Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme (BM-NHSP) Bursary Opened

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The Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme (BM-NHSP) has opened its 2025 Bursary opprotunity and is inviting all PHD students and all interested applicants to apply.

The Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme (BM-NHSP) is an initiative by the National Health Research Committee (NHRC) which aims to fund the train 1000 PhDs students over the next decade, in the health and clinical research. 

Below are the requirements to consider before you apply:

ENDING DATE: This bursary will end on 15 November 2025.

LOCATION: South Africa

BURSARY REQUIREMENTS:

Below are the requirements to consider when applying for this bursary program:

  • You must be a South African citizen OR a South African permanent resident
  • You must have completed a MBChB or a Master’s degree qualification
  • You must intend on pursuing PhD studies, at any recognised university in South Africa, in 2025
  • You must have a fully developed research proposal for PhD study, that has been accepted by your University
  • You must be currently registered at the university where your degree will be awarded
  • Your research project must be in line with the priority research areas and fields listed above
  • You must have written commitment of participation, from an experienced research supervisor at your University, who is willing to train you until your degree is complete
  • You must have the following available to conduct the PhD research project: research funding, infrastructure and environment
  • You must NOT receive any funding through another RCD scholarship programme
  • You must read and agree to all of the scholarship conditions, on the application form below
  • Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups, Universities, and or under researched priority research niches

BURSARY COVERAGE:

This funding opportunity targets health professionals in the following areas: Biomedical Engineers, Dentists and other Oral Health specialists, Dieticians, Medical Scientists, Occupational Therapists, Optometrists and Opticians, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Professional Nurses, Speech therapists and Audiologists, who are in the 1st year of PhD study, specialising in these research fields:

  • Biostatistics
  • Data Science
  • Digital Health
  • Demography
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Economics
  • Genomics/ Bioinformatics
  • Microbiology/ Virology and Immunology

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Here are the steps to follow in other to apply:

1) Complete the online application: Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme (BM-NHSP) Application

2) Download and complete the Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme (BM-NHSP) Application (.pdf)
 

3) Submit clear copies of the following supporting documents, via email to: Lindokuhle.Ndlandla@mrc.ac.za
(Insert the words “BM-NHSP Application 2025” in the email subject line).

Please consider adding below documents when applying:

  • Completed Application form
  • South African ID document (certified by a Commissioner of Oath)
  • Motivational letter demonstrating your suitability for the programme and how receiving the award will positively impact your career (1 page)
  • Abridged Curriculum Vitae with a full list of research outputs within the last 5 years, as well as other meritorious achievements
  • Official letter stating first date of registration for the degree to be funded
  • Proof of ethics clearance
  • Support letter outlining availability of research funding or running cost
  • Abstract of the PhD proposal, aligned with the priority research areas, outlining the following: rationale, design, feasibility, plans for research translation, information dissemination and potential impact of the proposed research project (2 pages)
  • Official letter of approval of your research proposal
  • Letter from host institution detailing your career plan after completing the PhD (1 page)
  • Supervisor’s abridged track record with publications, grants and experience in research supervision of PhD students, and signed commitment form (3 pages)
  • Most recent payslip (not older than 3 months)

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.