Department of Science and Innovation Internship Opportunities 2025 at Department of Science and Innovation

What is the DSTI-NYS Programme?

• The DSTI-National Youth Service Programme is an initiative under the government’s National Youth Service Programme (NYS), managed by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), a division of the National Research Foundation (NRF). The programme places unemployed graduates in partner institutions for 12 months, offering them practical work experience and a monthly stipend to support their basic needs.

Minimum Requirements 

To qualify for the DSTI-NYS Programme, you must:

• Be a South African citizen under 35 years old.

Have a relevant tertiary qualification. Fields such as:

• Science or Technology
• Journalism and Media Studies
• Communications
• Be computer literate and capable of working under pressure.
• Possess excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Have additional skills like writing, radio, or television experience (optional but advantageous).

Goals of the DSTI-NYS Programme

• Empower Unemployed Graduates: The initiative focuses on graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields but also opens doors for those in other disciplines when opportunities arise.
• Promote Community Service: Participants gain an understanding of their role in contributing to South Africa’s development while cultivating a culture of volunteerism.
• Increase Economic Participation: By equipping graduates with practical skills and experience, the programme boosts their employability and opens pathways to long-term careers.