The Wits University PPS Health Economics for Africa Essay Competition 2026 is an academic initiative by the PPS Chair in Health Economics at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). It targets students across all disciplines enrolled in African universities. The competition is divided into two categories: Undergraduate (800–1,000 words) and Postgraduate (4,500–5,500 words). Prizes range from $500 to $5,000 USD, alongside eCertificates for top performers. Submissions must be original, unpublished, and single-authored, focusing on critical health economics issues such as financing and policy within the African context. The deadline for submission via the Oxford Abstracts platform is January 31, 2026.
Wits University PPS Health Economics for Africa Essay Competition 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Organizer | PPS Chair in Health Economics, Wits University |
| Target Region | Africa (Students at African Universities) |
| Academic Levels | Undergraduate & Postgraduate (Masters/PhD) |
| Max Prize (Postgrad) | USD 5,000 |
| Max Prize (Undergrad) | USD 2,000 |
| Submission Platform | Oxford Abstracts |
| Deadline | 31 January 2026 (23:59 GMT) |
Wits University PPS Health Economics for Africa Essay Competition 2026 Details
The Wits/PPS “Health Economics for Africa” Essay Competition 2026 is a prestigious academic contest organized by the PPS Chair in Health Economics at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). It provides a platform for undergraduate and postgraduate students from African universities to research and write about critical health economics issues that have real implications for health systems and policy across the continent.
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This competition encourages emerging African scholars to contribute to debates on health financing, access to care, and policy solutions that can shape the future of health in Africa.
Prizes and Benefits of the Wits University PPS Health Economics for Africa Essay Competition 2026
Winners receive significant cash rewards and academic recognition to boost their research profiles:
Undergraduate Category:
- 1st Prize: USD 2,000
- 2nd Prize: USD 1,000
- 3rd Prize: USD 500
- Top 10: eCertificates and public promotion of work.
Postgraduate Category:
- 1st Prize: USD 5,000
- 2nd Prize: USD 3,000
- 3rd Prize: USD 1,000
- Top 10: eCertificates and professional support to publicize the research.
Eligibility Criteria of the Wits University PPS Health Economics for Africa Essay Competition 2026
The competition is open to students from any discipline currently enrolled at a university in Africa.
Undergraduate Level:
- Enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Honours degree.
- Must provide certified proof of 2025 registration.
Postgraduate Level:
- Enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme.
- Must provide certified proof of 2025 registration.
General Rules:
- Entries must be original and unpublished.
- Only one entry per person is allowed.
- Joint or co-authored submissions are not permitted.
Required Documents & Format of the Wits University PPS Health Economics for Africa Essay Competition 2026
Required Documents:
- Essay/Research Paper: Adhering to the word counts below.
- Proof of Enrolment: Certified registration for 2025.
- Declaration of Originality: A statement confirming the work is yours.
- Anonymous Filename: (Postgrad only) Ensure no names appear in the document filename.
Format Guidelines:
- Undergraduate: 800–1,000 words; English language; focus on listed health economics topics.
- Postgraduate: 4,500–5,500 words; Single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt, PDF format.
How To Apply for the Wits University PPS Health Economics for Africa Essay Competition 2026 (Step-by-Step)
- Review Guidelines: Visit the official Wits competition page to see the specific 2026 health economics topics.
- Register: Create an account on the Oxford Abstracts platform.
- Prepare Work: Write your essay or paper according to the formatting rules for your level.
- Upload: Submit the document along with your certified proof of 2025 registration.
- Submit: Ensure submission is completed by 31 January 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Application Deadline: 31st January, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can students outside of Economics apply?
Yes, the competition is open to students from any discipline (e.g., Medicine, Law, Social Sciences) as long as the essay addresses health economics.
2. Can I submit a paper I wrote for a class?
Only if it remains unpublished and meets the specific competition topics and formatting requirements.
3. Do I have to be a South African student?
No. You must be enrolled at any university located in Africa.
4. What counts as “Certified Proof of Registration”?
A document stamped by your university registrar or an official digital certificate verifying you are a student for the 2025 academic year.
5. Can I enter with a friend as a co-author?
No, joint or co-authored submissions are strictly prohibited.
6. Are the word counts inclusive of the bibliography?
No, the word counts exclude the title, abstract (for postgrad), and references/bibliography.
7. What happens if I go over the word limit?
Entries that significantly exceed or fall short of the word limits may be disqualified or penalized during marking.
8. Is there an entry fee?
No, the competition is free to enter.
9. In what language should the essay be written?
All submissions must be in English.
10. How will I receive the prize money if I win?
Prizes are typically paid via bank transfer. Note that currency conversion and bank fees may apply.
11. What is Oxford Abstracts?
It is a professional submission management platform used for academic conferences and competitions. You must create an account there to upload your file.
12. Can I submit more than one essay?
No, entrants are limited to one submission only.
13. Is the competition open to part-time students?
Yes, as long as you have valid 2025 registration at an African university.
14. What are the “Health Economics topics” mentioned?
Topics usually include universal health coverage, healthcare financing, and health policy impact. Check the official Wits site for the specific 2026 list.
15. Why must postgraduate files be anonymous?
To ensure a double-blind peer-review process where judges do not know the identity of the author until after grading.
16. What is the difference between an essay and a research paper here?
Undergraduates write a shorter “essay” (persuasive/informative), while Postgraduates write a full “research paper” (analytical/data-driven).
17. Can I use AI to write my essay?
No. The work must be original and the author must sign a declaration of originality. Use of AI for content generation is generally considered a violation of academic integrity.
18. Will my work be published?
Top-placed essays may be promoted on public platforms or shared with health economists for potential publication support.
19. When will the winners be announced?
Typically, winners are announced a few months after the January deadline, following an extensive review process.
20. Who do I contact for technical issues with the submission?
Technical issues with the portal should be directed to the Oxford Abstracts support, while competition queries should go to the Wits PPS Chair office.
