SAMRC Postgraduate Research Associate Programme 2027

The SAMRC Postgraduate Research Associate Programme funds full-time PhD and Master’s candidates in South Africa to conduct clinical/health research under SAMRC supervision, with a focus on scarce and emerging fields.

What it offers

• PhD scholarship: R250 000 per year for up to 3 years; a fourth year may be funded on compelling progress and motivation.
• Master’s scholarship: R200 000 per year for 1 year; a second year may be funded on compelling progress and motivation.

Who can apply

• South African citizens or permanent residents.
• PhD candidates: registered full-time at a South African university with an approved research proposal and ethics clearance (where applicable).
• Second-year Master’s candidates: registered full-time with an approved research proposal and ethics clearance.
• First-year Master’s candidates: admitted to a 2027 Master’s programme with a supervisor support letter and SAMRC supervisor recommendation.

What you'll do

• Conduct research in SAMRC priority areas such as Biostatistics, Genomics, Epidemiology, Data Science, and Implementation Science.
• Receive dedicated mentorship from SAMRC Senior Scientists or Professors.
• Collaborate on SAMRC-hosted projects within SAMRC Research Units, Centres, or Platforms.

How to apply

1. Register or log in to the Research and Innovation Management System (RIMS) by 22 September 2026.
2. Complete the online application and upload required documents by 22 September 2026.
3. The SAMRC supervisor must submit the supervisor’s commitment form by 29 September 2026.

• Required documents are listed in the RFA document; see the Applicant and Supervisor Manuals for guidance.

Good to know

• Preference is given to candidates from designated groups and fields where researchers are underrepresented.
• Only successful candidates will be contacted; applicants not notified by 31 December 2026 should assume their application was unsuccessful.