Bursaries for Gauteng youngsters to study in Cuba

In an effort to boost the number of doctors in the province, the Gauteng Department of Health is inviting youngsters interested in studying medicine in Cuba, to apply for bursaries. The course comprises one year of Spanish and foundation courses; five years of medical studies and thereafter two years of medical study at a South African University to complete a degree in medicine. Applicants must have passed Matric with minimum medical university entry requirements of level 4 in Physical Science, Mathematics, Life Sciences and English; be South African citizens and permanently residing in Gauteng; be between the ages of 18 and 25 years and must be already registered at Nursing Colleges and Higher Education Institutions in their third year of study. However, those who have obtained a tertiary qualification will not be considered. The Department explained that it would fully fund a limited number of successful applicants to study medicine in Cuba. “Successful applicants will sign a bursary contract with the department prior to their departure to Cuba to serve/work for the same number of years as the duration of study in Cuba and South Africa.” The opportunity is also available to applicants whose parents are in a position to pay tuition fees for medical training in Cuba.