African STARS MSc Fellowship 2025 for Researchers (Fully-funded)

Applications are invited for the African STARS MSc Fellowship 2025. 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.

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. The program includes:

• 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.

Funding of MSc Fellowship

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

Check : Afreximbank Flagship Accelerator Program 2025 for African Entrepreneurs (up to $250,000)

Eligibility for MSc Fellowship

• 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.

Also Check : Karsh International Scholarship 2025 at Duke University in USA | Fully Funded

Application

• 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)

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