Mastercard African STARS Scholarship 2025 – Fully Funded MSc Fellowship for African Students
Are you a young African graduate passionate about solving health challenges through data and research? The Mastercard African STARS Scholarship 2025 is now open for applications. This fully funded MSc Fellowship offers eligible African students the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in Bioinformatics of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Genomics at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
This prestigious program is a collaboration between the Mastercard Foundation, Stellenbosch University, and the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, aiming to build the next generation of Africa’s research leaders in public health, infectious diseases, and genomics.
Mastercard African STARS Scholarship Overview
- Host Institution: Stellenbosch University
- Program Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Degree Level: Master’s (MSc in Bioinformatics of Infectious Diseases & Pathogen Genomics)
- Duration: 2 years (February 2026 – January 2028)
- Eligible Applicants: Citizens or residents of African countries
- Application Deadline: June 26, 2025
- Language Requirement: No IELTS required
What Does the Mastercard African STARS Scholarship Cover?
The African STARS MSc Fellowship is fully funded, ensuring financial stress doesn’t stand in your way. It includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Comfortable on-campus accommodation
- Living stipend for daily expenses
- Research-related expenses and fieldwork support
- Health insurance
- Round-trip air travel to South Africa
This comprehensive package is designed to support students from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds in Africa.
We encourage you to Join us on our different channels if you want to be the first to learn about immigration and scholarship opportunities.
Program Highlights
This master’s program offers rigorous academic and research training, tailored to address Africa’s critical health challenges:
- A 9-month lecture block covering Statistics, Bioinformatics, Infectious Diseases, and Pathogen Genomics
- Over 12 months of hands-on laboratory training and supervised research at Stellenbosch’s world-class facilities
- Exposure to career development workshops focused on leadership, communication, and scientific writing
- Ongoing mentorship from international experts in genomics and public health
- A multicultural, innovative learning environment focused on developing Africa’s research ecosystem
Mastercard African STARS Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Mastercard African STARS MSc Fellowship 2025, applicants must:
- Be born in or residing in Africa
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application
- Hold a BSc Honours degree (NQF Level 8) or equivalent four-year degree with a minimum of 65% in one of the following:
- Bioinformatics
- Biochemistry
- Data Science
- Genetics
- Statistics
- Computer Science
- Molecular Biology
- Mathematics or a related scientific field
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
Important Dates
- Scholarship Application Deadline: June 26, 2025
- University Admission Application Deadline:
- August 31, 2025 for international students
- September 30, 2025 for South African applicants
How to Apply for the Mastercard STARS Fellowship 2025
The application process involves two steps:
Step 1: Apply for the Scholarship
Complete the online scholarship application form using this link:
Apply for the African STARS Scholarship
Step 2: Apply to Stellenbosch University
Submit a formal university admission application to enroll in the MSc Program:
Apply to Stellenbosch University
Ensure you submit both applications before the respective deadlines
Take the Next Step Toward a Global Research Career
The Mastercard African STARS MSc Fellowship 2025 offers a life-changing opportunity for African students to become research leaders in public health and disease genomics. Apply now and be part of a movement transforming Africa’s future through science and innovation.
Official Website: www.starsfellows.africa/apply