The Centre for Epidemic Response & Innovation (CERI) African STARS fellowship 2025

June 10, 2025
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Bursary Description


Application Deadline: 26 June 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 Centre for Epidemic Response & Innovation (CERI) African STARS 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.

Program Details

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.

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

Benefits

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

How to 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)

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the African STARS fellowship