Pretoria - The Gauteng Department of Health has urged youngsters keen to study medicine in Cuba to apply for bursaries as the 20 March closing date to accept applications looms.
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.
They must be between the ages of 18 and 25 years and already registered at nursing colleges and higher education institutions in their third year of study.
However, the department emphasised that those who have obtained a tertiary qualification will not be considered.
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.
The department said it will fully fund a limited number of successful applicants to study medicine in Cuba.
The opportunity is also available to applicants whose parents are in a position to pay tuition fees for medical training in Cuba.
Successful applicants will sign a bursary contract prior to departure to Cuba with the department to serve or work for the same number of years as the duration of study in Cuba and South Africa.
Bursary application forms can be obtained at the Gauteng Department of Health, 01 Rissik Street, Penmore Tower, 5th floor.
The application forms are also available at the Human Resource Units of the following hospitals: Dr George Mukhari Academic, Steve Biko Academic, Chris Hani Academic, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic, Sebokeng, Natalspruit, Tembisa, Tambo, Leratong and Dr Yusuf Dadoo.
Two certified copies of the following documents must be included with the application form: curriculum vitae (CV); birth certificate (of applicant and all dependants of the parents); identification document (applicant and parents/guardian); passport (if available); national certificate (statements of results for 2012 matriculants will be accepted).
Other certified documents to be included are proof of registration from the university (if currently registered); academic record (progress report) from the university; proof of income of both parents or guardians (sworn affidavits for those without proof of income), as well as proof of residence in the form of a utility bill or account registered in parents’ or guardian’s name.
All completed applications are to be hand delivered to: The Directorate: Professional Development (attention: Yvonne Skosana) at 78 Fox Street, 9th Floor, The Old Standard Bank Building, Marshalltown, Johannesburg.
For more information on the bursary, call Yvonne Skosana on 079 881 5707 or M Motaung on 082 737 7130. – SAnews.gov.za
