Applications are now open for the African STARS Fellowship Programme 2026, a fully funded initiative designed for young Nigerian and African students passionate about science, health, genomics, and biotechnology innovation.
Supported by the Mastercard Foundation, this prestigious fellowship offers high-impact training and professional development opportunities for aspiring leaders in epidemic response, diagnostics, vaccine development, and biotech entrepreneurship across Africa.
Scholarship Summary
- Programme Name: African STARS Fellowship Programme
- Host Institutions:
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), Stellenbosch University, South Africa
- Center for Africa’s Resilience to Epidemics (CARE), Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD), Senegal
- Study Location: South Africa | Senegal
- Category: Fellowships | Research Training | Professional Development
- Eligible Countries: All African Countries
- Target Applicants: Nigerian and African Students & Young Professionals
- Programme Tracks:
- Advanced and Translational Training (ATT) Fellowship
- Young Professional Programme (YPP) Fellowship
Scholarship Details
The African STARS Fellowship Programme is a flagship initiative jointly delivered by CERI at Stellenbosch University and CARE at Institut Pasteur de Dakar, aimed at strengthening Africa’s capacity in epidemic preparedness and biotechnology innovation. The programme focuses on building advanced expertise in genomics, diagnostics, vaccine manufacturing, and biotechnology entrepreneurship, equipping fellows with the skills needed to tackle Africa’s public health challenges.
The fellowship is structured into two distinct tracks. The Advanced and Translational Training (ATT) Fellowship is a 4–6 month intensive programme that provides hands-on training in advanced genomics, diagnostic development, and vaccine manufacturing alongside leadership and research skills. The Young Professional Programme (YPP) Fellowship runs for 12 months and focuses on biotechnology entrepreneurship, innovation, commercialization, and industry placements. Both tracks are designed to prepare participants for leadership roles within Africa’s growing health and innovation ecosystem.
Programme Tracks & Duration
- Advanced and Translational Training (ATT) Fellowship:
- Duration: 4–6 months
- Focus: Genomics, diagnostics, vaccine design, leadership training
- Young Professional Programme (YPP) Fellowship:
- Duration: 12 months
- Focus: Biotechnology entrepreneurship, innovation, commercialization, and industry placements
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the African STARS Fellowship Programme 2026 will receive:
- Full funding covering travel costs, visa support, accommodation, and living expenses
- Monthly stipend throughout the fellowship duration
- Hands-on training at leading institutions in South Africa or Senegal
- Mentorship from experts in genomics, biotechnology, and public health
- Career development training in leadership, grantsmanship, and project management
- Access to the African STARS Alumni Network for long-term collaboration and career opportunities
- Medical insurance during the fellowship period
- Possible childcare support for longer programmes (subject to review)
- Certificate of completion or, for selected fellows, academic qualifications such as MSc or MBA
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the African STARS Fellowship Programme 2026, applicants must:
- Be born in and/or currently living in Africa
- Be 35 years old or younger at the start of the fellowship
- Hold a relevant postgraduate qualification (minimum of a Master’s degree; PhD is an advantage)
- Demonstrate excellence in genomics, diagnostics, biotechnology, or vaccine development
- Show strong leadership potential and commitment to working in Africa
- Be fluent in English or French (fluency in both is an advantage)
Additional Track-Specific Requirements
- ATT Fellowship:
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in research, innovation, or industry
- YPP Fellowship:
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in research management, innovation, or commercialization
- Experience in startups or innovation hubs is an added advantage
Women and candidates with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Required Documents
To apply for this fellowship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Completed online application form (separate forms for ATT and YPP tracks)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) using the official provided template
- At least one letter of recommendation addressed to the Selection Committee
- A short video pitching a novel research or project idea
- Certified copies of academic qualifications (required if selected)
- SAQA evaluation for foreign degrees (for MSc or MBA tracks only)
No application fee is required.
How to Apply
To apply for the African STARS Fellowship Programme 2026, interested and qualified candidates should:
- Choose the appropriate fellowship track (ATT or YPP)
- Download and complete the official CV template
- Prepare the required documents, including recommendation letter and video pitch
- Complete the online application form for the selected track
- Indicate preferred training location (South Africa or Senegal) and language (English or French)
- Submit the application before the deadline
Only online applications will be accepted. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two months of submission.
To begin application, click HERE
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