Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African health professional or aspiring researcher with a passion for advancing medical science, public health, and healthcare leadership? The Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme (BMNHSP) 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering prestigious funding opportunities to outstanding individuals pursuing postgraduate studies in health and related disciplines. Established in honour of the late Professor Bongani Mayosi, a globally respected clinician-scientist and academic leader, this programme aims to strengthen South Africa’s health research capacity and develop future leaders in the health sector through structured academic and professional support.
The Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme provides comprehensive funding that may cover tuition fees, research-related costs, and a stipend to support scholars throughout the duration of their postgraduate studies. Beyond financial assistance, the programme places strong emphasis on mentorship, leadership development, and academic excellence, enabling scholars to contribute meaningfully to health systems strengthening, disease prevention, and innovative health research in South Africa. It is particularly suited for candidates committed to addressing the country’s priority health challenges and advancing equitable healthcare outcomes.
By applying for the Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme 2026/2027, successful candidates join an elite network of health scholars dedicated to impactful research, policy influence, and transformative leadership within the national and global health landscape.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to find out more about the eligibility requirements, priority fields of study, application process, selection criteria, and closing date for the Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme 2026/2027.
About the Scholarship Provider – Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme (BM-NHSP)
The Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme (BM-NHSP) is an initiative of the National Health Research Committee (NHRC). The programme was established to fund the training of 1,000 PhD graduates over a ten-year period, with a strong focus on advancing health and clinical research in South Africa.
BM-NHSP is implemented in partnership with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the National Department of Health (NDoH), and the Public Health Enhancement Fund (PHEF). Together, these partners aim to build a pipeline of highly skilled health researchers who can contribute to evidence-based policy, innovation, and improved health outcomes.
About the BM-NHSP Bursary Programme 2026/2027
The BM-NHSP bursary invites eligible PhD students to apply for funding for the 2026 academic year. The primary objective of the programme is to build national research capacity, particularly in areas linked to COVID-19 and broader health system resilience.
Priority Research Areas
Funded research must align with one or more of the following priority areas:
- Communicable Diseases
- Health System Preparedness and Resilience to Pandemic Response (not limited to COVID-19)
- Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health
- Non-Communicable Diseases
Fields of Study and Targeted Disciplines
The bursary targets qualified health professionals who are in their first year of PhD study and specialising in relevant research fields.
Eligible Health Professions
Applicants may include, but are not limited to:
- Biomedical Engineers
- Dentists and Oral Health Specialists
- Dieticians
- Medical Scientists
- Occupational Therapists
- Optometrists and Opticians
- Pharmacists
- Physiotherapists
- Psychologists
- Professional Nurses
- Speech Therapists and Audiologists
Research Specialisation Fields
PhD research must fall within the following disciplines:
- Biostatistics
- Data Science
- Digital Health
- Demography
- Epidemiology
- Health Economics
- Genomics / Bioinformatics
- Microbiology, Virology and Immunology
BM-NHSP Bursary Coverage Value and Duration
The BM-NHSP bursary provides full funding for the entire duration of the PhD, awarded as a full-time, tax-free scholarship.
The value of the scholarship is determined by the applicant’s after-tax take-home pay, benchmarked against public service professional salary scales relevant to the qualification. Once awarded, the scholarship value remains fixed for the duration of the studies.
Selection and Award Timeline
- Final selection results: By 31 March 2026
- Scholarship commencement date: 1 April 2026
Applicants who do not receive feedback by the selection date should consider their application unsuccessful. The SAMRC reserves the right to disqualify incomplete or ineligible applications, amend award conditions, extend deadlines, or withhold awards if suitable candidates are not identified.
Eligibility Requirements for Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme Application 2026/2027
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Must have completed an MBChB or Master’s degree
- Must intend to pursue PhD studies at a recognised South African university in 2026
- Must be currently registered at the university where the PhD will be awarded
- Must have a fully developed and university-approved PhD research proposal
- Research project must align with the priority research areas and fields
- Must have written supervisor commitment from an experienced researcher
- Must have access to research funding, infrastructure, and an enabling research environment
- Must not be receiving funding from another RCD scholarship programme
- Must agree to all scholarship terms and conditions
- Preference is given to candidates from designated groups, under-researched institutions, and priority research niches
Failure to meet any requirement will result in disqualification.
How to Apply for Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme 2026/2027
Eligible candidates must complete both application steps below:
Step 1: Online Application
Complete the BM-NHSP online application via the official platform.
Step 2: PDF Application and Supporting Documents
Download and complete the BM-NHSP Application Form (PDF) and submit it together with all required documents via email.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must email clear copies of the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Motivational letter (1 page)
- Abridged Curriculum Vitae, including research outputs (last 5 years)
- Official letter confirming first date of PhD registration
- Ethics clearance approval
- Letter confirming availability of research funding or running costs
- PhD proposal abstract aligned to priority areas (2 pages)
- Official university approval letter for research proposal
- Host institution letter outlining post-PhD career plan (1 page)
- Supervisor’s abridged track record and signed commitment (3 pages)
- Most recent payslip (not older than 3 months)
Submission Details
Email: Lindokuhle.Ndlandla@mrc.ac.za
Email Subject Line: BM-NHSP Application 2026
Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Closing Date for Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme Application 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 15 November
Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to submit well before the deadline.
Contact the BM-NHSP Bursary Provider
For bursary-related enquiries, contact the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC):
Contact Person: Dr Lindokuhle Ndlandla
Tel: 021 938 0442
Email: Lindokuhle.Ndlandla@mrc.ac.za
