Faculty of Health Sciences

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has released funding opportunities under the South African National Health Research Enterprise (NHRE) Programme. The programme is supported by the SAMRC, National Treasury through the National Department of Health, the Gates Foundation and Wellcome Trust, and aims to help retain research capacity and infrastructure within South Africa. Applications can be submitted under the following themes:

• Health Systems Research

The call focuses on health systems research with a clear pathway to policy uptake, health system strengthening, equitable access to quality healthcare, scalability and measurable impact within the South African public health system.
o Award details: Supports three-year projects, of up to R2 Million per annum or a maximum of R6 Million over 3 years
Deadline: 16 October 2026- Download the PDF outlining UCT’s deadlines for internal approval

• Research in Women, Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health

The call supports research to address maternal, neonatal and child health challenges in South Africa, including maternal and perinatal mortality, healthcare system weaknesses, and neonatal infections. It also prioritises under-researched gynaecological conditions and seeks innovative approaches to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management, with a focus on equity, local relevance, translation and sustainability.
o Award details: Supports three-year projects, of up to R5M per annum or a maximum of R15M over 3 years.
Deadline: 16 October 2026- Download the PDF outlining UCT’s deadlines for internal approval

• Research in Non-communicable Diseases 

The call focuses on two priority programmes: (1) cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and (2) cancer. Proposals should address people at risk and vulnerable populations, with attention to modifiable, metabolic and environmental risk factors, and should demonstrate potential socioeconomic benefit, ideally through prevention and control strategies that can reduce avoidable mortality and morbidity
o Award details: Supports three-year projects, of up to R5 Million per annum or a maximum of R15 Million over 3 years.
Deadline: 15 October 2026- Download the PDF outlining UCT’s deadlines for internal approval

Please complete the Intention to Submit form if you plan to apply for this funding opportunity, allowing our team to track your progress and offer full support.

Wellcome has introduced significant changes to its Discovery Research funding portfolio to make its funding processes more flexible and better aligned with the evolving research landscape.

From 14 July 2026, its career-based schemes have moved to an always-open, rolling application process:
• Early-Career Awards
This scheme provides funding for early-career researchers (no more than 3years post-PhD) from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. Through innovative projects, they will deliver shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the award, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme.
o Award details 
PI salary for up to five years and up to £400 000 for research purposes.

• Career Development Awards
This scheme provides funding for mid-career researchers (~1-2 periods of
research post-PhD) from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. They will develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing.
o Award details 
Up to eight years and applicants may request a salary. 

• Discovery Awards
This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing.
o Award details 
Up to eight years of project expenses. 

Researchers can now submit applications at any time, with proposals assessed at regular intervals throughout the year. Wellcome has also updated its resubmission policy. These changes are intended to give applicants greater flexibility, reduce the pressure of fixed deadlines, and support researchers in applying when they are ready, while Wellcome continues to review and evolve its broader funding approach.

Please note: The following UCT's internal approval requirements, will continue to apply: