The 2026 Bongani Mayosi-National Health Scholars Programme Request for Applications

The aim of the BM-NHSP is to contribute positively towards efforts to strengthen and accelerate progress towards equity in research in line with the South African National Department of Health (NDoH) human resource for health strategy and the national health research priorities. Applications are invited for PhD scholarships for study at South African universities. Funding is towards the completion of the degree and is made available for a full degree period (i.e. prescribed time for a PhD) as a tax-free scholarship for full-time study. The value of the scholarship is equivalent to the after-tax take-home package of the applicant, in terms of the South African Government public service professional scales applicable to the qualification(s) of the candidate (excluding overtime pay).

The purpose of this RFA is to build capacity in clinical and health research through doctoral-level research training. The current funding opportunity is targeting health professionals who are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa: Professional nurses, Occupational therapists, Optometrists, Biostatisticians, Social Workers, Demographers, Physiotherapists, Pharmacists, Psychologists, Medical Practitioners and Medical Scientists who are currently enrolled for a PhD and conducting research in the following national research priority areas:

1. Health System Strengthening (i.e. Quality, Human Resources, Supply Chain)
2. Early Detection of Non-Communicable Diseases (e.g. access, diagnostics, surveillance).
3. Public Health Innovation towards Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (e.g. HIV Elimination)

Application Requirements 

• Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
• Applicants must hold a master’s degree.
• Must have an officially approved PhD research proposal.
• The PhD research proposal must already have ethics approval or be under review at the time of application.
• Must be registered as a full-time PhD student at a South African university at the commencement of the award.
• Must provide a written commitment of participation from an experienced research supervisor who is willing to train the student for the entire duration of the degree.
• The research supervisor must have research funding for the project and appropriate facilities for the scholar to effectively conduct the PhD research project.

How to apply

Opening date: 6 May 2026

Closing date: 9 July 2026, 23:59

Supervisor submission to SAMRC closing date: 16 July 2026, 23:59

Application Process

Application steps 1 to 3 below must be completed before the specified deadlines. 

• Step 1 – Applicant to complete the online application form. 9 July 2026
• Step 2 – Applicant to upload all the required supporting documents. 9 July 2026
• Step 3 – The research supervisor must complete the research supervisor’s abridged track record and commitment form and submit the application before or by 16 July 2026.

Attached are three documents to assist you with your application (1) 2026 RFA Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme Application Guidelines, which includes the checklist of the required supporting documents, (2) Abstract example, and (3) Supervisor CV template.