The HPI Digital Health Fellowships at the University of Cape Town are now open for the 2026 intake. Run through the HPI–UCT Digital Health Partnership, the programme backs PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers from the African continent who want to build careers in digital health.
Hosting is shared between UCT’s School of Information Technology (SIT) and the School of Public Health (SPH), which means the work sits at the meeting point of computing and public health — electronic medical records, AI in health, data governance, climate and health, and more. For an African researcher, this is a chance to do funded, advanced research at one of the continent’s leading universities without carrying the cost yourself.
The funding is generous and practical: it covers fees and a living bursary or stipend, plus money for equipment and conference travel. Awards run for up to three years, subject to progress.
Digital health is what will take Africa to the next level.
Scholarship benefits
- For PhD students: tuition and registration fees plus a bursary of ZAR 262,200 per year (about ZAR 21,850 per month).
- For postdoctoral fellows: a stipend of ZAR 300,000–380,000 per year, set according to experience.
- A once-off equipment allowance of up to ZAR 28,500.
- Conference travel support of up to ZAR 38,000 per year.
- Funding for up to three years, depending on degree requirements and satisfactory progress.
Eligibility checklist
✔ Be a citizen of an African country (all African countries are eligible).
✔ For PhD applicants: hold a Master’s degree with a strong dissertation.
✔ For postdoctoral applicants: hold a doctoral degree.
✔ For SIT registration: a degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or a related field.
✔ For SPH registration: a degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Health Systems, Health Economics or a related field, or a clinical discipline with research expertise.
✔ Be proficient in English — TOEFL of at least 570 (paper-based) or IELTS of at least 7.0 overall (exempt if your medium of instruction was English).
✔ Be ready to study full-time in Cape Town, South Africa, and to secure a study visa.
Application tips for African students
- Start by identifying potential UCT supervisors in Computer Science, Information Systems or Public Health, and shape your 2–3 page research proposal around their work — alignment with supervisors is part of how candidates are judged.
- If you need TOEFL or IELTS, book the test early; spots fill up and scores take time to arrive, so don’t leave it until the deadline approaches.
- Get your academic transcripts ready in advance, and if they are not in English, arrange certified translations early.
- Keep your CV tight at 2–3 pages and lead with your research output — prior publications strengthen your application.
- Combine everything into a single PDF as required, and double-check the file opens cleanly before you submit.
- Begin gathering documents and reaching out to supervisors well before 15 August so you are not rushing the proposal.
- Start planning your study-visa paperwork early, since you must be prepared to study full-time in Cape Town.
How to apply
Identify suitable supervisors at UCT, prepare your required documents — CV, academic transcripts, TOEFL/IELTS results where applicable, and a 2–3 page research proposal naming your UCT supervisors — and submit them as a single PDF through the UCT application portal. The deadline for the 2026 intake is 15 August 2026. For full details, visit the official page: https://sit.uct.ac.za/hpi-fellowships
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the HPI Fellowships?
Citizens of any African country who are pursuing a PhD or postdoctoral research in digital health. PhD applicants need a Master’s degree with a strong dissertation, while postdoctoral applicants need a doctoral degree.
What does the fellowship cover?
It is fully funded. PhD students receive tuition and registration fees plus a bursary of ZAR 262,200 per year, and postdoctoral fellows receive a stipend of ZAR 300,000–380,000 per year. Both also have access to an equipment allowance of up to ZAR 28,500 and conference travel funding of up to ZAR 38,000 per year.
Is an English test required?
Yes, unless your medium of instruction was English. Applicants must show a TOEFL score of at least 570 (paper-based) or an IELTS of at least 7.0 overall.
Where will I study?
At the University of Cape Town in South Africa, hosted by the School of Information Technology and the School of Public Health. You must be prepared to study full-time in Cape Town and secure a study visa.
What is the deadline?
Applications for the 2026 intake close on 15 August 2026. The programme runs annually, with 15 August also given as the deadline for the 2027 intake starting in February 2027.
How long does the funding last?
Up to three years, depending on your degree requirements and continued satisfactory progress.
HPI Digital Health Fellowships is a great opportunity for researchers; please take advantage.