CBM invites doctors from selected African countries to apply for eleven postgraduate ophthalmology scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year. Applications are due 5 January 2026.
The scholarship programme addresses the shortage of ophthalmologists in Sub-Saharan Africa and supports CBM's commitment to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities in the poorest communities. Since 2000, the programme has supported 140 doctors from 12 Sub Saharan African countries where CBM works. Alumni now serve as general ophthalmologists, senior lecturers in ophthalmology, heads of eye health units in teaching and referral hospitals, eye health coordinators in ministries of health, and researchers and innovators in eye health.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants must reside in one of the following countries, Benin, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, or Zambia. Applicants must also secure admission to a recognised postgraduate ophthalmology programme and agree to CBM core values, safeguarding policies and operational principles of the Inclusive Health Initiative.
Applicants must be admitted to one of the following universities in Africa:
- Addis Ababa University and St Paul’s Millennium Medical College in Ethiopia.
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Tanzania.
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda.
- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and the University of Nairobi in Kenya.
- University of Abomey Calavi in Benin.
- University of Malawi College of Medicine in Malawi.
- University Teaching Hospital in Zambia.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, a stipend, relocation costs, inpatient medical cover for residents, participation in one ophthalmology conference each year, and a basic set of ophthalmic instruments.
