Eligibility Criteria

Merck Foundation Scholarships are provided to nationals of African Countries, Developing Countries and underserved communities as per the World Human Development Index list of Developing Countries. Human Development Index Ranking 

Merck Foundation Scientific Committee and Scientific Committee of Academic Partners will focus on African countries, with special attention to French-speaking, Portuguese-speaking and SIDS (Small Island Developing States), aiming to build healthcare capacity and improve patient care in the public sector. Therefore, for African countries, a recommendation letter from the First Lady Office or the Ministry of Health (MOH) is mandatory. For Asian countries, a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Health (MOH) or the respective Medical Society is mandatory. Individual requests are not accepted.

Moreover, the Merck Foundation Scientific Committee will also consider the Human Development Index, population, number of eligible applications received from each country, and the number of scholarships already awarded to each country during the selection process.

Merck Foundation also plans to offer English scholarships to candidates from French-speaking and Portuguese-speaking African countries as well as Latin American countries, provided applicants submit an English Proficiency Certificate.

For in-campus Fellowship Programs and Clinical Training Scholarships in India, such as Fertility & Embryology Training and Oncology Fellowship, French and Portuguese interpreters will be provided throughout the training program.

The First Lady Office, Ministries of Health of African countries, and Medical Societies of Asian and other developing countries can submit recommended candidates to info@merck-foundation.com.

Application deadline for Online Scholarships: 15th December 2026