Scholarship Overview
The FORTRESS-SSA Full Scholarship offers funding for three public health professionals to undertake a full-time Master of Science in Epidemiology at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Intended for the 2027 academic year, this 24-month degree focuses on advancing skills in biostatistics, infectious diseases, implementation science, and outbreak preparedness across sub-Saharan Africa.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must fulfill these requirements:
- Hold citizenship and residency in an English-speaking sub-Saharan African nation.
- Currently work within a National Public Health Institute or a Ministry of Health.
- Be 35 years old or younger as of 31 December 2026.
- Possess an Upper Second Class Honours degree, MBBCh, or equivalent qualification in a health, quantitative, demography, or social science field from an accredited university.
- Provide proof of application or acceptance to the full-time MSc Epidemiology degree at Wits University.
- Pledge to return to work for a Ministry of Health or National Public Health Institute in sub-Saharan Africa for a minimum of three years after graduation.
- Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
Benefits
The award covers comprehensive funding for the full two-year Master's duration, including:
- Direct payment of full university tuition fees.
- A monthly living stipend to assist with accommodation and everyday expenses.
- One economy-class round-trip air travel ticket.
- A limited allowance designated for required textbooks, learning materials, and software.
- Partial financial aid toward acquiring a laptop.
How to Apply
Applying involves two distinct steps. Applicants must first register an admission application for the 2027 MSc Epidemiology program at Wits University, as well as a separate application for university housing. Next, candidates must submit their scholarship application by sending an email to caroline.vika@wits.ac.za.
Required documentation includes a comprehensive CV with details of two referees, a single-page motivation letter, certified high school and university transcripts and certificates, a certified copy of an ID or passport biodata page, proof of application to Wits University, and confirmation that the employer will retain the applicant for two years following completion of the degree.
The deadline to complete the scholarship submission is 31 October 2026. Accommodation deadline details conflict in official records; please check the official notice for clarification.
Source: fully funded scholarships 2026 - BingNews · Published October 28, 2026 · Photo by Ludo Poiré on Unsplash
Always confirm deadlines and eligibility on the official scholarship website.
