SAMRC Internship Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on SAMRC Internship Scholarship Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African graduate or final-year student passionate about health research, public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or medical sciences? The SAMRC Internship Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering a valuable opportunity for young professionals to gain hands-on research experience while receiving financial and professional support. The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is a leading statutory research organisation dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of South Africans through high-quality medical and health research.
The SAMRC Internship Scholarship is designed to build research capacity by placing interns within SAMRC units and collaborating institutions, where they are exposed to real-world research projects that address priority health challenges in South Africa. The programme typically supports interns through a structured stipend, practical workplace training, research mentorship, and opportunities to develop critical skills in data analysis, scientific writing, ethics, and project implementation. This internship scholarship is ideal for graduates who aspire to pursue careers in health research, academia, public health, or related scientific fields.
By applying for the SAMRC Internship Scholarship 2026/2027, candidates not only gain financial support but also position themselves at the forefront of evidence-based health research, contributing to policies and interventions that shape South Africa’s healthcare system. The programme strongly supports transformation, skills development, and the growth of the next generation of health researchers.
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, fields of study covered, application process, benefits, and closing date for the SAMRC Internship Scholarship Programme 2026/2027.
About South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
Established in 1969, the SAMRC plays a critical role in improving the health and quality of life of South Africans through cutting-edge research, development, and technology transfer. The Council supports research that addresses the country’s most pressing health challenges and informs policy and practice.
The scholarship is administered through the Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD), which focuses on building sustainable research expertise by funding strategic postgraduate training aligned with national research priorities and transformation targets.
About the SAMRC Internship Scholarship Programme 2026/2027
The SAMRC Internship Scholarship is aimed at developing high-level research skills among postgraduate students who are committed to careers in clinical and health research. Funding is provided for full-time MSc and PhD studies hosted at South African universities, with strong supervisory support from SAMRC-affiliated research units.
Fields of Study Covered
Scholarships are awarded for postgraduate research in Clinical and Health Research, with preference given to the following disciplines:
- Biostatistics
- Bioethics
- Bioinformatics
- Data Science
- Demography
- Digital Health
- Epidemiology
- Evolutionary Virology
- Genomics
- Health Economics
- Immunology
- Implementation Science
- Structural Biology
SAMRC Priority Research Areas
Applicants’ research projects must align with one or more of the SAMRC’s priority areas, including:
- Biomedical Research
- HIV, TB, and other Communicable Diseases
- Health Systems Strengthening
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Maternal, Child, and Women’s Health
- Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
- Public Health Innovation
- Violence, Injury, and Trauma
Scholarship Value, Duration, and Renewal
The SAMRC Internship Scholarship offers generous financial support, structured as follows:
- MSc students: R160 000 per annum for 1 year
- PhD students: R200 000 per annum for up to 3 years
Funding continues until the degree is completed or the maximum funding period is reached, whichever comes first. Annual renewal is performance-based, and scholars must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Note: An additional year of funding may be considered if a strong motivation is submitted by the hosting Unit Director and Supervisor.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 28 March. Applicants who do not receive feedback by this date should consider their application unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements for SAMRC Internship Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered:
- Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Must be Black (African Black, Coloured, Indian, or Asian)
- Must be registered full-time at a South African university
- Must be pursuing an MSc or PhD degree
- Must have a fully developed and approved research proposal
- Research must fall within SAMRC priority research areas
- MSc applicants must be registered for a specialised Master’s degree in:
-
- Biostatistics
- Computer Science / Data Science
- Epidemiology
- Demography
- Data Analytics
- Must have written commitment from an experienced research supervisor
- Must receive supervisory support from an SAMRC intramural or extramural unit or SAMRC research centre
- Hosting research unit must have adequate funding and facilities
- Must dedicate at least 90% of time to research
- Must not hold any other bursary, scholarship, grant, or remuneration with a service-binding contract
- Must not receive other funding concurrently unless approved by the SAMRC RCD
- Must not receive funding from more than one South African government statutory entity
- Must not change university or supervisor without SAMRC approval
Preference is given to students registered in scarce skills, strategic, emerging, or high-impact research areas.
How to Apply for SAMRC Internship Scholarship 2026/2027
Applications must be completed in two mandatory steps:
Step 1: Online Application
Complete the SAMRC Internship Scholarship Application 2026 via the online system. Click here.
Step 2: Supervisor Commitment
The main research supervisor must complete and submit the Supervisor’s Commitment Form.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID or permanent residence permit
- Proof of first registration date and registration for the current academic year
- Official approval letter for the final research proposal
- Evidence of ethics approval
- Motivational letter (max 2 pages) and abridged CV with research outputs from the last 7 years
- Research proposal abstract (max 2 pages), including aims, methodology, feasibility, and impact
- Supervisor’s abridged record of publications, grants, and supervision experience (last 5 years)
- Letter from the host institution or SAMRC research unit confirming availability of funding and facilities (max 2 pages)
Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Closing Date for SAMRC Internship Scholarship Application 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 22 February at 23:59
Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.
Contact Details of SAMRC
For scholarship-related enquiries, contact:
Contact Person: Dr Lindokuhle Ndlandla
Tel: 021 938 0442
Email: Lindokuhle.Ndlandla@mrc.ac.za
For technical assistance with the online system, contact: redcap.support@mrc.ac.za