Medical Bursaries South Africa

Medical Bursaries South Africa 2025

Medical Bursaries South Africa | Do you dream of a career within the medical field, helping and caring for the sick and injured? Whether you dream of becoming a Doctor, Nurse, Surgeon, Dietitian, Occupational Therapist (or any other health science professional), you will need to obtain a qualification within this sector.

In order to be accepted into the Medical/ Health faculty at a university or tertiary institution, you must show above average results in Science (Life Science/ Biology and sometimes Physical Science too) and Mathematics. Medical studies take a lot of dedication and time, but they are highly worth it if you are passionate about the field.

View all Bursaries and Scholarships OPEN for application

AUDIOLOGY BURSARIES FOR 2025

Audiologists are medical professionals who identify, diagnose and treat patients with hearing, balance and related auditory disorders. Audiologists perform hearing tests, and thereafter access the results, provide a diagnosis to their patients and discuss recommendations for further testing and treatments (whether that includes hearing aids or a referral for surgery). These medical professionals provide personalised services to help minimise the conditions of these disorders, so that patients may have an improved quality of life. Generally, Audiologists have completed a Master’s degree in their field and have sufficient computer literacy skills, needed to generate digital reports and perform other duties.

Audiologist with 1 to 4 years of experience can expect to earn an average of R260 000 per annum, while those with 5 to 9 years of experience earn around R340 000 per annum, and highly skilled Audiologists with over 10 years of experience could earn around R480 000 per annum.

Here are a list of bursaries and scholarships that fund Audiology studies:

Exxaro Bursary
Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
KZN Department of Health Bursary
North West Provincial Government Bursaries
SASLHA Bursary

BIOCHEMISTRY BURSARIES FOR 2025

Biochemistry explores the chemical processes relating to and within living organisms. Biochemists use advanced laboratory equipment to study the chemical principles of biological processes, as well as the effects of drugs, hormones or nutrients on a certain biological organism. They also use chemical techniques and knowledge to solve complex biological problems. Most professionals in this field have completed either a Bachelor’s degree or Postgraduate Bachelor’s degree.

Biochemists with less than 1 year of experience will earn an average of R145 000 per annum, while those with 1 to 4 years of experience earn around R175 000 per annum, and Biochemists with 5 to 9 years of experience earn around R290 000 per annum.

Here are a list of bursaries and scholarships that fund Biochemistry studies:

CPGR Bursary
CHIETA Bursary
Department of Water & 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 2025

Clinical dietitians and nutritionists work in clinics, care facilities, hospitals, private practices and other institutions, to provide medical nutrition therapy to patients. These healthcare professionals are responsible for creating nutritional programmes for people, based on the patients health requirements, as well as advising them on how to maintain healthier lifestyles.

Dietitians with less than 1 year of experience will earn an average of R218 000 per annum, while those with 1 to 4 years of experience earn around R240 000 per annum, and Dietitians with 5 to 9 years of experience earn around R297 000 per annum. A highly skilled Dietitian with over 10 years of experience could earn around R350 000 per annum, and those with over 20 years of experience are earning in the range of R515 000 per annum.

Here are a list of bursaries and scholarships that fund Dietitian and Nutrition studies:

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 2025

Dentists are healthcare professionals that diagnose and treat problems with teeth, gums and related parts of a patients mouth. There are various sectors within the dentistry field, such as:
-Orthodontists: they straighten teeth by applying braces or other appliances.
-Oral pathologists: they diagnose conditions within the mouth such as oral diseases, ulcers or bumps.
-Dental public health specialists: they promote dental health and prevention of dental diseases within certain communities.
-Endodontists: they perform root canals, which entails removing the blood supply and nerves for an injured or infected tooth.
-Pediatric dentists: they provide dental treatment for children and special needs patients.
-Prosthodontists: they replace missing teeth with bridges, crown or movable parts like dentures.
-Periodontists: they treat the bones and gums that support the teeth.
-Oral and maxillofacial radiologists: they diagnose disease in the neck and head by way of imaging technologies.
-Oral and maxillofacial surgeons: they operate on the jaws, mouth, gums, teeth, head and neck. They also provide procedures such as removing impacted teeth and repairing cleft lip or palate.

