Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme 2026 Requirements & Application Guide

The Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme (BM-NHSP) offers a life-changing opportunity to pursue your PhD dreams and contribute to the nation’s healthcare sector.

This comprehensive programme was named after the esteemed Professor Bongani Mayosi and aims to support research capacity by funding 1000 PhD scholars over a decade.

About the Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme

The BM-NHSP is a national initiative led by the National Health Research Committee in collaboration with the National Department of Health (NDoH), the Public Health Enhancement Fund (PHEF), and administered by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). 

It aims to fund 1,000 PhDs across historically disadvantaged institutions over 10 years.

Fields of Study Funded

Funding is available for full‐time PhD research at specified HDI universities in the following areas:

1. Communicable and non-communicable diseases
2. Maternal and neonatal child health
3. Trauma and violence
4. Mental health
5. Health system strengthening

Benefits for Recipients

• Full financial scholarship equivalent to the after-tax take-home pay of a comparable public service professional scale position; it remains fixed for the PhD duration.
• Mentorship, networking opportunities, and career development support.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following:

1. Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
2. Hold a Master’s degree (or MBChB) with strong academic standing.
3. Be accepted for PhD studies at a recognised South African university, aligned with programme priority areas.
4. Not be receiving RCD (Research Capacity Development) funding from another SAMRC programme.

How to Apply

1. Register and log in to the SAMRC Grants Management System (GMS) platform.
2. Go to “Funding Opportunities” and select “Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme.”
3. Review the official guidelines thoroughly.
4. Complete the online application, including required uploads.

Required Documents

Ensure you upload the following (certified where required):

1. Academic transcripts and qualifications
2. South African ID or proof of permanent residency
3. A fully developed research proposal in one of the programme’s priority areas
4. Abridged CV including research outputs
5. Two academic or professional reference letters
6. Proof of ethics clearance
7. Supervisor’s letter of commitment and facility availability

Closing Date

The 2024/2025 applications cycle closed on 31 May 2024. 2026 sates aren’t out yet.

Contact Details

For application or process enquiries:

• Contact Person: Dr Lindokuhle Ndlandla, SAMRC Research Grants Administration
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 021 938 0442