Wits/PPS Health Economics Africa Essay Competition 2026

The Wits/PPS “Health Economics for Africa” Essay Competition highlights the perspectives of undergraduate and postgraduate students from African universities on key health economic issues facing the continent, with the aim of advancing the discipline of health economics on the global stage.

Wits/PPS Health Economics for Africa Essay Competition Benefits

For Undergraduates: Cash Prizes

• 1st Prize: USD 2,000
• 2nd Prize: USD 1,000
• 3rd Prize: USD 500

Additional Benefits

• Top 10 finalists will receive an e-certificate.
• A health economist and a media specialist will collaborate with the Top 10 to amplify and showcase their perspectives on social media.

Postgraduate Cash Prizes

• 1st Prize: USD 5,000
• 2nd Prize: USD 3,000
• 3rd Prize: USD 1,000

Additional Benefits

• Each of the three winners will be mentored by a published health economist to support the publication of their paper in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
• Top 10 finalists will receive an e-certificate, and a health economist and media specialist will work with them to amplify and promote their voices on social media.

Wits/PPS Health Economics for Africa Essay Competition Requirements

Undergraduate Eligibility
The competition is open to undergraduate students from any discipline currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or honours program at any university in Africa. Applicants will be required to upload certified proof of registration or enrolment for 2025 as part of the submission process.

Undergraduate essays must focus on one of the following topics:

• The Cost of Distance: When Geography Shapes Health
• Climate on the Clinic Doorstep
• Antibiotics and the Dilemmas of Healthcare Decisions
• What – and Who – Keeps the Health System Running
• Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Healthcare
• The Political Economy of Health Financing

Postgraduate Eligibility
The competition is open to postgraduate students from any discipline currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral/PhD program at any university in Africa. Applicants must provide certified proof of registration or enrolment for 2025.

Postgraduate papers should address a question or issue grounded in health economics, applying economic principles and methods to health and healthcare. While interdisciplinary approaches are welcome, the paper’s central contribution should advance understanding of the economic aspects of health systems, health policy, or health behavior.

Selection Process Rules

• The organizer reserves the right not to make an award.
• Each entrant may submit only one entry.
• Essays must focus on one of the specified topics; submissions outside these topics will not be considered.
• A minimum of three academic sources must be cited.
• Essays must be the entrant’s original, unpublished work; joint, team, or co-authored entries are not permitted.
• Artificial Intelligence: AI tools may be used responsibly and ethically to support the entrant’s work, but a declaration of AI use must be included with the submission.
• Citations and References: All sources must be cited using either APA or Harvard style. All information or quotations not originating from the entrant’s own work must be properly referenced.

How to Apply

Undergraduate Submissions
Submissions are made through the Oxford Abstracts platform.

1. Register at www.oxfordabstracts.com to access the submission page.
2. Format Requirements:
   • Length: 800–1,000 words (excluding title and references).
   • Submission: Copy and paste the title, main text, and references into the respective fields on the online form.
   • Language: Essays must be written in English.

Postgraduate Submissions
Submissions are also made through the Oxford Abstracts platform.

1. Register at www.oxfordabstracts.com to access the submission page.
2. Format Requirements:
   • Length: 4,500–5,500 words (excluding title, abstract, and references). Include the word count for the main text on the title page. Do not include your name or any personal information—only the title.
   • Formatting: Typed, single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font.
   • File Type: Submit a single PDF via the designated submission portal. To ensure anonymity, do not include your name or other identifying details in the file name.
   • Language: Papers must be written in English.

For additional details and further inquiries, visit the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg website.

Application Deadline

31st January, 2026