SAMRC Research Capacity Development Scholarships and Funding
South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
This is not an undergraduate or MBChB bursary. The SAMRC funds postgraduate health research only, through programmes such as the Postgraduate Research Associate Programme (Masters and PhD), the Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme, the Clinician Researcher Development Programme and the Researcher Development Award. It is for South African Masters and PhD students who have secured a committed supervisor within an SAMRC research unit to host and mentor them for the full degree.
- Amount
- PhD approx R200,000-R250,000/year; Masters approx R160,000-R200,000/year; Researcher Development Award up to R250,000 once-off
- Deadline
- To be announced
- Duration
- Masters typically 1 year (optional 1-year extension for HDI/scarce-skill fields); PhD up to 3 years plus 1 optional extension
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen or permanent resident
- ✓ Full-time registration at a South African university at Masters or PhD level (postgraduate only)
- ✓ Approved research proposal with ethics clearance
- ✓ Written commitment from an SAMRC research unit director/supervisor to host and mentor for the full degree duration
- ✓ Preference for designated groups (African Black, Indian, Coloured) and Historically Disadvantaged Institutions
What's Included
- ✓ Annual scholarship/stipend toward Masters or PhD health research
- ✓ Tuition fees support
- ✓ Supervision and mentorship by an SAMRC research unit
- ✓ Access to SAMRC research capacity development network
How to Apply
Steps to complete your South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) bursary application
- 1
Confirm the current open call and eligible programme on the official SAMRC Scholarships and Funding page
- 2
Secure written commitment from an SAMRC research unit director/supervisor to host and mentor you for the full degree
- 3
Ensure your research proposal is approved and has the required ethics clearance
- 4
Register (or confirm registration) full-time at a South African university at Masters or PhD level
- 5
Apply directly via SAMRC's online application portal (REDCap survey / Grants Management System)
- 6
Submit before the cycle-specific deadline and await review
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID or permanent residence permit
- 📄 Proof of full-time registration at a South African university (Masters or PhD)
- 📄 Approved research proposal
- 📄 Ethics clearance for the proposed research
- 📄 Written letter of commitment from an SAMRC research unit director/supervisor
- 📄 Academic transcripts
- 📄 Curriculum vitae
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there an SAMRC undergraduate or MBChB bursary?
- No. The SAMRC does not offer a generic undergraduate or MBChB medical bursary. Its Research Capacity Development funding supports postgraduate health research only, at Masters and PhD level.
- Can students apply directly?
- Yes, but only at postgraduate level and only if you already have a written commitment from an SAMRC research unit director or supervisor to host and mentor you for the full degree. Individual students apply directly via SAMRC's online portal (REDCap / Grants Management System).
- When is the deadline?
- Calls are annual and cycle-specific. The 2025 Postgraduate Research Associate call closed on 21 August 2025 and the Researcher Development Programme closed on 15 September 2025. The date shown here is indicative only - there is no verified open deadline for 2026/2027, so check the official SAMRC page for the current intake.
- How much funding is available?
- Per the official programme pages, PhD scholarships are approximately R200,000-R250,000 per year and Masters scholarships approximately R160,000-R200,000 per year, while the Researcher Development Award offers up to R250,000 once-off. Exact figures vary by programme and funding cycle.
When do 2027 applications open?
South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.
The last recorded window closed on 21 August 2026. Treat that as a guide to timing only — confirm the 2027 dates with South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) before you rely on them.
Check South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)'s official siteNeed help? Contact South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 021 938 0442
Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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