BM-NHSP Bursary in South Africa | Apply Now

The BM-NHSP bursary 2024 aims to build a capacity in COVID-19 research areas and how it has impacted other diseases. The program has a few high-priority research areas. So, if you are interested in performing a thesis for these areas, this funding opportunity might be it.

Here is a complete guide on its eligibility criteria, application process, and documents required. So, dive right in for more.

About the Bursary

The BM-NHSP or Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholar Bursary is a research initiative under the NHRC (National Health Research Committee). This bursary program is aimed to financially aid the PhD research scholars so they can carry out their medical research. Currently, this bursary program is directly affiliated with the South African Medical Research Council, the National Department of Health, and the Public Health Enhancement Fund.

Eligibility Criteria

Here are a few requirements you must meet to qualify for the NHSP bursary program.

• The applicant must be a South African national or permanent resident.
• The applicant must have completed his/ her MBChB or Master’s degree.
• The applicant must intend to pursue his/ her PhD studies from a recognized and accredited university in South Africa.
• The applicant must have a research proposal for the Ph.D. The university must accept this proposal.
• The applicant must also be accepted at the university.
• The applicant’s research project must be in line with the priority research areas listed below.
• The applicant must have a written commitment of participation. It must be from an experienced research supervisor from the university.
• The applicant must have research funding and infrastructure available.
• The applicant must receive funding from any other scholarship program.
• The applicant must abide by the bursary’s terms and conditions.

Do note that preferences will be given to candidates from high-priority groups and universities.

NHSP Bursary Application Process

Now that we have established the bursary requirement let us check out how you can apply for the bursary program.

• Go to the official application portal and complete the online application (docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfcM2eXEqCQ7E73JWsacLGYzBriXSjz9w5MRcZv5HfboG_56A/viewform).
• Once done, upload the required documents and hit the submit button.
• Alternatively, download the application form and fill it out (zabursaries.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Bongani-Mayosi-National-Health-Scholarship-Application-Form.pdf). Double-check everything to prevent mistakes.
• After this, draft and email the application and attach the application form along with the supporting documents mentioned below. Send the email to [email protected].
• Write the email subject line as “BM-NHSP Application 2024”.

Documents Required for the Bursary

Here are the following documents you are required to submit along with the application form.

• A South African national ID document (Certified copy).
• A motivational letter depicting why you are suitable for the program, how it is going to influence your career goals, and why you have applied for the program.
• A curriculum vitae with a list of research outputs (previous from at least 5 years).
• Proof of your degree registration to be funded (on the institution’s letterhead).
• Proof of ethics clearance.
• Support letter demonstrating the availability of the research funding.
• Abstract of your research proposal. It must include the rationale, design, research plan, feasibility, and potential impact of the research project.
• Most recent payslips (they must not be older than three months).
• Official letter for the approval of your research proposal.
• Letter from your host institution detailing your career plan after your Ph.D.

Please note that any missing document can result in disqualification of your application.

Fields Covered Under the Bursary

The NHSP program was originally aimed to train around 1000 scholars in health and clinical research. Here are a few priorities of research decided upon by the bursary provider.

• Communicable or transmissible diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, biostatistics, data science, digital health, demography, epidemiology, health economics, bioinformatics, genomics, microbiology, and virology.

Moreover, interested candidates should also be involved as professionals in the following areas.

• Dentistry, biomedical engineering, oral health, medical science, diet, occupational therapy, optics, pharmacy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychology, nursing, speech therapy, and audiology.

NHSP Contact Details

For bursary-related queries, you can contact Dr Lindokuhle Ndlandla at NHSP.

• Tel: 021 938 0442
• Email Address: [email protected]

FAQs

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the NHSP bursary is an excellent alternative for healthcare professionals in search of research funding. It aims to empower researchers and build a capacity for COVID-19 research areas and their impact on today’s preparedness of healthcare setups. I hope this guide has been helpful for those interested.