Spes Bona Initiative for Medical Education
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Our programmes

Two projects for the training of young health professionals

The Vesalius Scholarship

Student living conditions in South Africa

51 %

of 18–24-year-olds in South Africa cannot afford to pay for their studies

17 %

of university students in South Africa say they have experienced hunger

€160

median monthly income in South Africa, against €3,000 in annual medical tuition fees

Figures recorded when the programme was created. Source: StatSA.

The scholarship supports young African health students enrolled in training programmes in South Africa (medicine, nursing, speech-language therapy, physiotherapy). It covers their basic needs: housing, food and transport.

We select most students from their second year onwards and commit to supporting them until the end of their studies.

Meet the Vesalius beneficiaries

How are beneficiaries chosen?

Open to all

No age or nationality criteria. Students from historically disadvantaged groups, refugees and students with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Social commitment

Students who have been involved in volunteering, community projects or academic mentoring are particularly encouraged.

In return

Beneficiaries send a report each year with their results and experience, and commit to supporting future students in turn once they have graduated.

Next Vesalius selectionDecember 2026

The Monganga Scholarship

In many African countries, specialist doctors are in severe shortage: Africa bears nearly 25% of the global burden of disease but has only 3% of the world’s health workers, and places for specialist training are scarce.

The Monganga Scholarship supports young African doctors undergoing specialist training in South Africa so that, in time, they can strengthen the health system of their home country.

Launched in 2025, it currently has three beneficiaries: two Kenyan MDs, Dr Naomi Ndunku and Dr Sylvia Gendo, and one Chadian MD, Dr Sadie Doutoum, thanks to the support of CRGOLF.be.

Meet the Monganga beneficiaries