SAMA Medical Education Bursary
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.
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.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 30 September 2026
Apply on 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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