Deadline: 22 March 2023

The African Palliative Care Association (APCA), in partnership with Global Partners in Care (GPIC) in the USA, provides a limited number of competitive scholarships each year to health care workers especially nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, music therapists, and clinical officers. APCA and GPIC recognise the important role health care and social workers play in providing holistic palliative care services. Despite this, the inadequate incorporation of palliative care into the pre-service (undergraduate) training of health care and social workers, the lack of clear career pathways for those interested in specialising in palliative care, and lack of recognition of palliative care qualifications by local ministries of health and education continues to be a challenge.

The Palliative Care Education Scholarship Fund aims to provide an opportunity for health care and social workers involved in palliative care provision or those determined to lead the development of such services in their settings to undergo specialist training. Palliative care is a growing area of practice in Africa, and health care and social workers often feel unprepared to deal with the complex issues it encompasses. Training opportunities are expected to enhance skills, knowledge, attitudes, values, methods, and sensitivities needed to work effectively in palliative care with patients, families, health care providers, and the community.

Host institution(s)

Any recognised institution of higher learning offering palliative care training in Africa. Examples include: Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care in Africa/Hospice Africa Uganda, Mildmay Uganda, Nairobi Hospice, Malawi University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya Medical Training, Center for Palliative Care in Nigeria, Ghana College of Nursing and Midwives, and University of Cape Town.

Level/Field of study

All levels of study in palliative care may be considered for scholarships.

Target group

Nurses, social workers, clinical officers, physiotherapists, and music therapists with a desire to undertake specialised training in palliative care. Other members of the palliative care multidisciplinary team may be considered.

Scholarship value/duration

Scholarship amount and duration may vary according to the course of study but shall not exceed $2,000 USD.

Eligibility

• Qualified nurse, social worker, clinical officer, physiotherapist, and music therapist with a degree or diploma residing and working in Africa.
• Has obtained admission to a palliative care course in an institution in Africa recognised by APCA. You must already have secured acceptance/admission to a palliative care program of study at a recognised training institution to be considered for a scholarship.
• Currently licensed and registered with a professional body of the country of the applicant as a health care worker or social worker, where applicable.
• Able to obtain full support from your place of work to undertake the course.
• Able to serve your institution of work for at least one year after completion of the training.
• Able to legibly complete the application in English or French.
• Willing to provide updates during your studies, thank you letter, video testimonial, or Zoom interview with GPIC and APCA in support of future fundraising for the scholarship fund.
• Please note that preference is given to applicants who are in their final year of study.

Application instructions

Eligible applicants should download and complete the relevant scholarship application form available online and submit to the relevant email: scholarships@africanpalliativecare.org. Filled in hard copy applications forms can also be sent through courier addressed to or dropped at the African Palliative Care Association, P.O. Box 72518, Plot 95, Dr Gibbons Road, Kampala, Uganda.

For more information about the African Palliative Care Education Scholarship Fund, please email scholarships@africanpalliativecare.org.

Apply Here >>>