The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre and Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Cape Town (UCT), have announced a call for applications for two funded PhD scholarships for candidates seeking to undertake doctoral research within established global health research programmes in South Africa. The opportunity is aimed at research-ready candidates who have completed a relevant Master’s degree and are interested in pursuing a rigorous, publication-oriented PhD with strong academic mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration and opportunities to develop advanced research and analytical skills. Each scholarship provides R315,000 per year for up to four years, subject to the applicable conditions and satisfactory academic progress. The scholarship is intended to contribute towards tuition and living costs while the successful candidates undertake formal PhD registration at UCT. The application deadline is 14 September 2026. University of Cape Town PhD Scholarships 2026: Key Details Scholarship: PhD Scholarship Call Number of awards: 2 Host institution: University of Cape Town Department: Department of Medicine Research environment: Desmond Tutu HIV Centre and Desmond Tutu Health Foundation Location: Cape Town, South Africa Value: R315,000 per year Duration: Up to 4 years Core funding: Years 1–3 Year 4: Optional and dependent on satisfactory progress Eligible applicants: South African citizens or permanent residents Minimum qualification: Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline Application deadline: 14 September 2026 About the PhD Scholarship Opportunity The scholarship has been developed to support doctoral candidates whose research can be embedded within active, funded global health research programmes. Successful candidates will join established multidisciplinary research programmes with active data collection and publication pipelines. This provides an opportunity to undertake doctoral research within a structured environment rather than working in isolation. The programme places particular emphasis on research independence, analytical capacity, academic writing and publication development. Candidates will receive academic oversight aligned with UCT’s doctoral requirements and will participate in research teams, academic seminars and research meetings. The structure is designed to help scholars develop the skills required for future careers in academia, postdoctoral research and other research-intensive environments. Scholarship Value and Duration Each successful PhD scholar will receive R315,000 annually, with funding available for up to four years. Years one to three constitute the core PhD funding period. A fourth year may be available where the candidate demonstrates satisfactory progress, including evidence of manuscript development and thesis writing. The funding contributes towards tuition and living costs and must be held alongside formal PhD registration at the University of Cape Town. Applicants should note that the scholarship is intended to support doctoral research and comes with academic and research expectations. Continued funding is therefore connected to satisfactory progress through the PhD programme. Eligible Fields of Study The scholarship is open to candidates from relevant disciplines connected to health and global health research. Examples of suitable backgrounds include: MBChB Public Health Psychology Sociology Epidemiology Biostatistics Behavioural Science Other related disciplines Applicants should demonstrate how their academic and research background aligns with doctoral-level research in the UCT Department of Medicine and the broader research environment. Experience in areas such as HIV, PrEP, mental health, men’s health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases or related areas of applied health research may be advantageous. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet the University of Cape Town’s requirements for PhD registration in the Department of Medicine and demonstrate strong potential for doctoral-level research. To be considered, candidates must have: A completed Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. South African citizenship or permanent residency. Experience with qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods data analysis. A clear motivation to pursue an academic or research-focused career. Previous peer-reviewed publications or manuscripts in preparation are considered advantageous. Applicants with experience in applied health research may also have an advantage. Strong academic writing and conceptual thinking are particularly important because candidates must provide a writing sample as part of the application. What Will Successful Candidates Do? Successful candidates will be expected to make consistent progress towards their PhD milestones while actively participating in the research environment. Their responsibilities and expectations include maintaining progress towards doctoral milestones, contributing to a publication trajectory, participating in academic seminars and research meetings, and engaging actively with supervisors and mentors. The programme is particularly suited to candidates who want to develop an academic profile and produce research that can contribute to scholarly literature and evidence-based health interventions. The publication-focused structure means candidates should be prepared to develop manuscripts and demonstrate increasing independence in research design, analysis, interpretation and academic writing. Application Requirements Applicants are required to prepare several documents demonstrating their academic background, research experience and readiness for doctoral study. The application package should include: 1. One-page CV The CV should highlight qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods research experience. 2. One-page research concept The research concept should cover the background, problem statement, research aims and significance. Applicants should demonstrate how the proposed research can align with a publication-focused PhD. 3. One-page proposed PhD plan Applicants should provide a structured three-year plan outlining anticipated milestones, outputs such as manuscripts, coursework or training, and mentorship or supervisory support. 4. Writing sample Candidates should provide an example of academic or technical writing. This could include a published paper, thesis or manuscript draft. 5. Copy of South African ID Proof of South African citizenship is required. 6. Certified Master’s certificate Applicants must submit a certified copy of their Master’s certificate. Candidates should ensure that all documents are complete and follow the required format before submission. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit their applications using the application link provided by the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation and carefully follow the stated instructions. The official website is: Desmond Tutu Health Foundation The closing date is 14 September 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an interview. Why Applicants Should Consider This Opportunity This PhD scholarship provides more than financial support. It offers successful candidates an opportunity to work within an established global health research environment while receiving structured academic supervision and mentorship. The emphasis on publication, interdisciplinary collaboration, research independence and analytical skills can help scholars develop a strong foundation for future research careers. For candidates interested in global health, public health, behavioural science, epidemiology, HIV research or related fields, the opportunity provides a pathway to undertake doctoral research while contributing to active research programmes. Final Thoughts The University of Cape Town and Desmond Tutu Health Foundation PhD Scholarships 2026 offer two funded doctoral opportunities for South African citizens and permanent residents with relevant Master’s qualifications and demonstrated research potential. With funding of R315,000 per year for up to four years, structured academic support and integration into multidisciplinary global health research programmes, the scholarships could be particularly valuable for candidates seeking research-intensive careers. Applicants should begin preparing their research concept, proposed PhD plan, writing sample and supporting documents well before the deadline. Application deadline: 14 September 2026. SEE FULL TEXT HERE & APPLY Applicants are encouraged to verify the latest eligibility requirements, terms and application instructions directly with the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation and the University of Cape Town before submitting an application. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations. 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