African STARS MSc Scholarship 2025-2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Jun 14
- 3 min read
If you’re an early-career scientist hailing from Africa with a passion for bioinformatics and infectious diseases, the African STARS MSc Scholarship 2025 is now open—and fully funded! This prestigious opportunity, offered by CERI at Stellenbosch University in partnership with Institut Pasteur de Dakar and supported by the Mastercard Foundation, enables talented African researchers to pursue an MSc in Bioinformatics of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Genomics at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
📚 Scholarship Summary
Location: Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
Host Institutions: Centre for Epidemic Response & Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University; Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD), Senegal
Study Level: Master’s (MSc) in Bioinformatics of Infectious Diseases & Pathogen Genomics
Target Group: African nationals (born or resident), age ≤ 35; women strongly encouraged
Fields of Study: Bioinformatics, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, and related fields
Funding: Fully funded—including tuition, accommodation, living stipend, research costs, airfare, and health insurance
Award Duration: 2 years (February 2026 – January 2028) consisting of coursework and research
Application Deadlines:
Fellowship: 26 June 2025
Stellenbosch University admission: 31 August 2025 (international); 30 September 2025 (South African applicants)
Eligible To: African nationals or long-term residents, aged ≤ 35, holding a ≥ 65% 4-year degree or BSc Honours (NQF Level 8) in relevant fields
🎓 Scholarship Overview
The African STARS MSc programme is a two-year, multidisciplinary training initiative designed to equip future African leaders in pathogen genomics and bioinformatics:
Year 1:
Structured 9-month lecture block covering Statistics & Bioinformatics (core), plus elective capita selecta modules in Infectious Diseases or Pathogen Genomics
Includes career development workshops tailored for LMIC researchers
Year 2:
Over 1 year of hands-on research training in top-tier infectious disease laboratories at Stellenbosch University, culminating in a bioinformatics research project
Continuous support via dual mentorship—supervisors from Stellenbosch and partner institutions (e.g., Institut Pasteur), plus access to virtual mentors from collaborating international institutions
Fellows benefit from a strong career support system including workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities across participating institutions.
🎁 Benefits
Comprehensive financial support covering tuition, accommodation, living stipend, research costs, airfare, and health insurance
Access to world-class facilities and hands-on research training in infectious disease bioinformatics labs
Mentorship, professional development, and a peer network comprising future African science leaders
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Born in and/or currently living in Africa
Age 35 or younger at application time
Hold a BSc Honours (NQF Level 8) or equivalent 4-year degree with ≥ 65% in relevant disciplines
Women are strongly encouraged to apply
📝 Application Procedure
Step 1: Scholarship Application
Complete the scholarship pre-selection form at the African STARS portal
Deadline: 26 June 2025
Step 2: University Admission
Apply separately to Stellenbosch University for MSc admission:
31 August 2025 (international students)
30 September 2025 (South African applicants)
Step 3: Selection Stages
Short-listed applicants are invited for interviews in August 2025, followed by admission decisions in September, and scholarship award notification by October 2025
📂 Documents Required
CV / résumé
Academic transcripts & degree certificates
Personal statement / motivation letter
Two academic or professional references
Proof of ID/nationality (e.g. passport)
(Applicants should verify the precise list via the official portal.)
💡 How to Strengthen Your Application
Highlight any research or project experience in bioinformatics, genomics, or statistics.
Emphasize commitment to Africa, and how your training will benefit your community post-graduation.
Include evidence of leadership, teamwork, and alignment with Mastercard Foundation’s goals.
Demonstrate motivation for infectious disease work and willingness to engage in field-relevant projects.
Ensure timely submission of both scholarship and formal university applications.
📞 Contact & Further Information
Email: Maambele Khosa at starsfellows@sun.ac.za or maambele@sun.ac.za
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
