Botswana continues to invest in strengthening its healthcare system, with a strong focus on specialized care for children. The latest KidsOR Scholarships (Internal Re-Advert) offer a clear path for eligible public officers to gain advanced training in paediatric surgery and biomedical engineering. These scholarships focus on building long-term capacity within the country, so that children receive safe, timely, and high-quality surgical care.
If you work under the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, this opportunity directly supports your career growth and your contribution to national healthcare outcomes. This guide explains everything you need to apply successfully, including eligibility, required documents, application steps, and practical tips to improve your chances.
Table of Contents
- Overview of the KidsOR Scholarship
- Available Study Programs
- Eligibility Criteria
- Required Application Documents
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Excel Submission Template Explained
- Scholarship Benefits and Bonding Conditions
- Selection Process and What to Expect
- How to Strengthen Your Application
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Important Deadlines and Submission Details
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Application Checklist and Call to Action
Overview of the KidsOR Scholarship
The Kids Operating Room (KidsOR) initiative supports low and middle income countries by improving paediatric surgical care. Since 2018, the program has funded operating rooms, equipment, and specialist training.
This scholarship focuses on:
- Expanding paediatric surgical capacity
- Training local professionals to reduce dependence on external expertise
- Improving surgical outcomes for children across Botswana
The program targets serving public officers, which means your current role in government service plays a central role in eligibility and selection.
Available Study Programs
Two specialized programs are open under this scholarship.
1. Sub-Speciality in Paediatric Anaesthesia
Target group:
- MMed Anaesthesiology and Critical Care or Anaesthesia Residents
Key details:
- Duration: 2 to 3 years
- Available slots: 3
- Funding: Donor funded
- Bonding period: 2 to 3 years
This program focuses on safe anaesthesia practices for children, a critical area in surgical care. Poor anaesthesia management remains a major risk factor in paediatric surgeries globally.
2. Biomedical or Clinical Engineering Degree
Programs include:
- BEng Biomedical Engineering
- Bachelor of Technology in Clinical Engineering
Target group:
- Diploma holders in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Key details:
- Duration: 2 to 4 years
- Available slots: 2
- Funding: Donor funded
- Bonding period: 3 to 5 years
This track supports the technical side of healthcare, including maintenance and management of surgical equipment.
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet all the following requirements before applying:
- Be a citizen of Botswana
- Be under 45 years of age
- Be a serving public officer under the relevant ministries
- Hold valid registration with the Botswana Health Professions Council (BHPC)
Additional advantage:
- A valid admission letter from a recognized institution
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection. The process remains competitive.
Required Application Documents
You must submit all required documents. Missing documents often lead to rejection.
Mandatory documents:
- Application letter
- Certified copy of Omang (ID)
- Certified academic certificates
- Certified professional certificates
- Valid BHPC registration or blue card
- Two recent references, not older than 6 months
- Updated CV
For public officers:
- Your application must go through your Head of Department
Applications submitted without proper routing will not be considered.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps carefully to avoid disqualification.
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Ensure all documents are certified and up to date. Check expiration dates on references and registration cards.
Step 2: Write your application letter
Focus on:
- Your current role
- Your experience in healthcare
- Your interest in paediatric care
- How the training will benefit Botswana
Step 3: Route your application
Submit through your Head of Department. This step confirms your employment status and approval.
Step 4: Submit physically or by hand
Address your application to:
The Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Health
Private Bag 0038
Gaborone
Hand delivery location:
- Ministry of Health Headquarters
- Government Enclave
- 8th Floor, Block A, Office 21
Step 5: Submit Excel summary via email
Send your completed Excel template to:
This step is mandatory and often overlooked.
Excel Submission Template Explained
You must submit your details in a structured Excel format.
Required fields:
- Name and surname
- ID number
- Date of birth
- Qualifications
- Date of first appointment
- Date in current post
- Date of last training
- Job title and scale
- Duty station
- Program applied
Tips for accuracy:
- Use consistent date formats
- Avoid abbreviations in names
- Double check ID numbers
- Ensure all fields are filled
Incomplete Excel submissions delay processing or lead to rejection.
Scholarship Benefits and Bonding Conditions
Benefits:
- Full donor funding for training
- Access to specialized international programs
- Career advancement within public health
Bonding requirement:
You must serve Botswana after completing your studies.
- Paediatric Anaesthesia: 2 to 3 years
- Engineering programs: 3 to 5 years
This ensures the country benefits from your training.
Selection Process and What to Expect
The selection process involves multiple stages:
- Document screening
- Eligibility verification
- Shortlisting
- Final approval
Shortlisted candidates may need to:
- Provide additional documents
- Meet visa requirements
- Secure placement in training institutions
Selection depends on both qualification and national need.
Also Apply:
- Malawi Institute of Tourism (MIT) COVE 2026 June Intake
- Botswana TVET 2026 Intake Not Yet Open says Ministry
- BEC 2026 BGCSE & BSSE Syllabus Guide for Private Candidates
- Botswana Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) Admissions 2026/2027: Now Open
How to Strengthen Your Application
Focus on practical improvements.
1. Tailor your application letter
Explain:
- Your experience with paediatric patients or equipment
- Gaps in your current facility
- How your training will solve real problems
2. Highlight measurable experience
Include:
- Years of service
- Cases handled
- Projects completed
3. Secure strong references
Choose referees who:
- Know your work directly
- Hold senior roles
- Can provide recent feedback
4. Submit early
Early submissions reduce last-minute errors and improve processing time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these errors:
- Missing certified documents
- Submitting without Head of Department approval
- Sending incomplete Excel templates
- Using outdated references
- Ignoring the closing date
Each of these reduces your chances significantly.
Important Deadlines and Submission Details
- Closing date: 11 May 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
Submission options:
- Postal submission
- Hand delivery
- Email for Excel template only
Ensure all submissions align with instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who qualifies for the KidsOR scholarship?
Only serving public officers under the Ministry of Health or Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs who meet all eligibility criteria.
2. Is an admission letter required?
Not mandatory, but candidates with admission letters have an advantage.
3. Can I apply without BHPC registration?
No. Valid registration is required for eligibility.
4. What happens after selection?
You will complete visa processes, confirm placement, and prepare for training abroad or locally.
5. Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The program is donor funded, covering training costs.
6. What is the bonding requirement?
You must work in Botswana for a set period after completing your studies.
7. Can I submit my application directly?
No. Public officers must submit through their Head of Department.
8. What format should the Excel submission follow?
Strict Excel format with all required fields completed.
Final Application Checklist and Call to Action
Before submitting, confirm:
- All documents are certified
- Your application letter is clear and focused
- References are recent
- Excel template is complete
- Submission follows proper routing
- Deadline is met
This scholarship supports both your career and the future of paediatric healthcare in Botswana. Strong applications show clear intent, accurate documentation, and alignment with national healthcare needs.
