CAREERS WITHIN MEDICAL BURSARIES
Medical and healthcare careers require different qualifications and lead to different types of work. The table below gives a starting point for identifying the qualification normally associated with each career. The exact qualification and admission requirements depend on the university or other accredited institution.
| CAREER | TYPICAL QUALIFICATION IN SOUTH AFRICA |
|---|---|
| Audiologist | Bachelor’s degree in Audiology |
| Biochemist | BSc in Biochemistry or related biological science |
| Clinical Associate | Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice |
| Dentist | Bachelor of Dental Surgery / Bachelor of Dental Science |
| Dental Therapist | Bachelor of Dental Therapy or equivalent approved qualification |
| Dietetics | Bachelor of Dietetics |
| Emergency Medical Care | Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Emergency Medical Care, depending on career level |
| Medical Laboratory Scientist | Bachelor of Health Science or related qualification in Medical Laboratory Science |
| Medical Doctor | MBChB |
| Nurse | Bachelor of Nursing or other approved nursing qualification |
| Occupational Therapist | Bachelor of Occupational Therapy |
| Occupational Hygienist | Degree or other approved qualification in Occupational Hygiene |
| Optometrist | Bachelor of Optometry |
| Orthotist and Prosthetist | Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics or equivalent approved qualification |
| Pharmacist | Bachelor of Pharmacy |
| Physiotherapist | Bachelor of Physiotherapy |
| Psychologist | Psychology degree followed by the further study and professional training required for the chosen registration category |
| Radiographer | Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Radiography, depending on the field and qualification |
| Speech-Language Therapist | Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology / Speech-Language Therapy |
Students should check the admission requirements for the specific university and qualification before applying for a bursary. Some healthcare programmes have additional subject, selection or admission requirements.
AUDIOLOGY BURSARIES FOR 2027
Audiology focuses on hearing, balance and related communication disorders. Students pursuing Audiology can explore:
- Exxaro Bursary
- Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
- KZN Department of Health Bursary
- North West Provincial Government Bursaries
- SASLHA Bursary
BIOCHEMISTRY BURSARIES FOR 2027
Biochemistry combines biology and chemistry to investigate the chemical processes of living organisms. Relevant bursary opportunities include:
- CPGR Bursary
- CHIETA Bursary
- Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary
- DSI-CSIR Bursary
- HORTGRO Bursary
- Joe Morolong Assmang Bursary
- SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) Bursary
- Umgeni Water Bursary
DIETETICS & NUTRITION BURSARIES FOR 2027
Dietetics and Nutrition focuses on the relationship between food, nutrition and health. Relevant bursary opportunities include:
- ADSA Bursary
- Black Mountain Study Trust Bursary
- Exxaro Bursary
- Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
- KZN Department of Health Bursary
- Mediclinic Bursary
- Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
- North West Provincial Government Bursaries
- Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)
DENTAL & DENTISTRY BURSARIES FOR 2027
Dentistry and related professions focus on oral health, including the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the teeth, gums and mouth. Relevant opportunities include:
- Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
- IDB Education Trust Bursary Loan
- KZN Department of Health Bursary
- Mediclinic Bursary
- Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
- North West Provincial Government Bursaries
- SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) Bursary
EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE BURSARIES FOR 2027
Emergency Medical Care prepares students for careers providing urgent medical assistance to people who are injured or seriously ill. Relevant bursary opportunities include:
- Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
- Mediclinic Bursary
- Mediclinic / ER24 Bursary
- NESP Scholarship
- SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) Bursary
- Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary
ERGONOMICS BURSARIES FOR 2027
Ergonomics, or human factors, focuses on designing and improving workplaces, systems, equipment and environments to promote safety, health, comfort and efficiency.
- Armscor Bursary
GENERAL MEDICAL BURSARIES FOR 2027
General medical bursaries support a range of medical, clinical and healthcare qualifications rather than one specific profession. These opportunities can be useful for students whose qualifications do not fall into only one specialist category.