Dentists with less than 1 year of experience can expect a starting salary of R377 000 per annum, those with 1 to 4 years of experience earn around R395 000 per annum, and Dentists with 5 to 9 years of experience earn around R546 000 per annum. A highly skilled Dentist with over 10 years of experience could earn around R715 000 per annum, and those with over 20 years of experience are earning more than R1 million per annum.

Here are a list of bursaries and scholarships that fund Dental, Dentistry and related studies:

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 2025

An Emergency Medical Technician (also known as an “EMT”) responds to emergency calls to provide immediate care to critically injured or ill patients, and thereafter to transport them to a medical facility. During transportation, EMT’s are responsible for monitoring the patients vital signs, while the other EMT drives the emergency vehicle.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)’s with 1 to 4 years of experience can expect a salary of R98 000 per annum, those with 5 to 9 years of experience earn around R160 000 per annum and highly skilled EMT’s with over 10 years of experience could earn around R166 000 per annum.

Here are a list of bursaries and scholarships that fund Emergency Medical Care studies:

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 2025

Ergonomists deal with the safety and efficiency of transportation, equipment and various systems. These professionals ensure protection, health and comfort within the work environment, in various fields. Also known as human factors specialists, these professionals promote health and productivity in a work environment.

Here are a list of bursaries and scholarships that fund Ergonomics studies:

Armscor Bursary

GENERAL MEDICAL BURSARIES FOR 2025

Medicine is a branch of science that’s main focus is to care for a patient by managing their diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, treatment, palliation, as well as promoting their health. The practice of medicine has been around for thousands of years, from traditional healers in the 1600s to the 21st-century doctor.

Medicine consists of many health care practices that aim to ensure the patient’s well-being is restored and that, ultimately, any other further diseases or health-related problems are prevented or eliminated. Medicine is extremely vital to society and all inhabitants of the planet. As mentioned, it is a practice that has been going on for thousands of years as it is used to treat and cure many diseases and health problems. Without traditional and Western Medicine there would be a major decrease within the population, an outbreak of many health-related issues, as well as diseases.

To obtain a qualification in this highly demanded field, you will need to take Mathematics, Physical Science, and Biology as subjects in school. Once in university, you will need to obtain a Bachelor of Medicine and later complete Honours, Masters, and Doctoral programmes if you wish to open your own practice within the field. Some careers related to medicine are General Practitioner, Surgeon, Dentist, Nurse, Pathologist, Endocrinologist, Pharmacist, and more.

Here are a list of bursaries and scholarships that fund General Medical studies:

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
Motsepe Foundation Bursary
Mpumalanga Department of Health Bursary to Study Medicine in Cuba
Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
NESP Scholarship
Ninety One Bursary
NUMSA Bursary
Roche Diagnostics Bursary
SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-cdt) Bursary
South African Medical Association 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 2025

Health Science is a sub-category of the medical field and includes a number of disciplines relating to the science of health. Health Science consists of both traditional and Western Medicine and consists of nutrition and other health related issues that affect both animals and humans.

Health Science engages in the study, research, and knowledge of health and applies that to curing diseases, improving general health, as well as gaining an understanding of the function of humans and animals. Health Science is important as it enhances our health care, disease prevention, health-promotion as well as improve the lives of patients. Many health scientists actually dedicate their lives to improving those of many communities and patients.

To study health science, you will need to obtain a minimum qualification of a Bachelors of Science degree. Some fields of study you could partake in are General Health Science Studies, Physical Therapy, Nutrition and Wellness studies, and more. Careers within the Health Science field are a Physical Therapist, Fitness Worker, Dietitian, and more.

