Deadline: 1 July 2025
The South African Field Epidemiology Training Programme is now accepting applications for the 2026 class, from qualified health professionals with an interest in public health and a commitment to public service.
The South African FETP is hosted by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a division of the National Health Laboratory Services for the National Department of Health. SAFETP offers a full-time two-year residency programme, which provides training and practical experience in applied epidemiology, and aims to develop specialist skills to evaluate and strengthen public health surveillance systems, investigate and control outbreaks, and conduct field studies to address public health priority issues.
The next cohort of trainees will begin in January 2026 and end in December 2027. Qualified professionals who are interested in joining the cohort should submit their applications before 01 July 2025.
Objectives
- To provide a platform for building field epidemiology capacity for health professionals.
- To strengthen the capacity of health professionals to improve surveillance and detect and respond to public health events.
- To develop the capacity of health professionals to utilise evidence-based approaches to drive programs and to inform policy decisions.
- To provide the framework to encourage epidemiological research aligned with National prioritised research programs.
- To contribute to the development of Public Health Leadership capacity.
Costs Covered
- Applicants who are funded by their employers must ensure that this funding covers their salaries/stipends, as well as university registration and tuition fees for the two-year training period.
Eligibility Criteria
- Work experience requirements
- At least 2 years of professional experience in a health field or other fields relevant to health
- Experience working in a public health system is desirable
- Experience in health-related research will be an advantage
- Educational Requirements
- Medical, veterinary or dentistry degree;
- Doctorate degree in a medical/health related field;
- Master’s degree in a medical or health related field;
- Honour’s/bachelor’s degree with prior research experience.
- Other Key Requirements
- In addition to work and educational requirements, the applicant must:
- Be registered with their respective professional bodies
- Be fluent in spoken and written English
- Be computer literate and proficient in Microsoft office suite for communication, word processing, analysis, presentation and report generation
- Knowledge of a statistical package will be an advantage
- Have a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive a hired car
- Provide proof of current physical residential address for future purposes of Domicilium citandi et executandi
Application Requirements
- You will need the following documents to complete the online application process:
- Certified copies of qualification certificates
- Certified copies of transcripts from the universities
- A concise two-page CV
- Statement of Purpose: In 500 words or less describe your career goals and your interest in applying for the SAFETP residency
- Two completed reference forms using this link: Reference Form
- Proof of application to each of the universities
- Qualifications that were obtained outside South Africa must be accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority
For more information, visit NICD.
