As part of TDR’s efforts to increase the capacity of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to undertake a leadership role in research on the control of infectious diseases of poverty, we provide training grants with a focus on implementation research. Support for postgraduate training is a TDR core area of work. Fellows generally go on to establish careers in research or public health in LMICs and are now part of the TDR Global network.

In 2015, the TDR postgraduate training scheme evolved from a focus on individuals to a partnership with seven universities in LMICs, selected by an external committee of public health experts. The following universities are partners with TDR in this scheme: James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; and University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.

How the scheme works

The scheme provides a full academic scholarship in collaboration with universities in LMICs to train MSc students. The training is specifically focused on subjects or disciplines relevant to implementation research. Items covered by the scholarship include full time tuition and board, cost of dissertation research/field work, return air travel from home country to institution and contribution towards the purchase of essential textbooks/learning materials.

Candidates must apply to institutions in their respective regions (Africa, Asia, Latin America or Middle East) to be eligible for consideration.

How to apply

Interested candidates must apply for admission into the postgraduate programme of one participating universities listed below using either the link provided below or on the university’s official website. Applications and admission enquiries should be sent directly to the institution, TDR will not receive or process applications or enquiries about admissions.

Only candidates admitted into the university’s postgraduate degree programme will be considered for the scholarship.

Prospective candidates are advised to contact the institution directly for details on eligibility and academic requirements for admission. They should also familiarize themselves with the field of implementation research / implementation science which is the focus of this scheme.

Since 2015, 447 Master’s students have been supported, among which 51% are women, 48% are men and 1% is transgender.