Scholarships for Medical Students in South Africa

Scholarships for Medical Students in South Africa 2025

Studying medicine is a long-term commitment—usually 6+ years—so financial aid is essential. Unlike loans, scholarships don’t require repayment, making them one of the best ways to fund your studies.

Top Scholarships for Medical Students in South Africa (2025)

1. Department of Health Provincial Bursaries

Each province offers its own bursary for students studying medicine and other health-related degrees.

What’s Covered:

Full tuition
Accommodation
Meals
Textbooks
Sometimes even a monthly stipend

Requirements:

South African citizen
Accepted or enrolled in a health sciences degree (MBChB, nursing, etc.)
Willing to work back the bursary by serving in a public hospital after graduation

Offered by:

Gauteng Department of Health
KZN Department of Health
Eastern Cape Department of Health
Limpopo & Mpumalanga bursaries

Pro tip: Visit your province’s health department website or check zabusaries.com for openings.

2. Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary

A broad bursary that covers multiple fields, including medicine.

Perks:

Full funding (tuition, transport, and living expenses)
Personal and career mentoring
Laptop allowance

Who can apply:

Matriculants and university students
Financially needy but academically strong
Community-minded and driven individuals

Apply: www.cret.org.za

3. SAMA (South African Medical Association) Bursaries

The SAMA offers annual bursaries to medical students in their 2nd year or above.

Highlights:

Focus on previously disadvantaged students
Partial funding towards tuition and academic support

Check with your medical faculty or visit: www.samedical.org

4. The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship

Not a typical medical scholarship, but if you’re a future doctor with entrepreneurial flair, this is a powerful opportunity.

Benefits:

Full funding for your university studies
Mentorship, leadership training, and access to a lifelong network

Ideal for:

Medical students with a passion for innovation and social impact

Apply early at: www.allangrayorbis.org

5. The HWSETA Bursary Programme

The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) offers bursaries to students in health and social services fields, including medicine.

Covers:

Tuition
Prescribed materials
Accommodation and meals (sometimes)

This is especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Check for bursary openings on: www.hwseta.org.za

6. The SA Medical Association (SAMA) Bursaries for Medical Research

For those pursuing postgraduate studies (e.g., MMED or specialist research), this bursary helps with funding advanced qualifications in medicine.

Great if you’re planning to specialize!

Other Medical Bursary Options to Check:

SANDF Bursary (study through the military, full coverage + guaranteed job)
Bank-sponsored bursaries (e.g. Nedbank, Standard Bank offer general bursaries that include medicine)
Corporate bursaries (e.g. Discovery Foundation, Mediclinic)
Municipal bursaries (especially in rural areas where doctors are needed)

Bonus Tip: Combine Bursary + Learnerships or Part-time Work

While you’re studying, you may be able to supplement your funding with:

Tutoring jobs
Research assistant gigs
Student internships during breaks

Even small income can help cover food, transport, and study tools.

FAQs – Scholarships for Medical Students in SA

Q: Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?

Yes! In fact, you should. Just be transparent during your applications and check if any funders allow it.

Q: What is a “work-back” bursary?

A bursary where you agree to work at a hospital or institution after graduating — usually for the same number of years they funded you. It’s a great way to gain experience and avoid debt.

Q: Can private college students apply for these?

Most scholarships listed here are for public universities. However, some private institutions have their own funding options, especially if they’re accredited.