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  The Centre for Epidemic Response & Innovation (CERI) has launched applications for its African STARS fellowship program for 2025.
Read more about Opportunities
The African STARS fellowship program represents a collaboration between CERI at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, the Institut Pasteur de Dakar in Senegal, and the Mastercard Foundation. The fellowship provides comprehensive funding for candidates to complete a Master of Science degree in Bioinformatics of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Genomics at Stellenbosch University.

Program Overview

The fellowship supports a comprehensive two-year multidisciplinary master’s program specifically created to develop African researchers’ capabilities in cutting-edge infectious disease and pathogen genomics research.
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Key Program Features:

  • Timeline: February 2026 through January 2028 (24 months total).
  • Host Institution: Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • Academic Structure: Nine months of coursework featuring mandatory Statistics and Bioinformatics training, plus specialised elective modules in either Infectious Diseases or Pathogen Genomics to accommodate evolving research needs.
  • Research Component: More than 12 months of practical research experience in Stellenbosch University’s internationally recognised infectious disease research facilities, culminating in a bioinformatics research project.
  • Professional Development: Specialised career advancement workshops designed for researchers from low- and middle-income countries.
  • Support System: Continuous guidance from experienced supervisors at Stellenbosch and collaborating institutions.

Who Can Apply

Candidates must satisfy these conditions:
  1. African birth and/or current residence in Africa.
  2. The maximum age of 35 years when applying.
  3. Possession of a BSc Honours degree (NQF level 8) or comparable four-year undergraduate degree with a minimum 65% average in:
  4. Bioinformatics, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or closely related disciplines.
  5. Female applicants are particularly encouraged to participate.
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Fellowship Coverage

The African STARS Fellowship provides complete financial support, encompassing:
  1. Full tuition payment
  2. Housing arrangements
  3. Monthly living allowance
  4. Research project funding
  5. International flight costs
  6. Medical insurance coverage
Application Deadline: June 26, 2025. Click HERE to apply.
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This article was first published on 19th June 2025 and updated on June 23rd, 2025 at 1:39 pm

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