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Fully funded scholarships (1-year diploma, 2-year master's degree); creative award prizes up to $500 per winner
Merck Foundation provides medical training scholarships for healthcare professionals in 44 critically underserved specialties across Africa and developing countries, alongside awareness and creative award programs addressing infertility stigma, girl education, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and gender-based violence.
Medical Scholarships
Fully funded 1-year diploma or 2-year master's degree in 44 medical specialties at partner universities
On-Site Clinical Fellowships
Hands-on clinical training programs in specialized medical fields
Girl Education Scholarships
Annual scholarships for underprivileged schoolgirls to continue education
Creative Award Prizes
Cash prizes (e.g., $500 per winner for Fashion Awards) plus visibility through Merck Foundation media channels
MARS Research Awards
Recognition and support for emerging African researchers in STEM and healthcare
Fertility & Reproductive Care
Training fertility specialists and embryologists; breaking infertility stigma through 'More Than a Mother' campaign
Cancer Access Program
269 oncology scholarships across 34 countries covering medical, surgical, pediatric, gynecologic oncology, radiation therapy, pathology, palliative care, and oncology nursing
Diabetes & Cardiovascular Care
760 scholarships for diabetes, endocrinology, cardiovascular, cardiology, and obesity/weight management training via Nationwide Diabetes Blue Points Program
Girl Education
1,200+ annual scholarships to underprivileged schoolgirls across 19 African countries (e.g., 'Educating Linda' in Liberia — 40 girls/year)
Media Capacity Building
3,700+ media representatives trained in 35+ countries to raise awareness about social and health issues
Creative Awards
Film Awards, Fashion Awards, Song Awards, and MARS Research Awards promoting health awareness and social change
Healthcare professionals from African and developing countries committed to building capacity in critically underserved medical specialties. Strong preference for women doctors and healthcare workers. For award programs: African creatives using art, film, fashion, and music to raise awareness about health and social issues (infertility stigma, diabetes, hypertension, girl education, GBV, FGM).
Ongoing mentorship during scholarship programs; access to Merck Foundation alumni network; media training for health awareness advocacy; inclusion in 'Our Africa' TV program and Foundation events
Applications must go through First Ladies' offices or Ministries of Health — no direct public application portal for scholarships; This is Merck KGaA Germany, not Merck & Co. USA — do not confuse the two
Women-led applications are especially valued. Applications through First Ladies' offices are the primary pathway — build relationships with the Office of the First Lady or Ministry of Health in your country. French-speaking and Portuguese-speaking country applicants receive special emphasis. For award programs, align creative work explicitly with Foundation themes: infertility stigma, diabetes/hypertension prevention, girl education.
2017
Active Since
Yes
Deploying
2,500+ medical scholarships across 52 countries in 44 specialties; 1,200+ girl education scholarships across 19 African countries; 269 oncology scholarships across 34 countries; 760 cardiovascular/diabetes scholarships in 52 countries; 'Educating Linda' program in Liberia (40 girls/year); 3,700+ media professionals trained across 35+ countries