Gauteng Department of Health Bursary to Study Medicine in Cuba: Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Programme
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) offers a special bursary called the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Programme.
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This initiative sends students from disadvantaged communities in Gauteng to study medicine in Cuba, with the goal of training doctors who will return to serve in South Africa’s public health sector.
Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Programme Eligibility Requirements
To apply for this bursary, candidates must:
- Be South African citizens and permanently reside in Gauteng.
- Have matriculated in Gauteng (Grade 12 completed in Gauteng).
- Be between 18 and 30 years old by the closing date.
- Hold a university-entrance Grade 12 pass. Specifically, they must have at least Level 4 (50%) passes in: Physical Science, Life Sciences/Biology, Mathematics, and English.
- Not have been previously registered at any higher-education institution (public or private), and must not have received any other bursary funding.
Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Programme Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following with their application:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of birth certificate
- Certified copy of ID document (applicant and parents or guardians)
- Certified copy of National Senior Certificate (matric) and academic transcript
- Proof of parents’ or guardians’ income (latest payslips or sworn affidavit if unemployed)
- Proof of Gauteng residence (validated by ward councillor or municipal bill)
Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Programme Application Process
- Download the Application Form
Access the official Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Programme application form on the Gauteng Health bursary portal. - Gather all the above Supporting Documents
- Submit the Application
Applications must be submitted online via the Gauteng Health bursary portal. - Shortlisting & Selection
The department reviews applications based on academic merit, residence, financial need, and alignment with programme requirements.
Award Details / What the Bursary Covers
- Tuition: Fully covered for the medical training in Cuba.
- Living Expenses: Support for accommodation and related cost while studying in Cuba.
- Travel: The bursary includes travel expenses to and from Cuba.
- Contract / Return Service: Historically, recipients signed a contract to serve the Gauteng public health sector after study.
Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Programme Closing Date
The application closing date for the 2026 intake was 31 May, 2026. Dates for 2026 are not yet out.
Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Programme Contact Details
For enquiries:
- Ms Rebecca Moema: 082 848 1594
- Ms Julia Zwane: 083 496 9252
- Ms Mapula Motaung: 082 737 7130
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
South African citizens who live in Gauteng, are between 18 and 30 years old, completed Grade 12 in Gauteng, and meet the required subject results can apply.
You need at least Level 4 in Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences or Biology, and English.
No. You must not be registered at any university or receive any bursary at the time of application.
Yes. The bursary covers tuition, travel, accommodation, living expenses, and other approved study-related costs.
Training usually takes several years in Cuba, followed by additional clinical training in South Africa before full qualification.
Yes. Students are normally required to work for the Gauteng Department of Health for a set number of years after completing their studies.
Applications are submitted online through the Gauteng Health bursary portal using the official application form and required documents.
You must upload certified copies of your ID, birth certificate, matric certificate, proof of address, proof of income, and your CV.
The closing date is usually announced each year by the Gauteng Department of Health. Applicants must check the latest notice to confirm the exact date.
Only shortlisted candidates are contacted. You will receive communication from the department if you are selected for the next stage.
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Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.
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