SAMA Medical Education Bursary: Supporting Future Medical Professionals
The SAMA Medical Education Bursary is designed to assist South African citizens who are currently attending medical school in South Africa. This bursary aims to support students pursuing pre-graduate studies towards an MBChB or an equivalent medical degree.
Policy
The SAMA Medical Education Bursary is offered annually to disadvantaged and deserving individuals, depending on available funds. Each bursary provides R20,000 per year, split into two payments:
- R10,000 in January, after receiving the previous year’s final examination results and current year’s Proof of Registration with a South African university.
- R10,000 in August, following receipt of mid-year examination results.
The bursary is non-exclusive; students may receive additional bursaries without affecting their SAMA bursary. Continuation of the bursary is contingent upon maintaining a pass rate, but SAMA will not cover repeat years. Students must reapply annually and provide proof of successful completion of the previous year’s studies.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the bursary, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be historically disadvantaged (encouraged to apply).
- Provide a letter of acceptance into an approved South African medical education program (conditional acceptance is acceptable).
- Declare any supplementary funding received during the bursary period.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Historical disadvantage
- Potential for excellence
- Social and geographic considerations
- Leadership qualities
- Academic merit, including previous awards and prizes
- Recommendations from referees
Method of Payment
Payments will be made directly to the medical school. For subsequent years, proof of successful completion of the previous year and proof of enrollment for the next year are required.
Application Process
- Application Closure: September 30th.
- Documents to Include:
- Full name, address, telephone, and email contact information.
- Proof of South African citizenship (e.g., ID or passport photograph page, birth or citizenship certificate).
- A resume outlining education and volunteer experience (maximum 2 pages).
- A letter of acceptance to a South African medical school (can be provided at a later date if necessary).
Completed applications, including all required documents, must be received by September 30th at the following address:
The SAMA Medical Education Bursary Committee
P.O. Box 74789
Lynnwood Ridge
0040
Email: graceb@samedical.org or karlienp@samedical.org
Contact: (012) 481 2036