SAMA Medical Education Bursary
South African Medical Association (SAMA)
The South African Medical Association awards medical education bursaries to South African citizens studying towards an MBChB or equivalent medical degree at a South African medical school. The bursary is non-exclusive — recipients may hold other bursaries at the same time — making it a useful top-up for students already funded elsewhere.
- Amount
- R20,000 per year (R10,000 in January, R10,000 in August)
- Deadline
- Closed 30 September 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
South African Medical Association (SAMA) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Accepted at or registered at a South African medical school
- ✓ Studying towards an MBChB or equivalent medical degree
- ✓ Above-average academic aggregate (assessed primarily on academic merit)
- ✓ Maintain a pass rate to continue receiving the bursary
What's Included
- ✓ R20,000 per academic year
- ✓ Paid in two tranches — R10,000 in January and R10,000 in August
- ✓ Non-exclusive — can be held alongside other bursaries
- ✓ Renewable annually subject to academic performance
- ✓ Association with SAMA's broader student and doctor community
How to Apply
Steps to complete your South African Medical Association (SAMA) bursary application
- 1
Download the SAMA bursary application form from samedical.org/bursaries
- 2
Complete the form and prepare your supporting documents
- 3
Submit the completed application before 30 September
- 4
Wait for selection and confirmation from SAMA
- 5
Provide Proof of Registration in January to receive your first tranche
- 6
Submit mid-year results to receive your August tranche
Required Documents
- 📄 Proof of South African citizenship (certified ID, passport page, or birth/citizenship certificate)
- 📄 Resume outlining education and volunteer experience (maximum 2 pages)
- 📄 Letter of acceptance to a South African medical school (can be submitted later if pending)
- 📄 Most recent academic results (Matric or university)
- 📄 Proof of registration once available
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I hold the SAMA bursary alongside another bursary?
- Yes. The SAMA bursary is non-exclusive — you may receive other bursaries at the same time without affecting your SAMA award.
- How much does the SAMA bursary pay?
- Each bursary is worth R20,000 per academic year, paid in two equal tranches: R10,000 in January and R10,000 in August, on receipt of results.
- When does the SAMA bursary close?
- Applications close on 30 September each year. Make sure your supporting documents are complete before submitting.
- What if I don't have my acceptance letter yet?
- You can still submit your application — the letter of acceptance can be provided at a later date if necessary.
2027 applications have closed
The 2027 application window closed on 30 September 2026.
Check South African Medical Association (SAMA)'s official site for the next application window.
Still need funding for 2027? See bursaries that are still open.
Check South African Medical Association (SAMA)'s official siteInformation verified 2026-05-25. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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