Key Takeaways
- The 2026 HPI-UCT Digital Health Partnership Fellowships offer fully funded PhD and Postdoctoral positions for African scholars in digital health research.
- Applications are welcomed in various focus areas, including AI, health systems, and digital transformation.
- Funding varies, with PhD fellows receiving up to ZAR 262,200 annually and Postdoctoral fellows between ZAR 300,000 and ZAR 380,000, plus additional support for research activities.
Fellowship Overview
The University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Hasso-Plattner Institute have opened applications for the 2026 HPI-UCT Digital Health Partnership Fellowships, aimed at African scholars in digital health. These fellowships provide fully funded opportunities for PhD and Postdoctoral candidates engaged in innovative health research.
Successful fellows will become part of a vibrant research community within UCT’s School of Information Technology (SIT) and School of Public Health (SPH). The program prioritizes interdisciplinary research that pushes the boundaries of health technology, artificial intelligence, and public health to address pressing healthcare issues within Africa.
Focus Areas
Applications are invited in several key focus areas, including but not limited to:
– Health information exchanges and interoperability
– Electronic medical records
– AI and its ethical implications in health
– Community-driven health interventions
– Computational science and data governance
– Climate change impacts on health
The initiative is dedicated to improving healthcare delivery and enabling advancements in public health through emerging technologies.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to candidates from across Africa. PhD applicants must hold a master’s degree with a strong dissertation, while Postdoctoral candidates need a relevant doctoral degree. Specific qualifications in areas like computer science, epidemiology, or biostatistics are required depending on the chosen school at UCT.
English proficiency is mandatory, validated through tests like TOEFL or IELTS, although exceptions apply for candidates with degrees in English.
Funding Details
Fellows will receive substantial financial support, allowing them to study full-time in Cape Town. PhD candidates will benefit from full tuition coverage, a generous annual bursary, a monthly stipend, and travel funding for conferences. Postdoctoral fellows can expect funding between ZAR 300,000 and ZAR 380,000 annually, along with equipment and travel support.
Application Process
To apply, candidates must submit a comprehensive PDF that includes their CV, academic transcripts, English test scores, and a research proposal detailing their project and methodology. A discussion with potential supervisors at UCT before applying is strongly encouraged.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the official deadline of August 15, 2026. Interested applicants should use the official application portal for submissions. For further inquiries, the program team can be contacted via email.
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