Studying medicine and health sciences in South Africa is expensive due to the length of medical degrees, clinical training, and specialised equipment costs.
Medical bursaries help students cover tuition, accommodation, books, and living expenses so they can complete their studies and contribute to the country’s healthcare system.
Medical bursaries are available from government departments, healthcare providers, industry associations, and private foundations.
Many also offer work‑back obligations where students serve in public or private health facilities after graduation.
Medical Bursaries Available in South Africa for 2027
Below are the top medical bursaries open or expected for the 2027 cycle:
- Discovery Foundation Medical Bursary – supports students studying medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and allied health sciences.
- Clicks Foundation Bursary – funds pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and medical technology students.
- Life Healthcare Bursary Programme – private healthcare bursary for medicine, nursing, radiography, and allied health disciplines.
- Netcare Education Bursary – bursary for nursing, emergency care, and medical technology studies.
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital Bursary – funding for medicine, nursing, and allied health students committed to public service.
- Provincial Health Department Bursaries – government bursaries from provincial health departments for medical fields.
- South African Medical Association (SAMA) Bursary – bursaries for MBChB or related health science studies.
- University Medical Faculty Bursaries – internal bursaries offered by universities for medical and health sciences students.
- National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Medical Funding – general funding for medical students who meet financial need criteria.
- Industry and Foundation Scholarships – awards from foundations that support postgraduate medical research.
These bursaries cover a range of medical disciplines including MBChB (medicine), nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, radiography, occupational therapy, and biomedical sciences.
Which medical fields are funded by bursaries in South Africa
Medical bursaries support students across these study fields:
- Medicine (MBChB)
- Dentistry and Oral Health
- Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Radiography and Imaging Sciences
- Medical Technology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Public Health and Healthcare Management
This range ensures funding is not limited to doctors alone but also to the broader healthcare workforce.
Who qualifies for medical bursaries in South Africa
Eligibility criteria vary by bursary, but most require:
- South African citizenship or permanent residency.
- Acceptance or registration for an accredited medical or health sciences programme.
- Strong academic performance, especially in Life Sciences and Mathematics where required.
- Proof of financial need for need‑based bursaries.
- Commitment to work in public health, rural areas, or healthcare facilities after graduation for some government bursaries.
For example, many provincial health bursaries require students to commit to working in the public sector after completing their degree.
When do medical bursary applications open for 2027
Medical bursary timelines vary:
- Discovery Foundation bursaries and Clicks Foundation bursaries typically open in the first half of the year.
- Life Healthcare and Netcare bursaries often close by mid‑year due to hospital training schedules.
- Provincial Health Department bursaries usually open between March and June.
- University internal bursaries align with academic admission cycles (often 6–10 weeks before semester starts).
- NSFAS applications for the 2027 academic year are expected to open in September 2026 for funding from the following year.
Always check the official bursary portal for exact opening and closing dates.
How to apply for medical bursaries in South Africa
Follow these steps to apply successfully:
- Identify the bursaries that match your medical field and eligibility.
- Visit the provider’s official application portal or university bursary page.
- Prepare required documents such as your certified ID, academic transcripts, proof of registration, and financial need evidence.
- Complete the online application form or download and submit the bursary application as required.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Some bursaries require additional selection steps such as interviews or aptitude tests.
What expenses medical bursaries cover
Medical bursaries may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation or housing costs
- Textbooks and study materials
- Living allowances
- Transport stipends
- Clinical training and equipment costs
The value and scope of coverage differ by bursary provider and the amount of funding available.
Contact details for medical bursary providers
- Discovery Foundation Bursary
Website: Visit the official Discovery Foundation bursary page for application details. - Clicks Foundation Bursary
Website: Check the Clicks Foundation portal for application forms and closing dates. - Life Healthcare Bursary Programme
Email: careers@lifehealthcare.co.za
Phone: 011 219 9000
Website: www.lifehealthcare.co.za/careers - Netcare Education Bursary
Visit the official Netcare bursary page for updated funding opportunities. - South African Medical Association (SAMA) Bursaries
Find applications and eligibility info through the South African Medical Association. - Provincial Health Department Bursary
Check your provincial health department’s official website for application dates and requirements. - NSFAS Medical Funding
Official portal: https://my.nsfas.org.za/
