Harry Crossley Foundation Research Fellowship Requirements and How to Apply

The Harry Crossley Foundation Research Fellowship is a prestigious funding opportunity available to postgraduate students pursuing health-related research at the University of Cape Town (UCT). 

The Foundation aims to build research capacity in South Africa, particularly focusing on studies that have a practical application for improving healthcare outcomes.

This fellowship is highly sought after and is awarded based on academic merit, the quality of the research proposal, and the potential impact of the study on the health sector. 

The award specifically targets Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral students registered within the Faculty of Health Sciences or related research at UCT.

Harry Crossley Foundation Research Fellowship Eligibility Requirements

The selection process for the Harry Crossley Foundation Research Fellowship is highly competitive. 

Applicants must meet specific academic and institutional criteria.

  1. Must be registered or provisionally accepted for a postgraduate degree (Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral) at the University of Cape Town.
  2. The research project must fall within the Health Sciences discipline or be closely related to health-relevant outcomes.
  3. Must maintain a high academic average (typically 65% or higher) in previous tertiary studies.
  4. The award is generally open to both South African citizens and international students, though South African citizens are often prioritized.
  5. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to research and the potential to complete the degree within the maximum timeframe.
  6. Doctoral candidates must be registered for a PhD. The award is not typically granted to those already in their final year of study.

Fields of Study Supported

The Foundation supports a wide range of research projects within the health sector. The key requirement is that the research addresses a critical health need or aims to improve public health in South Africa.

  1. Clinical Research: Studies focused on diseases, treatments, and clinical outcomes.
  2. Public Health and Epidemiology: Research on disease patterns, health policy, and community health interventions.
  3. Basic Sciences: Laboratory research that underpins medical and health advancements (e.g., Immunology, Biochemistry).
  4. Bioengineering and Health Technology.
  5. Health Economics and Policy.
  6. Nursing and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Value and Tenure of the Award

The Harry Crossley Foundation Research Fellowship offers significant financial support to enable full-time focus on research.

  1. Value: The monetary value is competitive and varies depending on the level of study (Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral). It is intended to contribute significantly towards living expenses, study costs, and sometimes research running costs.
  2. Tenure:
    • Honours: One year, non-renewable.
    • Master’s: Initially one year, renewable for a second year (maximum two years).
    • Doctoral (PhD): Initially one year, renewable for up to two additional years (maximum three years).
  3. Mandatory Requirement: Continuation of the fellowship is contingent on the submission of a satisfactory annual progress report endorsed by the applicant’s UCT supervisor.

Harry Crossley Foundation Research Fellowship Application Process

The application is managed through the Postgraduate Funding Office at UCT.

It is an intense process that requires collaboration with the applicant’s supervisor.

  1. Obtain the Application Form: The application is usually incorporated into the University of Cape Town (UCT) Postgraduate Funding application process. Check the UCT website for the latest combined application portal.
  2. Liaise with Supervisor: Finalizing the application requires the support and input of the proposed UCT supervisor, particularly regarding the research proposal and budget.
  3. Complete the Forms: Complete the necessary funding forms accurately, ensuring the Harry Crossley Foundation Research Fellowship is clearly indicated as the preferred award.
  4. Submission: The complete application, including the research proposal and supervisor’s endorsement, is submitted online or via email to the UCT Postgraduate Funding Office.

Required Documents

  1. Full Academic Transcripts of all previous university studies (certified copies).
  2. Certified copy of your ID or Passport.
  3. Proof of registration or acceptance into the UCT Faculty of Health Sciences.
  4. A detailed Research Proposal (usually 3-5 pages for Master’s/PhD applicants).
  5. A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  6. Supervisor’s Confidential Report or endorsement letter.

Harry Crossley Foundation Research Fellowship Closing Date

Applications for 2026 are not available.

Harry Crossley Foundation Research Fellowship Contact Details

All administrative and application-related queries should be directed to the Postgraduate Funding Office at the University of Cape Town.

FAQs

1. Is this fellowship open to students at all South African universities? +

No. The Harry Crossley Foundation Research Fellowship is specifically targeted at postgraduate students registered or accepted to study at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

2. Does the research have to be strictly clinical? +

No. While the research must be health-related, it can cover a broad spectrum, including public health, epidemiology, basic sciences, and health policy, provided it improves healthcare outcomes.

3. Can I apply if I am in the final year of my PhD? +

The fellowship is primarily aimed at candidates commencing their Master’s or Doctoral studies. It is not usually granted to those in their final year of the degree.

4. What is the expected closing date for 2026 applications? +

Applications for 2026 are not available.

5. What is the maximum duration of the funding for a PhD student? +

Funding is initially for one year and is renewable up to two additional years, resulting in a maximum total tenure of three years, subject to satisfactory annual progress.

6. Is a research proposal mandatory for the application? +

Yes. A detailed research proposal (typically 3–5 pages) is mandatory for Master’s and Doctoral applicants. This must be discussed with your UCT supervisor.

7. Is the award open to international students? +

Yes, the fellowship is generally open to international students, although preference for selection is often given to South African citizens.

8. What happens if I miss the annual progress report deadline? +

Failure to submit a satisfactory annual progress report, endorsed by your supervisor, will result in the suspension or termination of the renewal of the fellowship.

9. Does this fellowship cover tuition fees directly? +

The funding is provided as a fellowship stipend intended to cover living expenses, and research and study costs. It is generally substantial enough to cover tuition and contribute significantly to living costs.

10. Where do I find the application form? +

The application is often integrated into the main UCT Postgraduate Funding application process. You should look for the consolidated funding form or portal on the official UCT website.

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