Doctoral and Master’s Scholarships in the field of Biostatistics/Statistics (and other related quantitative fields)
Biostatistics is an emerging and rapidly growing field in sub-Saharan Africa, driven by the increasing availability of biomedical data for population health and research. This surge in data underscores the need for strong quantitative and analytical skills to perform robust, innovative, and efficient analyses of complex datasets. Consequently, there is an urgent need to train local researchers, including biostatisticians, to conduct high-quality research and support evidence-based decision-making. The programme is designed to support individuals engaged in advanced research degree programs at the intersection of statistics, mathematics, biomedicine, computer science, data science, bioinformatics, epidemiology, and health informatics.
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is pleased to announce a call for Doctoral and Master’s scholarship applications in Biostatistics and related fields at a South African university for the 2026 academic year.
The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to strengthen capacity in data-driven biomedical and health research, support the development of highly skilled scientists equipped to address complex health challenges and promote interdisciplinary collaboration across quantitative and clinical sciences by providing funding support to scholars undertaking Doctoral and Master’s studies in Biostatistics or research programmes at the intersection of statistics, mathematics, biomedicine, computer science, data science, bioinformatics, epidemiology and health informatics. Preference will be given to candidates who are already registered, have an approved research project proposal and confirmed supervisors.
Funding value and duration
|
Level |
Funding Period (Years) |
Value of scholarship p.a. |
Notes |
|
Doctoral |
3 + (1 year extra, on compelling motivation from the Supervisor) |
R250 000.00 |
Candidates will only be funded for the prescribed PhD duration (i.e., the first 3 years of registration) notwithstanding the fact that previous years were not funded by the SAMRC. Fourth year of funding can be considered in special circumstances. |
|
Masters |
1 + (1 year extra, on compelling motivation from the Supervisor) |
R200 000.00 |
Candidates will only be funded for the prescribed Masters duration (i.e., the first 2 years of registration) notwithstanding the fact that previous years were not funded by the SAMRC. |
Masters and Doctoral programs supported under this call include:
- Applied Statistics and Applied Mathematics
- Statistics & Mathematical Modelling
- Computer Science & Machine Learning
- Data Science & Computational Biology
- Bioinformatics & Systems Biology
- Epidemiology & Public Health Analytics
- Health Informatics & Digital Health Systems
The Scholarship will cover the following:
- The purpose of the funding is to fund a stipend and tuition fees.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be South African citizens or permanent residents.
- Must be registered full-time for Masters or Doctoral degree in priority fields listed above or have proof of admission to a South African university before applying for the scholarship. Preference will be given to applicants who have already registered for the degree.
- Must have a strong background in Statistics or Mathematics or other related quantitative fields, and demonstrate a strong analytical and research aptitude.
- Must provide a research concept note, and the research topic must be aligned with SAMRC’s priority research areas which are: Biomedical Research, HIV, TB and other communicable diseases, Health System Strengthening, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Maternal child and woman health, Non-communicable diseases, Public Health Innovation, and Violence, injury and trauma.
- Prospective PhD candidates should have obtained a masters qualification at the time of application with the intention to pursue doctoral studies. Similarly, prospective masters candidates should have obtained an honours/four year qualification at the time of application with the intention to pursue master's studies.
- Applicants must be registered for the intended masters or doctoral degree at the time of commencement of the award.
- Applications must include a prospective supervisor’s endorsement form supporting the proposed doctoral or masters research study to be undertaken by submitting i) the supervisor’s form, and ii) full research proposal via the REDCap application system. The applicant must complete the supervisor’s details on the supervisor information section of the application. An e-mail will then be generated requesting the supervisor to complete the form electronically. The supervisor’s commitment form is an integral part of the application and without this information, the application will not be considered for funding.
How to apply
Opening date: 7 November 2025
Closing date: 15 December 2025, 23:59
Application Process
Application steps 1 to 3 below must be completed before or by 15 December 2025 23:59.
- Step 1 – Applicant to complete the online application.
- Step 2 – Applicant to upload all the required supporting documents.
- Step 3 – The main research supervisor or proposed supervisor must complete the research supervisor’s commitment form and submit the application.
The South African Medical Research Council reserves the right to disqualify ineligible, incomplete and/or inappropriate applications, change the conditions of the award, extend the closing date, or make no awards at all. Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted after completion of the review, selection, and approval processes. Should you not hear from the SAMRC by 31 March 2026, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
For enquiries, contact Dr Lindokuhle Ndlandla at Lindokuhle.Ndlandla@mrc.ac.za / Tel. 021 938 0442.