Research development
| Opportunities for Research Training |
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Overseas Doctoral Scholarships (Sandwich Programme)
The MRC made a decision a couple of years ago, to abolish doctoral scholarships for full-time study outside South Africa, which used to be offered for a maximum of 3 years. The reason was that the return rate of those receiving this funding has been poor and have made changes to this funding category. By offering funding for “sandwich” programmes the organization has introduced more flexibility, which should increase the chances of those trained to remain in South Africa upon completion of their training. This category is divided into 3 sub-categories to make it possible for a researcher who needs to spend time with a supervisor outside South Africa as part of a doctoral training programme. The applicants are encouraged to register at a university in South Africa if they are unable to obtain a fee-redemption from the university outside South Africa, a category catered for under unit RCD grants. The funding needs to be flexible to accommodate the individual's needs and doctoral programme, as long as the total is not exceeded in any 3-year span.
Who Qualifies for funding
- South African citizens or permanent residents
- Applicants that are in possession of a masters degree in any discipline of the health sciences and studying towards a PhD
- Full-or part-time employed within or outside MRC.
- If from outside the MRC, applicants must be on permanent/full-time employment or long-term contracts (min 5 years) in an academic institution.
Period of Funding
Maximum of 12 months in a 3 year training programme. A third of the maximum scholarship will be considered based on motivation if the degree is not completed after the 3 year cycle.
Value of the Award
- Full-time employed unit researchers studying part-time: R 60 000 within unit application per year
- Full-time study External researchers: max R120 000/12 mths
- Part-time study External researchers: max R60 000/12 mths
Conditions
- Full-time applicants must spend two thirds (12/36 months) of the training period in South Africa
- Part-time applicants will depend on structure of PhD programme
Application Process
- A request for applications is sent to the post-graduate scholarships office or research support services at all tertiary institutions
- Completed application forms are submitted to the MRC through the institutions administrative office
- An applicant must consult beforehand with the research supervisor(s) under whose supervision the research will be carried out, as well as the supervisor at the university where s(he) will register
- Applicants must submit a work plan with time frames for the full duration of the PhD programme
Selection Criteria
- Population Group
- Gender
- Academic record/potential of the applicant
- Research area
- Applicants discipline
- Supervisors credentials and experience
- Peer-review and ethical approval if applicable
- Availability of running expenses for the project
- Other sources of funding
- Availability of equivalent training in South Africa
Successful applicants are required to:
- sign an agreement with the MRC
- Successful applicants receiving the grant for training outside South Africa for a continuous 3 month period must provide surety to the MRC that they will return. In addition, applicants must submit proof from employer that their employment will be guaranteed at the end
Contact persons
Dr Thabi Maitin, thabi.maitin@mrc.ac.za |
