WONCA Europe Scholarship 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
If you’re deeply committed to family medicine and aspire to grow as a future leader in primary care, the WONCA Europe Scholarship 2026 is a unique opportunity. This article will guide you through all the key details, eligibility, benefits, and application process.
🎓 WONCA Europe Scholarship 2026 — Overview
Host / Organiser: WONCA Europe (World Organization of Family Doctors – European Region)
Study / Career Focus: Family medicine / General Practice
Type of Award: Scholarship for professional development and leadership (not a full academic degree)
Duration: Up to 4 years
Annual Grant: € 2,000 per year (total up to € 8,000)
Start Date: March 1, 2026
Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
Notification of Selection: By February 28, 2026
📚 Scholarship Structure
The WONCA Europe Scholarship is designed not just to give financial support but to build international leadership in family medicine. Here’s how the program is structured:
Scholars propose a personalized programme of professional activities, tailored to their goals.
Possible activities include:
Attending WONCA network meetings
Participating in a “FM360” exchange (i.e., family medicine department visits)
Visiting international organizations (e.g., WHO) or departments of family medicine
Conducting a policy‑review or analysis of health policy documents
Each year, scholars submit their planned activities and, after evaluation, receive the funding (they don’t have to pre-finance and then claim)
Mentorship: Each scholar must propose a mentor who meets certain criteria (see below).
🎁 Benefits
Financial Support: € 2,000/year to help with costs related to travel, training, conferences, networking, and other professional development aligned with the leadership plan.
Professional Growth: Through structured activities, scholars gain international exposure and leadership experience.
Mentorship: A designated mentor guides the scholar — reviewing their work, giving feedback, and supporting their development.
Networking: Access to WONCA Europe networks, conferences, and other leaders in family medicine.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet several criteria:
Language:
English proficiency at CEFR C1 level (reading, writing, speaking).
No formal certificate is required.
Professional / Training Experience: At least one of the following:
In the last year of specialty (family medicine) training.
Completed specialty training, but no more than 10 years ago.
For countries without formal specialty training: 3 to 10 years of work in general practice / family medicine.
Membership Requirement: Must be a member of a full National Member Organisation of WONCA Europe.
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✅ Mentor Criteria
When proposing a mentor, the following apply:
At least 10 years of experience as a specialist in family medicine / general practice.
At least 10 years of international experience in areas such as family medicine organisation, policy, leadership, or networking.
Willingness to actively mentor: review the scholar’s work, provide feedback, advice, support.
Cannot be a member of the Scholarship Committee.
Able to join online meetings with the Scholarship Committee if needed.
Mentor must provide a letter of acceptance + their CV.
You can ask WONCA Europe Secretariat for suggestions of suitable mentors.
✅ Eligibility Summary (Target Group)
Family medicine / general practitioners in training or early-to-mid career (depending on your country’s system).
Physicians who are connected to WONCA Europe via their national organisation.
Professionals who are motivated to develop leadership skills, international networks, and impact in primary care.
📝 Application Procedure
To apply, you need to prepare and send the following to SecretariatEurope@Wonca.net by 31 January 2026.
Recommendation Letter: From your country’s WONCA Europe full National Member Organisation.
CV: Your up-to-date academic and professional CV.
Motivational / Experience Letter: A letter describing:
Your past experiences in family medicine (nationally and internationally)
What you expect to achieve during the scholarship in areas such as leadership, communication, organization, dissemination.
Plan for Scholarship Period: A concrete, well-thought-out plan of the activities you intend to do during the scholarship, with a focus on developing international leadership competencies.
Mentor Package:
A letter from your proposed mentor accepting the role.
Mentor’s CV, showing they meet the criteria (10+ years of clinical and international experience).
After submission, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.
✨ Selection Criteria & Process
The Scholarship Committee of WONCA Europe reviews applications.
They assess candidates based on academic excellence, alignment with WONCA Europe’s mission, leadership potential, and the feasibility and quality of the proposed activity plan.
Decision notifications will be sent by 28 February 2026.
🤔 Why This Scholarship Matters
Leadership Development: WONCA Europe is explicitly using this scholarship to build the next generation of international leaders in family medicine.
Unique Exposure: Scholars are not limited to attending conferences — they can design a tailored program involving exchanges, visits, and policy engagements.
Sustainable Support: Over potentially four years, the scholar is supported to implement meaningful activities, not just a one-time award.
Strong Mentorship: The required mentor ensures long-term guidance and professional feedback, which is rare in many scholarship programs.
Network Building: By participating in WONCA meetings, network events, and exchanges, the selected scholar becomes part of a vibrant European and global primary care community.
👌🏻 Tips for Applicants
Start Early: Because you need a recommendation from your national WONCA organisation and a mentor who meets strict criteria, begin reaching out well before the deadline.
Be Strategic in Your Plan: Design a realistic, impactful plan for what you will do during the scholarship — think of conferences, exchanges, policy work, and how each activity builds your leadership.
Choose a Mentor Carefully: Look for someone with international experience in family medicine, who believes in your vision, and who has the time and commitment to mentor you.
Demonstrate Impact: In your motivation letter, clearly articulate how the scholarship will help you make a difference — both for your own development and for the broader community.
Prepare for the Interview: If shortlisted, you’ll need to explain your goals, plans, and how you will use the funding. Practice describing your leadership vision clearly.
🚀 Conclusion
The WONCA Europe Scholarship 2026 is not just a grant — it's a long-term investment in building future leaders in family medicine. For doctors who are passionate about primary care, want to contribute globally, and are ready to take on leadership roles, this is a golden opportunity.
If you or someone in your network is eligible, don't miss the January 31, 2026 application deadline. Reach out to your WONCA national organisation, draft a compelling proposal, and set your path to becoming a leader in family medicine.