In delivering its mission to conduct high-quality research and train the next generation of researchers and leaders to benefit health, Malawi – Liverpool – Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) https://www.mlw.mw is committed to promoting research and training led by Malawian and international scientists. The aim is to improve the health of people in Malawi and elsewhere in the wider region. MLW has a unique translational research portfolio that links an excellent laboratory research base to strong hospital and community-based research and high-level policy formulation. The MLW Research Strategy is built around six thematic areas:
(1) Infection Biology,
(2) Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health,
(3) Clinical and Experimental Medicine,
(4) Vaccines,
(5) Population Health, and (
6) Social Science & Health Systems. Researchers are organized into research groups, which are described on the MLW website: https://www.mlw.mw.
Purpose of the Scholarship
Through the Wellcome-funded MLW core grant (2025–2032), MLW invites applications for Master’s Tuition Scholarships from individuals planning to develop and grow in health-related research as MLW continues to build its research trainee pipeline. We will award individuals who are currently contracted on an active research grant, with consideration given to students registered in a Master of Science program aligned with MLW’s research priorities.
Eligibility Criteria (applicants must fulfil all points indicated below):
1. Provide proof that they are currently employed on an active externally funded research grant in a research or academic institution
2. Provide proof of Master’s admission or an offer letter in a Master of Science program.
3. For non-MLW applicants, provide an institutional nomination letter from their academic or research institution that clearly confirms support with primary supervision and research engagement. Eligible academic institutions are the six public universities: Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), University of Malawi (UNIMA), Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Mzuzu University (MZUNI), and Malawi University of Business Applied Sciences (MUBAS)
4. Provide a supervisor support letter clearly stating evidence of full stipend and research funding from a research project they are working on (self-sponsored students are not eligible, as one must already be employed on a research grant).
5. Demonstrate that they are unable to pay for the tuition fees
6. Be a Malawian with a strong academic record.
7. For non-MLW applicants, have a secondary supervisor based at MLW. Master's
Details
Academic Institution Nomination Process – Non MLW Applicants
To ensure a transparent and competitive selection process and proper alignment with the MLW
research agenda:
Universities should screen internally and nominate a maximum of three candidates who fully meet the eligibility criteria
• Nominations must include a support letter from the University confirming the internal screening and the candidate's suitability for research.
• Each nominated candidate must also provide a support letter from their primary academic or research supervisor, confirming active mentorship and research engagement.
• Institutional nomination does not guarantee funding but ensures that applications are internally vetted and competitive before submission to MLW.
Application Requirements
Your application should include:
• An application letter clearly narrating your suitability, motivation, and long-term research goals.
• Evidence of admission into a relevant master's programme and (for non- MLW applicants) an offer letter from any of the six public universities. Private university programmes in Malawi are not eligible.
For non- MLW applicants, provide a nomination letter from their institution, confirming that the applicant has been screened internally and will receive
primary academic supervision and research engagement.
• A primary supervisor support letter clearly stating evidence of full stipend and research funding from a research project they are working on (self-sponsored students are not eligible, as one must already be employed on an active research
grant).
• MLW research group letter of support confirming alignment with the group and outlining a supervision plan (secondary supervision for non-MLW applicants).
• An updated maximum two-page Curriculum Vitae, indicating your academic record, achievements, and research outputs.
• Official academic certificates and transcripts.
Submission format:
Please title each document with your name if you are submitting multiple documents, and use the given format below as any deviation from this will render your application invalid: Surname_GivenNames_MLWMastersTuitionCall
For any inquiries and application submissions, please contact: training@mlw.mw.
Application closing date: 6th April 2026.