University of Cape Town PhD Scholarships 2027: Two Funded Health Research Positions Worth R315,000 Per Year
Applications are open for two funded PhD scholarship opportunities at the University of Cape Town for 2027, offered through the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre and the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation. Successful candidates receive R315,000 annually to support their doctoral studies and living costs.
Overview
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Department of Medicine, in collaboration with the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre and the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, offers two funded PhD scholarship positions for 2027. These awards integrate doctoral candidates into active global health research programmes, emphasizing publication pipelines, mentorship, and academic development.
Each scholarship provides an annual funding value of R315,000 for the first three years, with a possible fourth year conditional on satisfactory academic progress, manuscript development, and thesis completion. The funding contributes toward both tuition and living costs.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents of South Africa.
- Candidates must hold a completed Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in an appropriate discipline, such as public health, medicine, psychology, sociology, epidemiology, biostatistics, or behavioural science.
- Must demonstrate previous experience with qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research analysis.
- Must show a strong motivation to pursue a research-focused or academic career.
Benefits
- Core financial support valued at R315,000 per year for three years, with a potential fourth-year extension subject to progress.
- Integration into multidisciplinary research teams with established data collection and publication pipelines.
- Structured academic writing support, mentorship, and regular research oversight.
How to Apply
Applicants must prepare and submit a focused set of application documents online:
- A one-page Curriculum Vitae highlighting qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods experience.
- A one-page Research Concept detailing the background, problem statement, research aims, and significance.
- A one-page structured three-year PhD plan outlining milestones and expected outputs.
- One academic or technical writing sample (such as a published paper, thesis, or manuscript draft).
- A copy of a South African ID or proof of permanent residency.
- A certified copy of the Master’s certificate.
All materials must be submitted through the official online application portal before the closing date. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews.
Deadline
The final deadline to submit applications is 14 September 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.