- AbbVie and SASA Scholarship
- Black Management Forum (BMF) Bursary
- Black Mountain Study Trust Bursary
- Bridgestone Bursary
- Cape Winelands District Municipality Mayoral Bursary
- City of Cape Town Bursary
- Compensation Fund Bursary
- Department of Correctional Services Bursary
- Donald White / Mandla A. Ndwanya Memorial Fund Bursary
- DSI-CSIR Bursary
- Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Bursary
- Exxaro Bursary
- Gallagher Foundation Scholarship
- Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
- IDB Education Trust Bursary Loan
- Investec Bursary
- ISFAP Bursary
- Islamic Relief Bursary
- Joe Morolong Assmang Bursary
- Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme
- KZN Department of Health Bursary
- L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant
- Limpopo Department of Health Bursary
- Lonmin Bursary
- Monocle Foundation Bursary
- Moshal Scholarship Program
- Mpumalanga Department of Health Bursary to Study Medicine in Cuba
- Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
- NESP Scholarship
- Ninety One Bursary
- NUMSA Bursary
- Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary
- Roche Diagnostics Bursary
- SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) Bursary
- South African Medical Association Bursary
- Survé Philanthropies Bursary
- Spes Bona Initiative for Medical Education / Vesalius Scholarship
- WAAW Foundation Scholarship
- Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary
HEALTH SCIENCE & HEALTH-RELATED BURSARIES FOR 2027
Health Sciences cover disciplines concerned with human health, healthcare, disease prevention, clinical practice and scientific research. Students studying health-related qualifications can explore:
- Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary
- Bombela Bursary
- Cipla Bursary
- Department of Correctional Services Bursary
- Donald White / Mandla A. Ndwanya Memorial Fund Bursary
- Dr Aadil Moerat Trust Bursary
- Eastern Cape Department of Health Bursary
- FEM Bursary
- General Electric Bursary
- Genesis Educational Foundation (GEFT) Bursary
- Harmony Bursary
- HWSETA Bursary Competition
- IDB Education Trust Bursary Loan
- Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme
- L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant
- Limpopo Department of Health Bursary
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
- NESP Scholarship
- Northern Cape Provincial Government Bursary
- Pretune SIM Card Bursary
- Pyrotec Bursary
- Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)
- Rustenburg Municipality Bursary
- SAMRC Internship Scholarship
- SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) Bursary
- South32 HMM Bursary
- Survé Philanthropies Bursary
- TOTAL Bursary
- IMASA Health Science Bursary Fund
HYGIENE BURSARIES FOR 2027
Occupational Hygiene focuses on identifying, evaluating and controlling workplace hazards that may affect the health and safety of workers and surrounding communities. Relevant opportunities include:
- City of Johannesburg Bursary
- Kumba Iron Ore Bursary
- Mediclinic Bursary
- MQA Bursary
- North West Provincial Government Bursaries
- Northam Zondereinde Mine Bursary
- Pilanesberg Platinum Mines (PPM) Bursary
- Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)
NURSING BURSARIES FOR 2027
Nursing focuses on patient care, health promotion, illness management and recovery across hospitals, clinics, community healthcare and other healthcare settings. Relevant opportunities include:
- Black Mountain Study Trust Bursary
- Bridgestone Bursary
- Busamed Bursary
- Caroline Mack Foundation Bursary
- City of Cape Town Bursary
- Compensation Fund Bursary
- DENOSA Bursary
- Department of Correctional Services Bursary
- Education Empowerment and Development Fund (EEDF) Bursary
- Exxaro Bursary
- Gauteng College of Nursing Bursary
- Globeleq Scholarships
- ISFAP Bursary
- Islamic Relief Bursary
- Joe Morolong Assmang Bursary
- Life Healthcare Bursary
- Mediclinic / ER24 Bursary
- Mpumalanga Department of Health Bursary
- Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
- Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Bursary
- NESP Scholarship
- North West Department of Health Bursary
- Pilanesberg Platinum Mines (PPM) Bursary
- Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)
- Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary
- SASSETA Bursary
- SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) Bursary
- Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary
OPTOMETRY BURSARIES FOR 2027
Optometry focuses on eye health, vision assessment and the diagnosis and management of vision-related conditions. Relevant opportunities include:
- Eastern Cape Department of Health Bursary
- Exxaro Bursary
- HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary
- KZN Department of Health Bursary
- Mediclinic Bursary
- NESP Scholarship
- North West Provincial Government Bursaries
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY BURSARIES FOR 2027
Occupational Therapy helps people improve or maintain their ability to perform everyday activities following illness, injury, disability or other conditions affecting physical or cognitive function. Relevant opportunities include:
- Black Mountain Study Trust Bursary
- City of Cape Town Bursary
- City of Johannesburg Bursary
- Compensation Fund Bursary
- ETDP SETA Bursary
- Exxaro Bursary
- Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
- Gauteng Department of Social Development Bursary
- ISFAP Bursary
- KZN Department of Health Bursary
- Lonmin Bursary
- Mediclinic Bursary
- Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Bursary
- Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
- North West Provincial Government Bursaries
- Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) Bursary
ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS BURSARIES FOR 2027
Orthotics and Prosthetics involves the design, production and fitting of braces, artificial limbs and other supportive medical devices used to assist patients with mobility and physical function.
