KEMRI-Wellcome Trust PhD Studentships 2025 for African Health Researchers
- Omran Aburayya
- May 16
- 3 min read
If you're an ambitious Master's graduate passionate about health research in Africa, the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust PhD Studentships 2025 are now open for applications. This opportunity offers aspiring scholars a chance to pursue their doctoral studies within one of Africa’s most renowned health research institutions, with full or partial funding and access to top-tier mentorship through an internationally recognized training environment.
🗒️ Scholarship Summary
Location: Kilifi or Nairobi, Kenya
Host Institution: KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme
Study Level: PhD
Target Group: Master’s graduates from Kenya, East Africa, and across Africa
Fields of Study: Health research, policy, health systems, and related fields
Coverage: Full/partial tuition, research support, mentorship, and stipend (duration-dependent)
Duration: 3–4 years (including 3-month pre-registration phase)
Application Deadline: May 27, 2025
Start Date: July 2025
Eligible to Apply: Master’s graduates not registered for a PhD elsewhere
💡 Scholarship Overview
The KEMRI-Wellcome PhD Studentships aim to strengthen health research capacity in Africa by providing PhD candidates with rigorous training within a world-class research setting. As an Affiliated Research Centre (ARC) of the Open University (UK), KEMRI-Wellcome Trust is authorized to fully supervise and appraise PhD students enrolled with the university.
PhD candidates undergo a 3-month pre-registration period, during which they are assessed for academic and research readiness. Successful completion allows students to formally register for the PhD program. Studentships are categorized as:
Full Studentships: Include complete support (stipend, supervision, research facilities)
Partial Studentships: Target students already enrolled in a local university PhD program, allowing them to conduct research at KEMRI-Wellcome
Supervision is provided by expert teams with international acclaim, and students receive academic, career, and personal development support through advisory committees.
🎁 Benefits of the Studentship
World-Class Training: Conduct research within a leading African research institute.
Academic Support: Robust supervisory framework and career mentoring.
Financial Support: Full or partial funding (including research support and monthly stipend).
Global Recognition: Opportunity to be supervised under Open University (UK) affiliation.
Inclusive Opportunity: Strong encouragement for women and persons with disabilities to apply.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Have completed a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Not be currently registered for any PhD program.
Have scored B+ or above in KCSE or equivalent high school certificate.
Hold an Upper Second Class Honors or equivalent undergraduate degree.
For unclassified degrees, have an average score above 60% or GPA above 3.3, with certified proof.
📝 Application Procedure
Visit the KEMRI-Wellcome application portal.
Browse available projects (e.g., Enhancing Evidence-Informed Benefit Package Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries).
Click “Submit Application” at the bottom of the desired project page.
Create an account, update your profile, and complete the online application form.
Submit supporting documents (degree transcripts, CV, certificates, etc.).
ℹ️ Note: Only online applications will be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
🕵🏻 Selection Criteria
Strong academic record
Clear research potential
Relevance of previous academic background
Interview performance
ℹ️ Extra Information
Open to applicants across Africa
Applicants must be able to commit full-time to the program
Preference for innovative, policy-relevant, or health system-strengthening research topics
🎓 Ready to Apply?
Visit the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust website and select your preferred project before the deadline: May 27, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a world-class research community and advance your career in health research.
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