TDR Postgraduate Scholarship in Implementation Research: Everything You Need to Know

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Are you passionate about solving real-world public health challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)? The TDR Postgraduate Scholarship in Implementation Research is funded by several organizations. These include UNICEF, UNDP, World Bank, and WHO. This funding is part of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR). It offers a fully-funded opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in public health. This program focuses on implementation research. This prestigious scholarship equips researchers to address health system bottlenecks, particularly for infectious diseases of poverty. In this blog post, we explore the scholarship’s details and eligibility. We also discuss the courses, application process, and how you can seize this life-changing opportunity.

What is the TDR Postgraduate Scholarship?

The TDR Postgraduate Scholarship supports talented individuals from LMICs to pursue postgraduate studies in implementation research. This field is dedicated to identifying and overcoming barriers to effective health interventions. The World Health Organization hosts TDR. It partners with leading universities in LMICs to offer this scholarship. This fosters the next generation of public health researchers. The program focuses on infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). It uses a One Health approach to tackle global health challenges such as epidemics, climate change, and antimicrobial resistance.

Key Fact: Scholarship recipients join the TDR Global alumni platform, IR Connect. This platform is used for career tracking and networking. It also increases visibility in the global health community. Click HERE

Partner Universities and Available Courses

TDR collaborates with seven renowned universities in LMICs. They deliver cutting-edge Master’s programs in public health or related fields. All programs emphasize implementation research. Below are the partner institutions and their offerings for the 2025–2026 academic year:

• University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana: Master of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Sciences) or MSc in Applied Health Social Science (12 months, full-time).
• BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh: Master of Public Health (MPH) with a focus on implementation science (12 months, full-time).
• University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia: Master of Public Health (MPH) or Maestría en Epidemiología (2 years, full-time).
• Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia: International Master Programme in Public Health (MPH, 2 years, full-time).
• IIHMR University, Jaipur, India: Master of Public Health (MPH) with specialization in Implementation Science (2 years, full-time).
• University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa: MSc in Epidemiology (Implementation Science, 18 months, full-time).
• University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia: Master’s programs in public health with implementation research focus (2 years, full-time).

These programs are taught in English, with some offering pre-program English language courses for non-native speakers. Courses cover implementation research methodologies, infectious disease management, and skills for community engagement and policy analysis.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the TDR Postgraduate Scholarship, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Be nationals and residents of a low- or middle-income country (LMIC) as defined by the World Bank, typically within the WHO region of the partner university (e.g., African Region for Ghana, South-East Asia/Western Pacific for Indonesia).
• Be under 35 years old at the time of application (some programs may allow slight flexibility).
• Hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA (e.g., 3.0/4.0 for Universitas Gadjah Mada) or equivalent academic qualifications.
• Demonstrate interest in a career in implementation research, particularly for infectious diseases of poverty.
• Meet the university’s admission requirements, including English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL score of 550, IELTS 5.5, or equivalent for some programs).
• Women, candidates from non-English-speaking countries, and those from less privileged regions or with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

This fully-funded scholarship ensures financial barriers don’t hinder your education. It includes:

• Full tuition and academic fees.
• Economy-class airfare between your home country and the university.
• Monthly stipend for living expenses and accommodation (aligned with local costs).
• Support for thesis or research project expenses during data collection.
• Basic medical and accident insurance.
• Access to learning materials, such as textbooks or laptops (varies by university).

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

The application process for the TDR Postgraduate Scholarship involves two key steps, and deadlines vary by university. Below is a general guide, with specific details for the University of Ghana (deadline: May 4, 2025) as an example.[](https://www.scholardigger.com/post/tdr-postgraduate-scholarship-in-implementation-research-2025-2026)

1. Apply for University Admission:
   • Visit the university’s official admission portal (e.g., University of Ghana Admission).
   • Complete the postgraduate application form for the desired program (e.g., MPH or MSc).
   • Submit required documents, such as academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and proof of English proficiency (if applicable).
2. Apply for the TDR Scholarship:
   • Download and complete the TDR Postgraduate Scholarship application form from the university’s website or TDR’s official announcement (e.g., TDR Scholarship Announcement).
   • Submit the form via email to the designated contact (e.g., tdr-sbs@ug.edu.gh for University of Ghana) along with supporting documents like referee reports and evidence of university application.
3. Selection Process:
   • Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an aptitude test and interview.
   • Successful applicants receive an offer letter and must confirm acceptance within 7 days.

Note: Always check the specific university’s website for exact deadlines and requirements, as they differ.

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Why Choose the TDR Scholarship?

This scholarship is more than just financial support—it’s a launchpad for a meaningful career in public health. Here’s why it stands out:

• Global Impact: Focus on infectious diseases of poverty, addressing critical health challenges in LMICs.
• Career Development: Gain access to TDR’s IR Connect platform for networking and visibility.
• Practical Training: Conduct thesis projects in your home country, applying research to local health systems.
• Inclusivity: Encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, fostering equity in science.

Official Links and Resources

For the latest information, visit these official sources:

• TDR Postgraduate Training Scheme – Overview of the scholarship program.
• TDR Implementation Research Toolkit – Learn more about implementation research.
• Research Training Materials

Ready to make a difference in global health? Explore the TDR Postgraduate Scholarship and start your journey today!