming Skills
Candidates should be able to code in one or more scientific programming languages such as:
- R
- Python
- C++
- C
Programming knowledge is increasingly essential in modern research and public health analytics.
Database Skills
Strong proficiency in SQL is highly desirable.
Candidates should understand:
- Database querying
- Data extraction
- Data management
- Database integration
Statistical Analysis Skills
Experience using statistical software is advantageous.
Preferred software includes:
- STATA
- SAS
- R
Candidates should be comfortable:
- Importing large datasets
- Managing complex data structures
- Performing advanced statistical analyses
- Producing research outputs
Scientific Writing
Strong academic writing skills are essential.
Experience in:
- Writing research reports
- Developing manuscripts
- Publishing scientific articles
- Literature reviews
will be highly beneficial.
Why This Internship Is a Great Opportunity
This internship offers far more than traditional workplace experience.
PhD Development Pathway
One of the most exciting aspects of this opportunity is the support provided for future doctoral studies.
Candidates interested in pursuing:
- PhD in Epidemiology
- PhD in Public Health
- PhD in Data Science
- PhD in Biostatistics
- PhD in Population Studies
will gain invaluable mentorship and exposure.
Work with Leading Researchers
Interns will collaborate with respected academics and researchers who are leaders in their fields.
Exposure to Big Data
The project involves working with large-scale, complex datasets that provide practical experience in modern data science and health analytics.
Academic Publication Opportunities
Many internships do not offer publication opportunities. This role allows candidates to contribute to peer-reviewed scientific outputs that can significantly strengthen their academic profiles.
Career Advancement
This internship can open doors to careers in:
- Data Science
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Research Management
- Public Health Consulting
- Health Informatics
- Government Research Institutions
- International Health Organizations
Remuneration
The remuneration package will be determined according to:
- Qualifications
- Experience
- University of the Witwatersrand policies
While the exact salary has not been specified, Wits offers competitive remuneration packages aligned with academic and research sector standards.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants must submit the following:
Cover Letter
A motivational letter explaining your suitability for the role.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
An updated and detailed CV outlining:
- Academic qualifications
- Research experience
- Technical skills
- Publications
- Professional achievements
Referees
Provide:
- Names
- Telephone numbers
- Email addresses
of three recent referees.
Supporting Documents
Include:
- South African ID or passport and work permit
- Qualification certificates
- Professional memberships (if applicable)
Important Application Information
Applicants should note:
- Applications must be submitted online.
- Only online applications will be considered.
- Interviews will form part of the selection process.
- Referee reports will be required for shortlisted candidates.
- At least one referee must be a current or recent supervisor.
Employment Equity
The University of the Witwatersrand is committed to employment equity and transformation.
Preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in line with the University’s employment equity plans and policies.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications before the closing date of 30 June 2026.
Applications can be submitted through the official Wits recruitment platform submit your application here.
For technical enquiries, applicants may contact:
Chodziwadziwa.Kabudula@wits.ac.za
Final Thoughts
The University of the Witwatersrand’s Pre-PhD Research Internship represents an outstanding opportunity for aspiring researchers, epidemiologists, statisticians, and data scientists seeking to make a meaningful impact in public health research.
By joining one of Africa’s leading universities, successful candidates will gain valuable experience in data science, epidemiology, statistical analysis, scientific publishing, and advanced research methodologies while building a strong foundation for future doctoral studies and professional careers.
If you are passionate about research, public health, big data, and improving health outcomes through evidence-based science, this internship could be the perfect next step in your academic and professional journey.
Apply before 30 June 2026 and take the first step toward becoming a future leader in public health research.
