Are you passionate about serving your country while pursuing a rewarding career in healthcare and military service? The South African Military Health Services (SAMHS) invites motivated and suitably qualified applicants to apply for the Military Skills Development System (MSDS) intake for 2026. This is a unique opportunity for young South African citizens to receive military training and functional healthcare skills while serving in uniform.
Closing Date for Applications: 28 March 2025
About the SAMHS Military Skills Development System (MSDS)
The SAMHS MSDS is a two-year contract program designed to provide young South Africans with comprehensive military training and specialized functional training.
- Year 1: Recruits receive foundational military training followed by functional healthcare training.
- Year 2: Recruits are deployed to various units, gaining practical experience while applying their acquired knowledge and skills.
This program is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to build a career in healthcare while serving their nation.
General Requirements
To be eligible for the SAMHS MSDS Intake for 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen (no dual citizenship).
- Age:
- 18 – 22 years (Grade 12 qualification).
- 18 – 26 years (with a 3-year Tertiary Qualification or N6).
- Education: Successfully completed Grade 12 with an Admission Point Score (APS) of 17 or above, excluding Life Orientation.
- Criminal Record: No criminal record or pending cases.
- Medical Fitness: Must meet medical fitness requirements for military service.
- Tattoos: No visible tattoos on legs, lower arms, neck, or face.
Other Requirements
Applicants will undergo the following checks and evaluations:
- Drug Testing and Medical Evaluation
- Psychometric Testing
- Criminal Record Verification
- Qualification Verification
Support Careers Available
The SAMHS MSDS offers various support career paths, including:
- Patient Administration, Logistics, Medical Support Operations, Dog Handler Counter Intelligence
- Grade 12 with:
- English (Level 4)
- Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy (Level 3)
- Life Science (Level 3)
- Geography/Physical Science (Level 3)
- Grade 12 with:
- Corporate Communication
- Grade 12 plus a Degree in Communication, Diploma in Public Relations, or Journalism.
- Environmental Health (Pest Control Operator)
- Grade 12 with:
- Mathematics (Level 5, NO Maths Lit)
- Physical Science (Level 5)
- Life Science (Level 4)
- Grade 12 with:
- Musician, Dental Assistant
- Grade 12 with:
- English (Level 4)
- Mathematics (Level 2)
- Life Science (Level 4)
- Or 18 – 22 years old with a Dental Assistance Certificate and HPCSA registration.
- Grade 12 with:
- Nursing Diploma
- Grade 12 with ALL subjects at Level 4:
- English
- Life Science
- Mathematical Literacy
- Grade 12 with ALL subjects at Level 4:
- Auxiliary Nursing
- Grade 12 with ALL subjects at Level 3:
- English
- Life Science
- Mathematics Literacy
- Grade 12 with ALL subjects at Level 3:
- Emergency Care Assistant
- Grade 12 with:
- English (Level 4)
- Mathematics (Level 3, NO Maths Lit)
- Physical Science (Level 3)
- Life Science (Level 4)
- Grade 12 with:
- Emergency Medical Care
- Grade 12 with:
- English (Level 5)
- Mathematics (Level 4, NO Maths Lit)
- Physical Science (Level 4)
- Life Science (Level 4)
- APS Score: 26
- Grade 12 with:
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copy of ID
- Matric Certificate (Only Statement of Results for 2023 will be accepted)
- Tertiary Qualifications (if applicable)
Submit your application via:
- Hand Delivery: Nearest recruitment centre
- Postal Address:
SAMHS Recruitment Office – Department of Defence,
Private Bag X102,
Centurion, Pretoria, 0046
Important Dates and Contact Information
- Closing Date: 28 March 2025
- Contact Details for Enquiries:
- Tel: 012 671 5053 / 5199 / 5168 / 5002
- Website: www.mhs.mil.za
- Download the SAMHS Application Form Here: SAMHS Application Form 2026
Note: If you have not been contacted by 31 December 2025, please consider your application unsuccessful.