Medicine & Health Sciences Bursaries in South Africa 2026
MBChB, health sciences, and medical bursaries. Browse 11 funding opportunities — updated May 2026.
Studying medicine or the health sciences is one of the most rewarding paths you can take, but it is also one of the most expensive, and that's where bursaries make all the difference. Funding in this field usually covers tuition and registration fees, while the better packages go further, helping with accommodation, prescribed textbooks, clinical equipment and uniforms, a monthly living allowance, and sometimes a laptop. Bursaries here typically support a wide range of qualifications, from MBChB to nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography, dietetics, dentistry, clinical psychology and the broader allied-health degrees and diplomas offered at universities and TVET colleges.
Most of this funding comes from places with a real stake in growing South Africa's healthcare workforce. The national and provincial Departments of Health run some of the largest schemes, often alongside state entities and the Health and Welfare SETA (HWSETA), and many come with a work-back agreement, meaning you commit to serving in the public health system for a set period after you qualify. You'll also find support from pharmaceutical and medical-device companies, hospital groups, private healthcare funders, university faculties of health sciences, and various trusts and foundations. NSFAS remains the first stop for many students who qualify on financial need, and it's worth applying there even while you chase field-specific bursaries.
Eligibility usually comes down to a few things: strong matric or NSC results, especially in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences, since health programmes are competitive and marks matter a lot; South African citizenship; and, for need-based funding, proof of household income. Many providers also look for genuine commitment to healthcare and a willingness to work where you're needed most. Apply as early as you can, because corporate bursary windows often open in the second half of the year for the following academic year, and missing a deadline can cost you a whole cycle.
Quick tips
- →Apply early and apply widely: corporate windows often open in the second half of the year, so prepare your documents ahead of time and don't pin your hopes on a single bursary.
- →Read the work-back terms carefully: many health bursaries require you to serve in the public sector after qualifying, so know what you're committing to before you sign.
- →Keep your marks up, especially in Maths, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences, since these are the subjects health-science selectors weigh most heavily.
- →Get your paperwork ready in advance: certified ID, latest results, proof of household income and a short motivation letter explaining why you want to work in healthcare.
- →Don't overlook NSFAS and your university's own faculty bursaries; combining sources is often what makes the full cost of study affordable.
Related fields:
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship is South Africa's most prestigious entrepreneurship-focused bursary, open to any field of study. No workback obligation.
Nexa: From Climate Risk to Health Resilience - Global Climate and Health Innovation Funding Opportunity
South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
The SAMRC invites South African researchers and innovators to apply for a funding opportunity focused on climate risk and health resilience.
NSFAS Bursary
National Student Financial Aid Scheme
The NSFAS bursary provides financial assistance to eligible South African citizens and permanent residents pursuing higher education, covering a range of study costs.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative enabling talented, service-oriented young people to pursue higher education and cultivate leadership potential for a better Africa.
Netcare Clinical Scholarship
Netcare
The Netcare Clinical Scholarship provides bursaries to South African medical specialists for doctoral or post-doctoral training and research in academic medicine.
Rhodes Southern Africa Scholarships Programme 2027
Rhodes Trust
A fully-funded postgraduate award for talented Southern African students to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
CECIL Renaud Overseas Scholarships 2027
The Cecil Renaud Educational and Charitable Trust
Dr Cecil Renaud's Trust offers scholarships for young South Africans to pursue postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.
University of Pretoria MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) 2027
University of Pretoria
A fully-funded scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate study at the University of Pretoria, supported by the Mastercard Foundation.
Provincial Health Department Bursary (Medicine, Nursing & Allied Health)
Department of Health (Provincial)
Provincial health departments fund medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health students who commit to working in public healthcare after graduation.
National Skills Fund (NSF) Bursary
National Skills Fund (NSF) — DHET
The NSF funds students in scarce and critical skills fields — including medicine, engineering, social work, and agriculture — at university and TVET level.
NRF Postgraduate Funding (Honours, Masters & PhD)
National Research Foundation (NRF)
The NRF funds postgraduate research students (Honours through PhD) across science, engineering, humanities, and social science fields. No workback, no financial need requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Medicine & Health Sciences bursaries are available in South Africa in 2026?
There are 11 medicine & health sciences bursaries currently listed on our platform, including corporate, government, and SETA-funded opportunities. They range from partial tuition bursaries to full cost-of-study awards.
When do Medicine & Health Sciences bursary applications open?
Most corporate bursaries open between August and October for the following academic year. Some government bursaries accept applications year-round. Always check the official provider website for exact dates.
What marks do I need for a Medicine & Health Sciences bursary?
Academic requirements vary by provider. Most medicine & health sciences bursaries require a minimum average of 60–70%. Some merit bursaries require 75%+ while others prioritise financial need over marks.