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; a fully funded opportunity to pursue an MSc in Bioinformatics of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Genomics at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
About the MSc Programme
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.
- Duration: 2 years (Feb 2026 – Jan 2028).
- Location: Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Structured 9-month lecture block, including a compulsory Statistics and Bioinformatics module, followed by elective capita selecta 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-incomecountries (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.
Fellowship Funding Overview
The African STARS Fellowship covers the full cost of the MSc programme, including:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Living stipend
- Research-related expenses
- Air Travel expense
- 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
How Apply?
Step 1: Click here to apply for the African STARS Fellowship (Scholarship)
Note: This form is only for the scholarship application.
Deadline: 26 June 2025
Step 2: Submit a formal application to Stellenbosch University for admission to the MSc Programme.
Deadline: 31 August 2025 (International), 30 September 2025 (South Africans)
Contact
For questions or further information, please visit the FAQ, if not covered you can contact:
- Maambele Khosa
- Email: starsfellows@sun.ac.za / maambele@sun.ac.za