The African STARS Fellowship 2026 – MSc in Bioinformatics of Infectious Diseases & Pathogen Genomics at Stellenbosch University; June 7 2025
Why This Fellowship Matters
From Ebola to COVID-19, Africa’s scientists are on the front line of tracking—and curbing—infectious-disease threats.
Yet advanced training opportunities on the continent remain scarce.
The African STARS Fellowship, funded by the Mastercard Foundation and jointly delivered by the
Centre for Epidemic Response & Innovation (CERI), Stellenbosch University (South Africa) and the
Institut Pasteur de Dakar (Senegal), aims to change that narrative.
Successful applicants receive full funding to complete a cutting-edge master’s degree that blends bioinformatics,
genomics, and infectious-disease research — all while building a continent-wide network of emerging leaders.
The African STARS Fellowship 2026 At a Glance
| Programme | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | MSc (Bioinformatics of Infectious Diseases & Pathogen Genomics) |
| Host | Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa |
| Duration | 2 years — February 2026 to January 2028 |
| Funding | 100 % of tuition, accommodation, living stipend, research costs, return airfare, and health insurance |
| Application Deadlines | 26 June 2025 (Scholarship) • 31 Aug 2025 (University application, International) • 30 Sep 2025 (University application, South Africans) |
| Who Can Apply | African nationals ≤ 35 years with a four-year STEM degree (≥ 65 % average) |
Programme Highlights
- Multidisciplinary CurriculumNine-month taught block covering statistics, core bioinformatics, and specialised capita selecta electives
in Infectious Diseases or Pathogen Genomics — ideal for tailoring your pathway to emerging threats. - Hands-On Research ImmersionMore than a year embedded in Stellenbosch University’s world-class BSL-2/3 labs,
working on a real-world bioinformatics project under seasoned supervisors. - Professional Development for LMIC ContextsTargeted workshops on grant writing, science communication, and data-to-policy translation — skills
often overlooked but vital for impact back home. - Mentorship & Pan-African NetworkDual supervision by CERI and IPD faculty plus ongoing alumni networking events, ensuring support well beyond graduation.
Fellowship Funding Breakdown
| Covered Expense | What You Receive |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | Full MSc tuition for the entire programme |
| Living Support | On-campus or equivalent accommodation plus a monthly stipend |
| Research Costs | Lab consumables, sequencing runs, software licences |
| Travel & Insurance | Return airfare to South Africa and comprehensive health cover |
There are no hidden costs; the award is genuinely full-ride.
Eligibility Checklist
- Nationality / Residence: Born in and/or currently living in an African country
- Age: 35 years or younger on the day you submit the form
- Academic Background:
- Four-year degree (NQF Level 8 or equivalent) with ≥ 65 % cumulative average
- Acceptable fields include Bioinformatics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Biochemistry, Genetics, or Molecular Biology or related fields
- Gender Balance: Women are strongly encouraged to apply
Unsure if your degree qualifies? Write to the contacts below with your transcript for quick guidance.
How to Apply — Step-by-Step
- Scholarship Application (Deadline 26 June 2025)Complete the form:
African STARS Fellowship application
Upload a CV, degree transcripts, and a motivation letter. - University Admission (Deadlines: 31 Aug 2025 International | 30 Sep 2025 South Africans)Create an account on the Stellenbosch portal:
Apply to SU
Select the MSc in Bioinformatics of Infectious Diseases & Pathogen Genomics (Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences). - Track Your Status & PrepareShort-listed candidates will be invited for a virtual interview in July/August 2025. Final offers issued by October 2025.
Tips for a Winning Application
- Showcase Quantitative Skills: Highlight coding, statistics, or data-science coursework.
- Link Research Interests to African Priorities: Outline how you’ll address diseases such as malaria, TB, or Lassa fever.
- Secure Strong References: Choose referees who can speak to both your technical ability and leadership potential.
- Mind the Deadlines: Late or incomplete submissions are not considered—set reminders.
Key Dates to Remember
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Scholarship form opens | Now |
| Scholarship deadline | 26 June 2025 |
| SU application (International) | 31 Aug 2025 |
| SU application (South Africans) | 30 Sep 2025 |
| Interviews | Jul/Aug 2025 |
| Final decisions | Oct 2025 |
| Programme start | Feb 2026 |
Need Help?
- FAQs: starsfellows.africa/faqs
- Email: [email protected] or [email protected] (Ms Maambele Khosa)
Whether you’re an early-career bioinformatician or a wet-lab scientist looking to pivot,
the African STARS Fellowship provides the resources, mentorship, and network to turn your ambitions into impact.
Apply now—Africa’s next crisis-response breakthroughs could start with you.
Share this opportunity with colleagues and across your networks to help build a stronger, data-driven future for global health.
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