SAMRC Researcher Development Programme: PhD research funding for clinical, medical or health researchers
This funding instrument is intended to support individuals employed at public academic institutions, SAMRC intramural and extramural research units, and SAMRC research centres, who are engaged in health, medical or clinical research, to improve their academic qualifications. This once-off award is aimed at emerging researchers in the final 12 months of their PhD studies and is intended to alleviate pressures that may hinder the timely completion of the degree. The funds can be used to afford dedicated time to spend on research activities, either as a salary while on unpaid leave or to pay for work relief, or any other justified intervention that will facilitate PhD completion. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate a high likelihood of successful completion within 12 months of being awarded funding, including those with a strong publication track record or at least one accepted publication arising from their PhD research. The programme targets designated groups and is expected to increase the number of academics with PhD degrees as part of overall research capacity strengthening and transformation.
Value of the award
The maximum value of the award is R250,000
Funding period
- Maximum of 12 months.
- Applicants within SAMRC who have secured an NRF Thuthuka grant for the purpose of obtaining a PhD may split the award over three years.
Requirements for all applications
- South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Full-time employees of public academic institutions in South Africa or SAMRC researchers.
- Officially approved research proposal and ethics clearance (where applicable) for the PhD project.
- Must have at least one accepted publication emanating from their PhD studies.
- Must complete their thesis write-up within twelve (12) months from the date of commencement of the award.
- Research abstract to be provided (see example).
- Full research proposal to be provided.
- Research project must fall within the SAMRC priority research areas. See the list below:
- Infectious diseases
- Non-communicable diseases
- Maternal, child and adolescent health
- Health systems and policy research
- Digital health and artificial intelligence
- Climate change and health
- Genomics
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Pandemic preparedness
How to apply
Opening date: 18 June 2026
Closing date: 18 August 2026, 23:59
Application Process
Application steps 1 to 2 below must be completed before or by the indicated deadlines.
- Step 1 – Applicant to complete the online application by 18 August 2026
- Step 2 – Applicant to upload all the required supporting documents by 18 August 2026
- Step 3 – Research supervisor must complete the research supervisor’s commitment form and submit the application by 25 August 2026.
Attached are four documents to assist you with your application (1) 2026 RFA Researcher Development Programme Application Guidelines, which includes the checklist of the required supporting documents, (2) Abstract example, (3) Supervisor CV template and PhD Project Budget Template.
For enquiries, contact Dr Lindokuhle Ndlandla at Lindokuhle.Ndlandla@mrc.ac.za / Tel. 021 938 0442.
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 2026, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful.