The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution.

RESEARCH DIVISION

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

RESEARCH OFFICE (AWARD/GRANT & CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION CLUSTER)

 (NINE MONTHS FROM 1 April 2026 to 31 DECEMBER 2026)

WESTVILLE CAMPUS

The primary objective of this internship is to equip individuals with practical, hands-on experience in the administration of the award/grant & contract section within the Research Office. Interns will have the opportunity to strengthen their professional and administrative skills while contributing to the office’s core activities. The role involves high-volume, detail-oriented administrative responsibilities. This includes proactively identifying and sourcing relevant funding opportunities and disseminating them to the university-wide research community. It also requires close liaison with academic staff, processing and administering grant applications submitted through the RIG system, and undertaking special assignments to support the staff and overall operations of the Research Awards, Grants, and Contracts Administration cluster.

Minimum Requirements:

·       Relevant tertiary qualification obtained from UKZN (Minimum of a Bachelor's degree)

·       Demonstrated knowledge of pre- and post-award grant Administration

·       Proven experience in word processing (MS WORD) and spreadsheets (MS EXCEL).

Advantage:

• Having participated in the DHET Presidential Youth Employment Stimulus OR HSRC (Human Science Research Council) Internships at UKZN for at least six months
• Proven experience in working with grant submission databases/systems such as the NRF Connect, Research Information Gateway, etc.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 6 March 2026.   

Prospective candidates must submit a cover letter, emphasizing their compliance with the essential criteria, and their CV to StatutoryGrants@ukzn.ac.za