Scholarships can help offset the cost of higher education.
For residents of developing nations, such as those in Africa, the costs of higher education can be virtually insurmountable. In sub-Saharan African countries, only 5 percent of the population pursues higher education. However, a 2006 Harvard University report on the state of higher education in Africa states that "higher education can assist countries with technological catch-up and thus improve the potential for faster growth." Fortunately, several organizations provide scholarships to Africans pursuing doctoral or medical degrees.
South African Medical Research Council
The South African Medical Research Council offers the Research Training Scholarships for Medical Doctors program. Recent MBChB or BChD graduates who have "registered with the health professions council and have completed their internship and community service and registered for a Masters degree in a specialist field or a research area" can apply, according to the council's website. Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents to qualify. Applications are due by June 30 each year. Preference is given to Black Africans, women and applicants with exceptional academic performance.
Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases
The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) is a joint project of the World Health Organization, the United Nations and the World Bank. The TDR's Career Development Fellowships program offers funding to "established researchers who already hold a medical, Master's or doctoral degree in fields relevant to TDR's priority diseases and activities," according to the program's website. Eligible applicants include residents of developing countries, such as those in Africa. Historically, fellowships have been awarded to doctors from Cameroon, Nigeria, Kenya, Gabon, Chad and Ghana. Funds can be used to support medical research, leadership training and diploma programs in areas such as public health.
Rattansi Educational Trust
The Rattansi Educational Trust provides scholarships to Kenyan students pursuing education, including medical education and doctoral degrees. The trust's mission is to "provide education for the needy in the society to help light up their path to development," according to the organization's website. The trust provides funding in the form of bursaries to educational institutions throughout East Africa, including the Kenya Medical Training College and the University of Nairobi. Applications are accepted year-round.
Oppenhemier Fund
The University of Oxford offers scholarships to South African doctoral and graduate students through the Oppenhemier Fund program. Each year, two South African nationals who are applying for graduate coursework at the University of Oxford receive the scholarship. Participating schools include Medical Sciences and Philosophy and the Said Business School. Scholarships range up to $10,200, as of October 2010, and can be used for tuition, fees and living expenses. Most scholarships are offered for one year, but can be extended based on an annual review and satisfactory academic progress.
Tags: higher education, South African, Research Training, African Medical, African Medical Research