Apply for the 2026 Novartis Quality Assurance Learnership offering a R5 500 monthly stipend. A top open learnership for SA youth in pharma and compliance.
Quality Assurance (QA) Learnership – 2026 Intake
Novartis South Africa · Midrand, Gauteng
Employment type: Fixed-term learnership / Early career
About Novartis
Novartis is a global healthcare company committed to improving and extending people’s lives. This learnership provides hands-on experience in pharmaceutical quality assurance processes and regulatory compliance.
Role Overview
We are seeking motivated learners to join our Quality Assurance division for the 2026 learnership programme. The successful candidate will receive workplace experience and structured learning aligned with pharmaceutical QA standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with batch-release support documentation.
- Download and assess temperature-logger data.
- Maintain QA trackers, quality records and master release documents.
- Support incident management, complaints handling and change-control processes.
- Participate in data collection for quality and business reports.
- Assist with customs-clearance activities related to product quality.
Minimum Requirements
- South African citizen, aged 18–35.
- Completed qualification in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or Pharmacy Assistant (Basic/Post-Basic) OR related scientific field.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Willingness to learn pharmaceutical quality systems and regulations (GMP/GDP).
- Commitment to completing the full learnership duration.
Application Requirements
Please include the following documents:
- Updated CV (1–2 pages).
- Motivational letter explaining why you want this QA Learnership.
- Certified copies of qualifications and academic transcripts.
- Certified copy of ID.
How to Apply
You can submit your application through any of the following approved platforms:
Option 1 – Apply via OpenLearnership.co.za:
Apply on OpenLearnership.co.zaOption 2 – Apply via the Novartis Careers Portal:
Apply on Novartis CareersEmployment Equity
Novartis is committed to transformation and employment equity. Candidates from designated groups are encouraged to apply.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
2026 Novartis Quality Assurance Learnership – A Top Open Learnership Opportunity for South African Youth
If you are searching for a rewarding open learnership in the pharmaceutical sector, the 2026 Novartis Quality Assurance Learnership stands out as one of the most valuable opportunities available for young South Africans. Novartis is a world-renowned pharmaceutical company with a strong presence in South Africa, known for its commitment to innovation, patient safety, and ethical healthcare. Their learnership programmes are designed to develop the next generation of pharmaceutical and quality specialists, offering learners hands-on experience and exposure to real industry standards.
As one of the most competitive open learnership programmes in 2026, this opportunity is ideal for young people who want to build a successful career in Quality Assurance (QA), compliance, and pharmaceutical operations. Below is everything you need to know about the programme, its requirements, and why you should consider applying.
Why the 2026 Novartis Quality Assurance Learnership Matters
Quality Assurance plays a crucial role in ensuring that medicines are safe, effective and compliant with international standards. Every product that reaches a patient undergoes rigorous checks, documentation processes, and reviews to ensure quality. This makes QA one of the most important departments in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
By joining the 2026 Novartis Quality Assurance Learnership, you will gain practical exposure to the critical functions that support product release, compliance, regulatory approvals and quality documentation. Learners will work closely with specialists in one of the most regulated and respected industries in the world.
Novartis offers a high-performance culture focused on learning, ethical behaviour and personal growth. Being part of this environment gives learners a competitive edge, making this one of the most sought-after open learnership opportunities.
Key Responsibilities During the Learnership
Learners in the 2026 Novartis Quality Assurance Learnership will support the QA department across a variety of functions. These responsibilities provide practical training that prepares individuals for future careers in pharmaceuticals and compliance.
1. Temperature Logger Downloads and Assessments
You will assist in downloading and evaluating temperature logs for pharmaceutical batches. This ensures products were stored under correct conditions before release.
2. Batch Release Document Preparation
You will help compile and prepare documents needed for product batch releases. Accuracy is essential to ensure regulatory and quality compliance.
3. Master Release Document Updates
Learners will update master release files and maintain important trackers that support quality operations.
4. Complaints and Change Control Support
Quality Assurance involves handling customer complaints, manufacturing changes and compliance issues. You will be involved in managing and documenting these cases.
5. Customs Clearance Assistance
Many pharmaceutical products move across international borders. You will support customs clearance processes and follow up on outstanding items.
