Gauteng Department of Health Bursary To Study Medicine in Cuba

Key Facts

Status: Applications Closed
Provider: Gauteng Department of Health
Field of Study: Government
Study Level: Undergraduate
Academic Year: 2025
Application Closes: Sat, 31 May 2025 - 12:00

Reviewed & Verified by Makona Mandla Lead Editor, Bursary Verification

Closed Closed

Sat, 31 May 2025 - 12:00

Eligibility Requirements

South African citizen who lives permanently in Gauteng
Matriculated in Gauteng with a university-entrance pass
At least level 4 (50%) in Physical Science, Life Sciences, Mathematics and English
Aged 18 to 30 on the closing date
Not registered at any public or private higher education institution
Not receiving any other bursary funding

Documents Needed

Completed application form
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Certified copy of your birth certificate
Certified copies of your ID and your parents' or guardians' IDs
Certified copy of your National Senior Certificate and transcript
Proof of income for both parents or guardians, or sworn affidavits if they have none
Proof of residence, validated by the ward councillor or supported by a municipal bill

About Gauteng Department of Health Bursary To Study Medicine in Cuba

The Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Programme is run by the Gauteng Department of Health. It sends a limited number of Gauteng matriculants to Cuba to train as doctors, and it targets students from disadvantaged communities. The department's most recent call that we could verify was for the 2025 intake, and it closed on 31 May 2025.

Earlier official notices describe a long road to qualifying. Students spend a year on Spanish and foundation courses, then five years on medical studies in Cuba. Afterwards they complete about two more years of study at a South African university. Therefore, this is a commitment of roughly eight years, and you should be sure before you apply.

Funding Details

The department funds a limited number of successful applicants in full. The published notices we reviewed do not list every cost item, such as flights, living allowances or books. Ask the department to confirm exactly what is covered before you sign anything.

In return, successful applicants sign a bursary contract before they leave for Cuba. Earlier notices state that recipients must then work for the department for as many years as they studied. Read the contract carefully, because the service period is long.

Places are limited, so competition is strong. A good Matric result in the four required subjects, a complete set of certified documents and a clear reason for choosing medicine give you the best chance. Submit early, because incomplete applications are normally set aside.

Where You Can Study

You do not choose your own university. The department places successful applicants at medical schools in Cuba under the programme. After the Cuban years, you finish your training at a South African university arranged through the department.

Training in Cuba means living abroad for most of your studies. The first year focuses on Spanish and foundation courses, so be ready to learn in a new language. The department's call explains the placement and travel arrangements, and you should read that section closely before you decide.

About Gauteng Department of Health

About the Gauteng Department of Health The Gauteng Department of Health is the provincial government department that runs public healthcare in Gauteng. Gauteng is the most populous province in South Africa, so demand for…

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Address: 45 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg, 2001
Phone: 011 355 3000

Fields of Study & Who Can Apply

The programme is for school-leavers who want to become medical doctors and who live in Gauteng. You must have matriculated in the province and have a university-entrance pass. You also need strong results in the four subjects the department checks: Physical Science, Life Sciences, Mathematics and English.

The department wants applicants who have not yet started tertiary study. Selection focuses on academic strength and on whether you come from a disadvantaged background.

Because the programme is for new school-leavers, you cannot apply if you have already registered at a university or college, public or private. Earlier notices also excluded applicants who already hold a tertiary qualification. Likewise, you cannot apply if another bursary already funds you. Check each of these points before you spend money on certified copies.

Application Procedure

Download the call notice and application form from the Gauteng health bursaries portal. Complete the form in full and attach every certified document. Incomplete applications are normally rejected, so check the list twice. Submit by the closing date, using the delivery method named in the current notice.

Applications for this cycle have closed. Check the provider's site for the next intake.

Closes: Sat, 31 May 2025 - 12:00

Official health bursaries portal

Questions about this application?

Contact Gauteng Department of Health directly:

011 355 3000

Last verified:

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 - 12:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study medicine in Cuba if I live outside Gauteng?

No. The programme is limited to South African citizens who live permanently in Gauteng and who matriculated in the province.

How old can I be when I apply?

The 2025 notice set an age range of 18 to 30 on the closing date.

Do I have to work for the department afterwards?

Earlier notices say successful applicants sign a contract and must work for the department for as many years as they studied. Confirm the exact term in your own contract.

How long does the programme take?

Earlier notices describe one year of Spanish and foundation courses, five years of medical study in Cuba and about two years at a South African university.