Fully Funded 2025 African STARS MSc Fellowship Now Open — Study Infectious Disease Bioinformatics in South Africa
Want to Use Science to Fight Epidemics? This Fully Funded Master’s Could Be Your Next Big Step
Young African scientists passionate about disease research now have a rare opportunity: applications are open for the 2025 African STARS MSc Fellowship, a fully funded program designed to equip future leaders in infectious disease bioinformatics.
This two-year master’s degree, hosted by Stellenbosch University in South Africa, is run by the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) and Institut Pasteur de Dakar, with major backing from the Mastercard Foundation. The initiative targets African-born or African-based individuals — especially women and early-career researchers — ready to use data and science to transform public health.
What the Programme Offers
The African STARS MSc is more than just a degree. It’s a research-intensive training program designed for the real world.
- Duration: Two years, full-time
- Structure:
- 9 months of intensive coursework:
- Core modules: Statistics and Bioinformatics
- Electives: Infectious Diseases or Pathogen Genomics
- 1+ year of hands-on research at Stellenbosch laboratories
- Extras:
- Career development workshops tailored for African scientists
- Dedicated research supervision and mentorship
What the Scholarship Covers
The scholarship is 100% fully funded — no hidden costs, no agent fees.
It covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Free student housing
- Round-trip flight tickets
- Health insurance
- All research-related costs
Once accepted, you won’t need to pay anything out of pocket.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for this competitive fellowship, you must:
- Be born in Africa or currently residing on the continent
- Be 35 years old or younger
- Hold a four-year degree or BSc Honours (minimum 65%) in any of the following:
- Bioinformatics
- Data Science
- Computer Science
- Mathematics or Statistics
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Or closely related fields
Women applicants are highly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply: Two Simple Steps
You must complete both steps below to be considered:
Step 1: Apply for the Fellowship
- Fill out the scholarship application form on this page
- Deadline: June 26, 2025
Step 2: Apply for MSc Admission at Stellenbosch University
- Submit your university application via the at this official university site
- Deadlines:
- August 31, 2025 for non-South African applicants
- September 30, 2025 for South African applicants
Where to Learn More
Visit the African STARS MSc Fellowship information page to get full details on requirements, program structure, and application links.
Bottom Line:
If you’re passionate about data, science, and solving Africa’s health challenges — this could be your chance to make a real impact. Don’t miss the deadline.
You may also like to read: Kaduna State Opens Applications for 2025 Data Science Fellowship — Earn While You Learn
