AHRI/UCL Fully Funded PhD Studentships 2025-2026

If you're a South African researcher with a passion for global health, the 2025–2026 AHRI/UCL PhD Studentship offers a fully funded opportunity to pursue a PhD at University College London (UCL) while conducting impactful research at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This prestigious program supports innovative research in medical sciences and population health, aiming to improve health outcomes in under-resourced populations.

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🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: London, UK & KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

• Organized By: University College London (UCL) & Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI)

• Study Level: PhD

• Target Group: South African nationals

• Fields of Study: Medical Sciences, Population Health, Implementation Science, Mental Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health

• Value & Coverage:

  • Full UCL tuition fees for 3 years

  • Living costs in London (up to 1 year)

  • Two round-trip economy airfares between South Africa and the UK

  • UCL bench fees

  • Living costs in Durban for 2 years

• Award Duration: 3 years

• Application Deadline: 10 June 2025

• Start Date: Immediate upon award

• Eligibility: South African nationals permanently residing in South Africa

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🔬 Scholarship Overview

The AHRI/UCL PhD Studentship is a collaborative initiative between AHRI and UCL's Division of Infection and Immunity. The program offers up to two fully funded studentships for the 2025–2026 academic year. Successful candidates will register for a PhD at UCL while conducting their research primarily at AHRI in South Africa. The research must align with fields such as medical sciences and population health, encompassing work from molecular studies to human populations to enhance global health and wellbeing.

📚 Available Research Projects:

1. Multimorbidity Trajectories and Prediction of Health Outcomes in Rural South Africa

   • Supervisor: Prof. Collins Iwuji

   • Research Area: Population Science

2. Defining Mechanisms Underlying Increased Colorectal Cancers in People with HIV

   • Supervisor: Prof. Henrik Kloverpris

   • Research Area: Basic and Translational Science

3. Identifying New Directions for Partner Notification to Reduce Curable STIs Among Youth in Rural KwaZulu-Natal

   • Supervisor: Prof. Maryam Shahmanesh

   • Research Area: Implementation Science

4. Researching the Linkages Between Mental Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health to Develop an Intervention for School Learners

   • Supervisor: Dr. Natsayi Chimbindi

   • Research Area: Implementation Science

5. CO-LUMINATE: Co-creating Knowledge on the Longitudinal Relationships Between Youth Mental Health and Social Stress Exposures

   • Supervisor: Prof. Xanthe Hunt

   • Research Area: Implementation Science

Note: Although five projects are available, only two studentships will be awarded.

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🎁 Scholarship Benefits

• Comprehensive funding covering tuition, travel, and living expenses

• Opportunity to conduct research at a leading health institute in South Africa

• Access to UCL's academic resources and seminars

• Collaboration with experienced supervisors from both AHRI and UCL

• Engagement in interdisciplinary research projects with real-world impact

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✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be permanently domiciled in South Africa at the time of application

• Have completed or be about to complete a master's degree (or equivalent)

• Be willing to spend up to one year in London (can be split into two six-month periods)

• Hold a valid passport at the time of application

• Provide letters of support from proposed UCL and AHRI supervisors prior to the second interview

• Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

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📝 Application Procedure

1. Review Available Projects: Carefully examine the five research projects and select the one that aligns best with your interests and expertise.

2. Complete AHRI Application:

   • Fill out the AHRI/UCL PhD Studentship Application Form.

   • Upload the following documents:

     • Academic CV

     • Passport/ID document

     • Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates

3. Complete UCL Application:

   • Fill out the UCL PhD Application Form.

   • Upload all relevant documents, including letters of support from proposed supervisors.

4. Submit Applications: Ensure both applications are submitted before the deadline.

🗓️ Application Deadline: 10 June 2025

ℹ️ For further information or assistance, please contact Dr. Kamini Gounder via kamini.gounder@ahri.org with ‘AHRI/UCL PhD Studentship 2025’ in the subject header.

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🔗 OFFICIAL LINK

2025–2026 AHRI/UCL PhD Studentship

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