- Compensation Fund Bursary
- Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
- ISFAP Bursary
- Mediclinic Bursary
- Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
- North West Provincial Government Bursaries
- Northern Cape Provincial Government Bursary
PHARMACY BURSARIES FOR 2027
Pharmacy focuses on medicines, pharmaceutical products and their safe and appropriate use. Students pursuing Pharmacy can explore:
- CHIETA Bursary
- Cipla Bursary
- Clicks Foundation Bursary
- DSI-CSIR Bursary
- Education Empowerment and Development Fund (EEDF) Bursary
- Garden Cities Bursary
- Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
- IDB Education Trust Bursary Loan
- Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme
- Lonmin Bursary
- Mediclinic Bursary
- Moshal Scholarship Program
- Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
- NESP Scholarship
- Netcare Bursary
- North West Provincial Government Bursaries
- Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa Bursaries
- Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)
- Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary
- SASSETA Bursary
- Shoprite Bursaries
- SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) Bursary
- W&RSETA Bursary
- WAAW Foundation Scholarship
- Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary
PHYSIOTHERAPY BURSARIES FOR 2027
Physiotherapy focuses on movement, physical function and rehabilitation following injury, illness, disability or other conditions affecting mobility. Relevant opportunities include:
- Compensation Fund Bursary
- Garden Cities Bursary
- Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
- ISFAP Bursary
- KZN Department of Health Bursary
- Mediclinic Bursary
- North West Provincial Government Bursaries
- South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP) Bursary
PSYCHOLOGY BURSARIES FOR 2027
Psychology focuses on human behaviour, cognition and mental processes. Students pursuing Psychology and related qualifications can explore:
- Capitec Bank Bursary
- Cipla Bursary
- CSG Bursary
- Department of Correctional Services Bursary
- Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (EC) Bursary
- Exxaro Bursary
- Gallagher Foundation Scholarship
- Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
- Gauteng Department of Social Development Bursary
- Gauteng Provincial Treasury Bursary
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary
- KZN Department of Health Bursary
- LegalWise Bursary
- Mbuyelo Bursary
- Mediclinic Bursary
- Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
- Ninety One Bursary
- North West Provincial Government Bursaries
RADIOGRAPHY BURSARIES FOR 2027
Radiography uses medical imaging technologies to assist healthcare professionals with the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases and injuries. Students pursuing Radiography should check bursaries that specifically accept their qualification.
Eligibility differs between providers, and some bursaries support only particular health science or medical qualifications.
SPEECH & HEARING THERAPY BURSARIES FOR 2027
Speech and Hearing Therapy covers communication, speech, language and hearing-related disorders. Students pursuing Speech-Language Pathology, Speech Therapy, Audiology and related qualifications should check the specific field accepted by each bursary.
HOW TO FIND MEDICAL BURSARIES FOR 2027
The bursaries listed in this directory differ in terms of eligibility, academic requirements, funding, application procedures and closing dates. A bursary appearing under a particular field does not necessarily mean that applications are currently open.
Before applying, check the individual bursary page for:
- The qualification or field of study supported;
- The study level accepted;
- Academic and other eligibility requirements;
- What the bursary covers;
- The documents required;
- The application method; and
- The confirmed closing date.
If a bursary is listed in this directory but its individual page shows that the programme is closed or that a new intake has not yet been confirmed, do not assume that applications are currently being accepted.