Here are a list of bursaries and scholarships that fund Health Science and related studies:

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
TOTAL Bursary

HYGIENE BURSARIES FOR 2025

Occupational Hygienists are those responsible for identifying, evaluating and controlling the hazards within the workplace which could be harmful to workers, the surrounding community and the environment.

Based on average salaries in South Africa, Occupational Hygienists with between 1 and 4 years of experience can expect a salary of R380 000 per annum, those with 5 to 9 years of experience earn around R600 000 per annum and highly skilled Occupational Hygienist with over 10 years of experience could earn around R560 000 per annum. An OH with over 20 years of experience will be earning in the range of R980 000 per annum.

Here are a list of bursaries and scholarships that fund Hygiene studies:

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 2025

Nursing is a profession within the Medical and Health sector. Nursing focuses primarily on caring for individuals, communities, and families and aiding them in attaining, maintaining, and recovering optimal health conditions.

Whilst Doctors primarily operate, diagnose, and practice on patients, nurses not only assist doctors but also ensure that a patient’s well-being is taken care of and that their needs are met when in hospitals and clinics. Nurses are essential to the world as they help families, individuals, and communities gain an understanding of the physical, mental, emotional, and cultural experiences they may experience during both their health and illnesses. Without nurses, many people would not have the necessary support they need when going through an ailment or disease.

To become a nurse, you will need to obtain any of the following qualifications: a 4 year Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing; a 3-year Diploma, a 1-year higher certificate in auxiliary nursing; or a 1-year postgraduate Advanced Diploma in nursing along with your Degree or Diploma.

Here are a list of bursaries and scholarships that fund Nursing studies:

Black Mountain Study Trust Bursary
Bridgestone 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 Bursar
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)
SASSETA Bursary
SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-cdt) Bursary
Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary

OPTOMETRY BURSARIES FOR 2025

Optometrists were formally known as opticians and they are individuals trained to look at eyes and detect any faults they may have, such as vision problems, injury, abnormalities, ocular disease, and other health problems. Optometrists ensure that health assessments are made as well as offer clinical advice, prescribe contact lenses and spectacles, and aid the patient with any further treatment they may need. Optometrists are vital in today’s society- with the increase of technological devices with bright screens and features, the eye health of many has significantly decreased. Therefore, there has been an increase in the need for optometrists to educate people on the importance of eye care, as well as provide them with the necessary aid to make their lives easier and improve their optometry health.

To study optometry, you will need to have Biology and Physical Science as a subject in Matric and at university, you need to obtain a 3 year Bachelor of Optometry Degree, which consists of both practical and clinical theoretical training. You will then need to register with the Health Professions Council and Interim National Medical and Dental Council of South Africa to qualify to practice legally.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Optometry sector, here are some options for you:

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 2025

Occupational Therapists assess and provide treatment to patients with mental/ physical/ cognitive impairments. OT’s help their patients maintain or improve their everyday working and living skills, as well as to banish barriers which may prevent patients from performing simple daily activities.

Occupational Therapist (OT)’s will start out earning around R240 000 per annum if they have little to no experience, while OT’s with between 1 and 4 years of experience can expect a salary of R250 000 per annum. With 5 to 9 years of experience, an OT will earn in the range of R300 000 per annum and highly skilled OT’s with over 10 years of experience could earn around R336 000 per annum.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Occupational Therapy sector, here are some options for you:

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 2025

Orthotists and Prosthetists (also known as “O&P”) professionals, are healthcare professionals who design medical support devices (such as artificial limbs, braces or other medical devices) and fit them to patients. Certified prosthetists/ orthotists (CPOs) make use of various materials to fit the devices, measuring and aligning them to ensure they are comfortable and functional.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Orthotists and Prosthetists sector, here are some options for you:

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 2025

Pharmacists work in pharmacies, chemists, hospitals and medical clinics to dispense medication directly to patients. These professionals are responsible for reviewing and interpreting physician orders and thereafter preparing medication. They may also prescribe medication to clients based on their own knowledge.
Pharmacists dispense medication by packaging and labeling pharmaceutical products and monitor drug therapies and advising of interventions.

