MUHAS Announces Two Fully Funded PhD Scholarships Under NORAD Project (2026 Intake)

The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), through its School of Public Health and Social Sciences, has officially opened applications for two fully funded PhD scholarships under the NORAD-supported project “Fair Choices on the Path to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) 2026–2030.” This opportunity is designed for qualified Tanzanian professionals working within MUHAS, the Ministry of Health, PMORALG, or NHIF who are ready to advance their careers in health economics, priority setting, and health policy research while earning a PhD in collaboration with the University of Bergen, Norway.

About the PhD Programme

This doctoral programme is part of an international partnership between MUHAS and the Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting in Health (BCEPS), University of Bergen, with support from Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, PMORALG, and NHIF.

The goal is simple but powerful: build local expertise that strengthens evidence-based healthcare decisions in Tanzania.

Successful candidates will register their PhD at the University of Bergen and follow a blended training model:

• Total duration: 36 months (full-time)

• 2–3 months each year in Norway for coursework, supervision, and research seminars

• Remaining time spent in Tanzania, working closely with policy and research institutions

• Regular participation in national and international conferences

Available Research Areas (Concept Note Required)

Applicants must prepare a short concept note (maximum 3 pages) based on one of the following themes:

1. Equity and fairness in health priority setting

2. Health benefit package design using the Fair Choices tool

3. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and standard treatment guidelines

4. Economic evaluation (cost-effectiveness, budget impact, financial risk protection)

5. Health financing and strategic purchasing for UHC

6. Institutionalising evidence-informed decision making

7. Stakeholder engagement and political economy of priority setting

Final PhD topics will be refined during the first year of study.

What You Will Achieve During the PhD

Each scholar is expected to:

• Complete a three-year PhD under University of Bergen regulations

• Publish 3–4 research papers in international peer-reviewed journals

• Submit an article-based doctoral thesis

• Present findings at global conferences

• Contribute to policy briefs supporting Tanzania’s health sector

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be Tanzanian citizens aged 40 or below

• Hold a relevant Master’s degree (Health Economics, Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Pharmacy, Data Science, or related fields)

• Be a full-time employee of MUHAS, MoH, PMORALG, or NHIF with at least 4 years of experience

• Have quantitative research skills (R software experience is an advantage)

• Show strong motivation for doctoral research in health systems or economics

• Submit a support letter from their employer confirming protected study time

• Provide a PhD concept note aligned with one thematic area

Prior publications and familiarity with the Fair Choices tool are added advantages.

Scholarship Benefits

The project covers all major costs, including:

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly stipend

• Travel to Bergen, Norway

• Conference participation expenses

This is a fully funded PhD opportunity.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

1. Motivation letter (mention chosen thematic area)

2. Certified Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates + transcripts

3. CV highlighting research experience

4. Employer support letter

5. Publications (if any, merged into one file)

6. PhD concept note (max 3 pages)

7. Two academic referee letters or contacts

All documents must be merged into one PDF file.

Important Dates

• Applications open: 7 February 2026

• Deadline: 13 March 2026 (23:59 EAT)

• Interviews: 13 April 2026

• Expected start: September 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

How to Apply

Submit your single compiled PDF via:

👉 https://redcap.link/PhD_MUHAS_BCEPS

File name format:
CandidateName_PhD_Scholarship_Application_BCEPS

For questions, contact:
📧 [email protected]

Applications should be addressed to:

Project Manager
Fair Choices on the Path to UHC 2026–2030
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)
P.O. Box 65001
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

For More Opportunities Visit Here