Question:
I have just sat for final exams of senior six and am looking for a scholarship for a medical course(e.g. medicine and surgery) at the University level.
Answer:
Congratulations on completing your Senior Six exams! If you’re looking to pursue a medical course such as Medicine and Surgery at the university level and are seeking a scholarship, there are several options in Zambia and beyond that you can explore:
1. The Zambian Government Scholarships
The Zambian government offers scholarships for Zambian students to pursue various programs, including medicine. These scholarships are often provided by the Ministry of Higher Education and may be available for both local and international institutions.
- How to Apply: Watch for announcements on the Ministry of Higher Education website or through local news outlets. The application processes are usually competitive, and you may need to meet certain criteria such as academic performance, financial need, and nationality.
- Website: Ministry of Higher Education
2. The University of Zambia (UNZA) Scholarships
- Location: Lusaka, Zambia
The University of Zambia offers scholarships to students based on academic merit, financial need, and other factors. They may have specific scholarships for medicine or healthcare-related programs. - How to Apply: Check with the University of Zambia's admissions office for more details on available scholarships for medical programs. Some scholarships may be awarded after your admission, so you’ll want to check their website frequently for updates.
- Website: University of Zambia
3. Medical Association of Zambia (MAZ) Scholarships
The Medical Association of Zambia (MAZ) is an organization that may provide scholarships or financial aid to students pursuing medical degrees.
- How to Apply: You may want to contact MAZ directly to inquire about any potential scholarship programs or support they offer to aspiring medical students.
- Website: You can look for them on social media or try reaching them through the Ministry of Health in Zambia.
4. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries (including Zambia) to pursue medical courses at top universities in the UK and other Commonwealth nations.
- How to Apply: You need to check the Commonwealth Scholarships website for specific eligibility criteria and application procedures for medical courses.
- Website: Commonwealth Scholarships
5. The World Health Organization (WHO) Scholarships
The World Health Organization (WHO) offers scholarships and funding for students pursuing medical degrees, especially for those interested in global health. They occasionally offer scholarships in partnership with universities or government bodies.
- How to Apply: Visit the WHO’s website or check for scholarship offerings through global health programs. You may also want to look for partnerships with local Zambian institutions.
- Website: WHO Scholarships
6. Private Institutions and Foundations Offering Scholarships
Several private organizations and international foundations provide scholarships to students pursuing medical studies. Some of them may offer scholarships specific to Zambia or Sub-Saharan Africa. Consider exploring the following:
- MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program: Offers scholarships for students in Africa to study at leading universities globally, including medical programs.
- The Mo Ibrahim Foundation: While primarily focused on leadership and governance, they occasionally offer opportunities for medical studies.
- The Africa Health Research Institute: Some research institutes may offer scholarships for medical students focusing on specific health challenges in Africa.
7. International Scholarships for Medical Students
Many international organizations and universities offer scholarships for medical students. A few examples include:
- The Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Offers full scholarships for postgraduate medical courses at the University of Cambridge, UK.
- The Rhodes Scholarship: Although very competitive, Rhodes offers scholarships for medical students to study at the University of Oxford.
8. University-Specific Scholarships in Other Countries
Some universities outside Zambia offer scholarships specifically for international students, including those from Zambia. For example:
- Harvard University (USA)
- University of Toronto (Canada)
-
University of Sydney (Australia)
These universities often offer generous financial aid packages that cover tuition and living expenses, especially for students from low-income backgrounds.
How to Apply: Research individual universities’ financial aid pages and contact their admissions offices for specific scholarships available for medical courses.
Tips for Finding Scholarships:
- Start Early: Many scholarship applications require significant time and effort, including essays, recommendation letters, and documentation.
- Check Deadlines: Be aware of scholarship deadlines, which can be months in advance of university application deadlines.
- Use Scholarship Search Engines: Websites like Scholarships.com, Fastweb, and Chegg allow you to search for medical scholarships and other funding opportunities.
- Consult with Your School: Your current school or teachers may have information about local scholarships for Zambian students.
Good luck with your applications, and I hope you secure the scholarship that helps you pursue your medical career!