Master’s Scholarships in the field of Biostatistics/Statistics - Request for Applications

Biostatistics is a growing field in sub-Saharan Africa due to increased biomedical data for population health and research, and the need for quantitative analytical skills for robust, innovative and efficient analyses of such complex datasets. Consequently, there is an urgent need for training local researchers, including biostatisticians to conduct high-quality research and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) through funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and SAMRC are pleased to announce a call for applications for scholarships for Master’s in Biostatistics/Statistics at a South African University for the 2025 academic year.  The financial support provided by the scholarships aims to enhance biostatistical capacity and increase the number of women with advanced statistical modelling skills in South Africa. Successful applicants awarded funding under the BMGF arm of the programme will engage in research projects closely aligned with data related to women's health.

The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to attract and provide support to scholars undertaking or planning to undertake a Master’s in Biostatistics/Statistics over two (2) years at South African Universities. In order to increase the number of women in the Mathematical Sciences field, female South African citizens or permanent residents are encouraged to apply.

The Scholarship up to the value of R400,000 will cover the following:

• Tuition fees for year 1 and year 2.
• A monthly stipend to cover accommodation and living expenses for year 1 and 2.

Eligibility

• Undertaking a full-time Master’s in Statistics/Biostatistics at a South African university.
• Must have a strong background in Statistics, Mathematics, Demography, and other quantitative fields.
• Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the respective South African universities offering the MSc degree or have already been offered place at South African University before applying for the fellowship. Preference will be given to applicants who have already been offered a place.
• Support letter from a Master’s in Biostatistics course coordinator/research supervisor

Scholarship Conditions

• The Scholarship holder shall not hold full-time employment during the tenure of the scholarship but shall be entitled to undertake teaching, clinical or other related duties / activities for a maximum of eight (8) hours per week and shall be entitled to be remunerated for that work provided that the level of remuneration is in line with the normal University rates.
• Scholarship holders may not receive, concurrently with this scholarship, other bursaries, grants or remuneration which bind them to enter the service of any organization without prior agreement with the SAMRC through its Division of Research Capacity Development.
•  Candidates may not hold a bursary from more than one South African Government statutory entity at any given time.
• Scholarship holders may not receive, concurrently with this scholarship, other non-binding remuneration/fellowships and grants without engaging with the SAMRC.
• Scholarship holders may not, without seeking approval from the SAMRC, register at a university other than that through which the application has been submitted.
• Scholarship holders will be expected to submit 6-monthly progress reports or as requested, signed by a course coordinator and/or research supervisor.
• An application for renewal of funding for a second year will be considered subject to satisfactory performance.
• Successful applicants will be required to enter into an agreement with the SAMRC to complete their studies within the specified time.
• Candidates selected to work on the BMGF funded projects may be required to work under supervision/co-supervision of an SAMRC-BMGF Project team member.
• If awarded, applicants must be able to take up the award immediately.
• The scholarship is for the specified enrolment year (2025), and therefore cannot be deferred to subsequent years.

How to apply

Opening date: 13 September 2024
Closing date: 24 October 2024, 23:59

Application Process

Application steps below must be completed before or by 24 October 2024, 23:59.

• Step 1 - Complete the online application.
• Step 2 - Upload all the required supporting documents.

RFA documentation

• Kindly view the 2024 RFA Masters in Biostatistics Scholarships_2024-25 guidelines.pdf (samrc.ac.za) for full details of the call, eligibility and application process.
• Link to online application Scholarship Application (samrc.ac.za)

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 December 2024, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

For enquiries on the submission process please contact Dr Lindokuhle Ndlandla at Lindokuhle.Ndlandla@mrc.ac.za/Tel. 021 938 0442.