Pharmacists with less than 1 year of experience will earn around R395 000 per annum, while having 1 to 4 years of experience could see a salary of R460 000 per annum. Pharmacists with 5 to 9 years experience could earn around R517 000 per annum, and highly skilled Pharmacists with over 10 years of experience will be earning in the range of approximately R548 000.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Pharmacy sector, here are some options for you:

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
ISFAP Bursary
Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme
Lonmin 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 2025

Physiotherapists help patients ease physical difficulties from disability, injury, illness or aging, to improve their mobility. Physiotherapists create and implement therapies and treatment programmes by way of massage, therapeutic exercise and electrotherapy.

Physiotherapists with little to no experience will earn an average of R240 000 per annum, while those with between 1 and 4 years of experience can expect a salary of R245 000 per annum. Physiotherapist who have between 5 and 9 years experience will earn just over R300 000 per annum, highly skilled Physiotherapists with over 10 years experience will result in an average salary of R313 000 per annum.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Physiotherapy sector, here are some options for you:

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

PSYCHOLOGY BURSARIES FOR 2025

Psychologists are people who study the human mind and their research is used to better understand human memory, behaviour and mental disorders. Psychologists provide counselling and experimentation in order to promote understanding and assist people with mental health conditions.

Psychologist can earn anywhere in the range of R200 000 to R870 000 per annum. Psychologists with very little or no experience will earn around R200 000 per annum, those with 1 to 4 years experience will earn around R205 000 per annum, and Psychologists with 5 to 9 years experience could pick up a salary of around R440 000 per annum. Highly experienced Psychologists with over 20 years experience will earn around R870 000.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Psychology sector, here are some options for you:

Capitec Bank Bursary
Cipla Bursary
CSG Bursary
Department of Correctional Services Bursary
Dept 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
Oasis Bursary
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)
SASSETA Bursary

RADIOGRAPHY BURSARIES FOR 2025

Radiographers works with medical imaging equipment (X-rays) to create images of patients that physicians use to diagnose injuries and diseases. Radiographers are different from radiologists – radiographers create diagnostic images for interpretation by another medical professional, while radiologists are usually involved in both the imaging and interpretation stage.

Radiographers will start out earning around R238 000 per annum if they have little to no experience, while those with between 1 and 4 years of experience can expect a salary of R266 000 per annum. With 5 to 9 years of experience, a Radiographer will earn in the range of R296 000 per annum and highly skilled OT’s with over 10 years of experience generally earn more than R306 000 per annum.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Radiography sector, here are some options for you:

Education Empowerment and Development Fund (EEDF) Bursary
Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
KZN Department of Health Bursary
Mediclinic Bursary
Morton and Partners Bursary
Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary

SPEECH & HEARING THERAPY BURSARIES FOR 2025

Speech therapists work with people from all types of backgrounds, including those with learning disabilities, trauma victims, and others with speech-related issues. Speech Therapists can expect to earn anywhere from R260 000 per annum for 1 to 4 years experience, up to R300 000 for over 10 years experience.

Speech Language Pathologists (SLP) work with people who have troubles with speech or processing language correctly, including stuttering or aphasia (the inability to articulate any speech). SLP’s treat children and adults with motor skill and physical skill problems, and cognitive issues causing language issues. The average salary for SLP’s is around R217 000 per annum.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Speech Therapy and Hearing Therapy sector, here are some options for you:

Exxaro Bursary
Gauteng Department of Health Bursary
ISFAP Bursary
KZN Department of Health Bursary
Mediclinic Bursary
Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
North West Provincial Government Bursaries
SACEE Norah Taylor Bursary
SASLHA Bursary