African STARS Fellowship

The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University (South Africa) and the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) (Senegal), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, invite applications for the African STARS Fellowship. This is a fully funded opportunity to pursue an MSc in Bioinformatics of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Genomics at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

📚 About the African STARS MSc Fellowship

This two-year, multidisciplinary MSc programme is designed to equip African scientists with the expertise needed to lead innovative research in infectious diseases and pathogen genomics.

Key Details:

• Duration: 2 years (February 2026 – January 2028)
• Location: Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
• Programme Structure:
  • A structured 9-month lecture block, including a compulsory Statistics and Bioinformatics module.
  • Elective modules in Infectious Diseases or Pathogen Genomics, offering flexibility to address emerging research priorities.
  • Over 1 year of hands-on research training within Stellenbosch University’s world-class infectious disease laboratories to complete a bioinformatics research project.
  • Career development workshops tailored to the needs of researchers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
  • Ongoing mentorship from a dedicated team of supervisors based at Stellenbosch and partnering institutions.

For detailed information on the MSc programme structure, consult page 136 of the 2025 Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Yearbook.

🎁 Benefits of the African STARS MSc Fellowship

The fellowship covers the full cost of the MSc programme, including:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Living stipend
• Research-related expenses
• Air travel expenses
• Health insurance

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Born in and/or living in Africa
• 35 years of age or younger at the time of application
• Hold a BSc Honours (NQF level 8) or equivalent 4-year degree (≥65%) in:
  • Bioinformatics, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science
  • Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related field
• Women are strongly encouraged to apply

🗓️ Application Process and Deadlines

Step 1: Apply for the Fellowship

• Complete the African STARS Fellowship application form here.
  Deadline: 26 June 2025

Step 2: Submit a Formal Application to Stellenbosch University

• Submit a formal application for admission to the MSc Programme at Stellenbosch University here.
  Deadlines:
  • 31 August 2025 (International applicants)
  • 30 September 2025 (South African applicants)

📞 Contact Information

For questions or further information, please visit the FAQ page. If your query is not covered, you can contact the fellowship team directly.

🗓️ Important Dates

• Fellowship Application Deadline: 26 June 2025
• University Application Deadlines:
  • 31 August 2025 (International applicants)
  • 30 September 2025 (South African applicants)

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the African STARS MSc Fellowship here.
• Apply for the fellowship directly via this form.

This is a unique opportunity to advance your career in Bioinformatics of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Genomics while contributing to cutting-edge research in Africa. Don't miss out!

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Living stipend
• Research-related expenses
• Air Travel expense
• Health insurance