FORTRESS-SSA Fully Funded MSc Epidemiology Scholarship 2027 at Wits University: Study in South Africa
Overview
Public health professionals from English-speaking countries in sub-Saharan Africa can apply for the FORTRESS-SSA Full Scholarship to pursue a Master of Science in Epidemiology at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. The initiative supports three master students for the 2027 academic year to strengthen outbreak preparedness and public health expertise across the region. Participants choose from six fields of study, including epidemiology and biostatistics, field epidemiology, infectious diseases epidemiology, public health informatics, biostatistics, and implementation science. The full-time programme spans 24 months, and recipients are expected to return to public health institutions in their home countries upon graduation to facilitate skills transfer.
Who can apply
Applicants must be citizens and residents of an English-speaking country in sub-Saharan Africa and aged 35 years or younger by 31 December 2026. Candidates need to be employed in a Ministry of Health or a National Public Health Institute and hold a relevant degree from an accredited university at the Upper Second Class Honours level or equivalent, such as an honours degree, MBBCh, or another health-related qualification. Additional prerequisites include being proficient in English, demonstrating strong academic achievement, and showing a commitment to working in a sub-Saharan African National Public Health Institute or Ministry of Health for at least three years after finishing the degree. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.
What you get
The award provides comprehensive financial backing for the duration of the two-year programme. Covered expenses include university tuition fees paid directly to the institution, basic medical and accident insurance, and one direct return economy-class air ticket for the programme duration. Scholars also receive a monthly stipend for living costs and accommodation, along with limited allowances for necessary software, reference textbooks, and a laptop.
Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the admission criteria of the University of the Witwatersrand and secure proof of acceptance or admission to the full-time master programme. Scholarship application materials consist of a comprehensive curriculum vitae with contact information for two referees, a one-page motivation letter, a recent passport-size photograph, and certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates for all degrees and the highest high school qualification. Candidates must also submit a certified copy of their passport or national identity card biodata page, proof of application to the university programme, and documentation proving that their employing ministry or public health institute will retain their employment for at least two years following graduation.
How to apply
Candidates must complete a two-stage application process. First, applicants must apply for admission to the master programme and seek university housing through the institutional accommodation process at the University of the Witwatersrand. Second, candidates must submit their scholarship application electronically to the designated email address at caroline.vika@wits.ac.za.
Key dates
The deadline to submit the scholarship application is 31 October 2026.