SAMRC NHRE Doctoral Programme Bursary 2027: Requirements and Closing Date
The University of Pretoria has opened applications for the 2027 SAMRC NHRE Doctoral Programme Bursary, a new PhD funding initiative aimed at strengthening South Africa’s health research capacity. The programme is designed to build a pipeline of highly skilled PhD graduates in the health sciences who will drive research and innovation both locally and globally.
If you already hold a master’s degree, have a supervisor lined up, and are planning a PhD in the health sciences, this is a significant funding opportunity worth applying for before the closing date.
About the NHRE Programme
The National Health Research Enterprise (NHRE) Programme is an initiative of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), created to fill the gap left by the substantial reduction in international funding available to South Africa’s health research ecosystem. The NHRE is supported by funding from:
- The SAMRC
- National Treasury, through the National Department of Health
- The Gates Foundation
- The Wellcome Trust
The programme is founded on a shared commitment to retaining South Africa’s research infrastructure and its high-calibre clinicians and scientists, whose work has had global as well as national impact. The NHRE Doctoral Programme specifically focuses on multidisciplinary, innovative doctoral training to develop the next generation of health researchers.
Funding Details
- Funding type: Bursary/Scholarship
- Study level: Doctoral (PhD)
- Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences
- Study location: University of Pretoria
- Sponsor type: External Funded Bursary
- Student nationality: South African
Requirements for Application
Applicants must check their eligibility carefully before applying. To qualify, you must:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Hold a master’s degree
- Have a PhD research project that has been endorsed by your prospective supervisor and institution
- Ensure your proposed PhD research project falls within the health sciences, preferably with the potential to deliver meaningful health impact
- Be registered as a full-time PhD student at a South African university at the commencement of the award
- Provide a written commitment of participation from an appropriately experienced research supervisor who is willing to train you for the entire duration of the degree
- Have a research supervisor who holds research funding for the project and appropriate facilities for you to effectively conduct your PhD research
Why the Supervisor Requirement Matters
Unlike many bursaries where the student applies independently, this programme requires significant supervisor involvement before you apply. Your supervisor must not only endorse your research project but also commit in writing to training you for the full duration of your PhD, and must already hold research funding and facilities for the project. This means securing the right supervisor relationship early is just as important as meeting the academic requirements.
Key Dates
- Opening date: 28 July 2026
- Closing date for student applications: 22 September 2026, 23:59
- Supervisor submission to SAMRC closing date: 29 September 2026, 23:59
Note the two-stage deadline structure. Students must submit their application by 22 September, but supervisors have until 29 September to submit their own required documentation to SAMRC. Make sure your supervisor is aware of both dates well in advance.
How to Apply
Full application requirements, including a checklist of supporting documents and an example abstract, are provided in the official SAMRC NHRE Doctoral Programme Request for Applications (RFA) document, available alongside the Bursary Conditions document on the University of Pretoria funding site. Applicants should review both documents closely before starting their application, since supporting document requirements are detailed and supervisor-dependent.
Visit the official website to apply
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the SAMRC NHRE Doctoral Programme Bursary? South African citizens or permanent residents who hold a master’s degree and have an endorsed PhD research project in the health sciences.
Do I need a supervisor before I apply? Yes. You need a prospective supervisor who has endorsed your research project and who will provide a written commitment to train you for the full duration of your PhD.
When does the SAMRC NHRE Doctoral Programme Bursary close? Student applications close on 22 September 2026 at 23:59. Supervisors have until 29 September 2026 to submit their required documentation to SAMRC.
What field must my PhD research be in? Your proposed research project must fall within the health sciences, preferably with the potential to deliver meaningful health impact.
Do I need to already be registered for a PhD to apply? You must be registered as a full-time PhD student at a South African university at the commencement of the award, though this does not necessarily mean before you apply.
Who funds the NHRE Programme? The SAMRC, National Treasury through the National Department of Health, the Gates Foundation, and the Wellcome Trust.
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