6. Quality Information Gathering
Learners will assist in collecting data, capturing quality information, and supporting business reports and quality improvement projects.
7. Project Management Exposure
You will get the opportunity to participate in project planning, coordination and execution—an important skill in Quality Assurance.
8. Troubleshooting and Incident Management
This includes helping to identify problems and participating in the resolution of compliance or operational incidents.
These activities provide comprehensive exposure to pharmaceutical Quality Assurance processes, ensuring learners complete the programme with in-demand skills and industry insight.
Minimum Requirements to Apply
To qualify for the 2026 Novartis Quality Assurance Learnership, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Educational Requirements
- A Science degree, OR
- A Basic Pharmacy Assistant qualification, OR
- A Post Basic Pharmacy Assistant qualification, OR
- Relevant experience in quality or compliance (advantageous)
Skills and Competencies
Novartis is looking for candidates with:
- Strong communication skills
- Time management capability
- Ability to work cross-functionally
- Good relationship-building and networking skills
- Basic project management knowledge, including budgeting
- Understanding of pharmaceutical supply chains
- Awareness of compliance principles such as GMP, GDP and ethics
Additional Requirements
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be 18 – 35 years old
- Must submit a motivational letter
- Must include academic transcripts
Novartis promotes diversity and employment equity. Preference may be given to candidates who support representativity targets outlined in the company’s Employment Equity plan. However, selection is based on merit and suitability for the position.
Why Apply for the 2026 Novartis Quality Assurance Learnership?
The pharmaceutical industry offers stable, well-paid and meaningful career opportunities. Quality Assurance is particularly valuable because it gives you a strong foundation in compliance, regulations and product quality—skills that are always in demand.
Here’s why this open learnership is worth pursuing:
1. Global Exposure
Novartis is a global leader in pharmaceuticals. Working in this environment gives learners access to international standards, systems and best practices.
2. Highly Regulated Industry Experience
QA is one of the most specialised fields in pharma. Learning these processes gives you a competitive edge in the job market.
3. Professional Growth
You will learn directly from experienced professionals and work on real projects that impact the company’s operations.
4. Ethical and Supportive Environment
Novartis values diversity, fairness and integrity. Learners are supported and encouraged to grow throughout the programme.
5. Career Opportunities
Successful learners often secure employment within the pharmaceutical and medical sectors after completing the programme.
Location and Job Details
- Location: Midrand, South Africa
- Division: Operations
- Business Unit: Quality
- Employment Type: Early Career (Fixed Term)
- Job Type: Full-time
- Shift Work: Not required
This setup makes the opportunity suitable for individuals who want a structured environment with predictable working hours.
Who Should Apply for This Open Learnership?
The 2026 Novartis Quality Assurance Learnership is perfect for individuals who want to enter the pharmaceutical industry and gain technical experience. You should apply if you:
- Have a passion for science or pharmacy
- Enjoy working with detail-oriented processes
- Want to understand regulatory and compliance frameworks
- Prefer structured work environments
- Are motivated to build a career in pharmaceuticals or healthcare
If you meet the requirements and are committed to learning and development, this is an opportunity worth applying for.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Novartis Quality Assurance Learnership is one of the top open learnership opportunities for South Africans seeking to build a long-term career in the pharmaceutical industry. It offers hands-on training, exposure to quality systems and the chance to be part of a globally recognised organisation. Learners will gain essential workplace skills that can transform their professional futures.
If you want to grow, learn and contribute to improving patient lives, this programme is a powerful starting point. Make sure your motivational letter and academic transcripts are prepared before applying—opportunities like this are highly competitive and extremely valuable.
openlearnership.co.za Disclaimer
openlearnership.co.za does not recruit, hire or process applications. We only share available open learnership opportunities to help South Africans access education, skills and career information. Always apply directly with the official organisation offering the learnership. We do not charge applicants any fees.
Mkhize Yolanda is the creator of Open Learnership, a platform dedicated to helping South Africans find reliable learnerships, internships, and career opportunities. She is passionate about youth development and aims to make education and employment resources more accessible to everyone.
Contact:
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