The Mastercard Foundation, in collaboration with Stellenbosch University in South Africa and Institut Pasteur de Dakar in Senegal, is now accepting applications for the 2025 African STARS MSc Fellowship.
This fully funded scholarship covers all costs related to the MSc programme, including tuition fees, accommodation, research costs, healthcare, air travel, and a monthly living stipend.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: South Africa
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipend | Accommodation | Travel Costs | Healthcare | Research Costs
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: June 26, 2025
Scholarship Details
Applications are now open for the 2025 Mastercard African STARS MSc Fellowship. This prestigious program is hosted by the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University in South Africa and Institut Pasteur de Dakar in Senegal, with the support of the Mastercard Foundation.
The African STARS MSc Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for African students to pursue a Master of Science degree in Bioinformatics of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Genomics. The program is designed to develop the next generation of bioinformatics experts on the continent, combining academic excellence with hands-on training and career development support.
The fellowship includes a structured 9-month lecture block covering essential modules in statistics and bioinformatics, followed by elective courses tailored to infectious diseases or pathogen genomics. This is followed by over one year of practical research experience within Stellenbosch University’s leading infectious disease laboratories. Fellows will also receive personalized mentorship and participate in professional development workshops targeted at researchers from low- and middle-income countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Mastercard African STARS MSc Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be born in and/or currently residing in Africa
- Be 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 one of the following or related fields:
- Bioinformatics
- Data Science
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Computer Science
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Women are strongly encouraged to apply
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the Mastercard African STARS MSc Fellowship will receive:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Living stipend
- Research-related expenses
- Air travel expenses
- Health insurance
About the African STARS MSc Fellowship
- Duration: 2 years (February 2026 – January 2028)
- Location: Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Course Structure:
- 9-month lecture block with compulsory and elective modules
- 1+ year of hands-on research training
- Career development workshops and continued mentorship
- Additional Info: For a detailed overview of the MSc programme, consult page 136 of the 2025 Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Yearbook.
How to Apply
To apply for the Mastercard African STARS Scholarship (African STARS MSc Fellowship):
- Step 1:Click here to apply for the African STARS Fellowship (Scholarship)
- Note: This form is for the scholarship application only.
- Deadline: June 26, 2025
- Step 2: Submit a formal application to Stellenbosch University for admission into the MSc programme.
- Deadline for University Admission:
- August 31, 2025 (International applicants)
- September 30, 2025 (South African applicants)
- Deadline for University Admission:
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