University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) HEARD PhD Scholarships 2027: Fully Funded Research Opportunities in Health Systems, HIV and Cardiovascular Disease ·Natal (UKZN) HEARD PhD Scholarships 2027: Fully Funded Research Opportunities in Health Systems, HIV and Cardiovascular Disease

The Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division (HEARD) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has announced fully funded PhD scholarship opportunities for 2027, providing researchers with the chance to contribute to transformative health systems research across Africa.

The scholarships are linked to the Horizon Europe-funded Community-Based Scaling of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Management (ComBaScale) research project, which focuses on strengthening community-based prevention, early detection, and management of cardiovascular disease among people living with cardiovascular disease, HIV, and tuberculosis in Lesotho.

HEARD is inviting applications from qualified candidates interested in pursuing doctoral research that supports evidence-based health policies, implementation science, and sustainable healthcare solutions across the African continent.

About HEARD and the PhD Scholarship Opportunities

The Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division (HEARD), based at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, is recognised as a leading African research institution working on health and development challenges.

Through applied research, policy engagement, and partnerships with international organisations, HEARD aims to generate evidence that improves health outcomes and strengthens development systems across Africa.

The 2027 PhD scholarship opportunities are designed for researchers who want to work within an international multidisciplinary consortium while contributing to practical solutions for health equity and healthcare delivery.

Proposed PhD Research Topic: Implementation Science and Health System Strengthening

The available WP1 PhD scholarship focuses on:

“Designing and validating context-adaptive implementation and scale-up strategies for the ComBaScale model using implementation science theories, models and frameworks.”

The successful PhD candidate will conduct doctoral research examining how context-specific approaches can support the successful implementation and expansion of the ComBaScale healthcare model in Lesotho.

The research will generate evidence to strengthen community health worker-led interventions and support sustainable healthcare implementation strategies.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are encouraged from qualified candidates from:

• Lesotho (preferred applicants)
• Southern African countries (secondary consideration)

Applicants should have a strong interest in:

• Health equity and social justice
• Implementation science
• Mixed-methods research
• Community health systems
• Public health innovation

The successful candidate must be willing to undertake periodic field visits to Lesotho during important project stages, including baseline assessments, endline evaluations, and implementation activities.

Scholarship Benefits and Funding Support

The successful PhD candidate will receive a fully funded research opportunity offering:

• A scholarship valued at R214,000 per year
• Funding renewable for up to four years, subject to satisfactory academic progress and project funding availability
• Opportunity to join a Horizon Europe-funded international research consortium
• Joint supervision from leading African and European researchers
• International research collaboration opportunities
• Conference participation opportunities
• Support for academic publications
• Contribution to strengthening equitable health systems in Lesotho

Project-related fieldwork expenses, including approved travel, accommodation, and research costs, will be covered separately by the ComBaScale project according to university policies.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A Master’s degree with a first or upper second-class pass in:
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Global Health
  • Health Services Research
  • Implementation Science
  • Related disciplines

Candidates should demonstrate experience or interest in at least one of the following areas:

• Literature reviews and evidence synthesis
• Qualitative or quantitative research
• Stakeholder engagement
• Applied public health research

Additional requirements include:

• Ability to work within an international and interdisciplinary research team
• Strong English communication skills
• Knowledge of Sesotho will be an advantage
• A valid driver’s licence
• Previous research publications will strengthen applications

Available Scholarship Opportunities

HEARD has announced three scholarship opportunities under the ComBaScale research initiative:

WP1 Scholarship

Deadline: 19 September 2026

Research focus:
Implementation science strategies for scaling community-based cardiovascular disease prevention and management interventions in Lesotho.

WP5 Scholarship

Deadline: 31 October 2026

Research focus:
Applicants should consult the official advert for detailed information regarding the research theme, eligibility criteria, and application requirements.

WP6 Scholarship

Deadline: 19 September 2026

Research focus:
Applicants should review the official scholarship advert for detailed research objectives and requirements.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Motivation letter including the advert reference number
• Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
• Certified copies of academic qualifications
• Full academic transcripts
• English translations of qualifications where applicable
• SAQA evaluation for qualifications obtained outside South Africa
• Certified copy of passport or national identity document
• Two reference letters, including at least one academic reference

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit applications by email to:

HEARDHR@ukzn.ac.za

Applicants must ensure that all required documents are included before submission.

The closing dates are:

• WP1 Scholarship: 19 September 2026
• WP6 Scholarship: 19 September 2026
• WP5 Scholarship: 31 October 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Why Apply for the UKZN HEARD PhD Scholarships?

This opportunity provides emerging researchers with a platform to contribute to one of Africa’s most pressing public health priorities: building stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable healthcare systems.

Through collaboration with African and European research institutions, successful candidates will gain valuable experience in implementation research while contributing to evidence that can influence health policy and improve community healthcare delivery.

The UKZN HEARD PhD Scholarships 2027 are ideal for researchers passionate about public health, health systems strengthening, HIV, cardiovascular disease prevention, and community-based healthcare solutions.

Eligible candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications early and share this opportunity with qualified researchers across Africa and beyond.

SEE FULL TEXT & APPLY HERE

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.

JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW