African STARS Fellowship Programme 2025 for Entrepreneurs

The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University (South Africa) and the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) (Senegal) invite applications for the African STARS Fellowship Programme, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. This prestigious initiative is designed to train the next generation of African leaders in genomics, diagnostics, vaccine development, and biotechnology innovation.

Fellowship Opportunities

Advanced and Translational Training (ATT) Fellowship (4 months)

• Advanced genomics for public health
• Genomic diagnostic design
• Vaccine & biomanufacturing

Young Professional Programme (YPP) Fellowship (12 months)

• Research management
• Innovation & entrepreneurship
• Infectious diseases R&D for diagnostics
• Innovations to enhance patient outcomes in Africa

• Table of Content
• About Africa STARS Fellowship
• African STARS Fellowship Programme
• Aim and Benefits of African STARS Fellowship Programme
• Requirements for African STARS Fellowship Programme Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Africa STARS Fellowship

Starting in 2025, Africa STARS Fellowship was established as an advanced training initiative to nurture and develop the next generation of high calibre scientists, innovators, policy makers and health care leaders in Africa. Africa has the fastest-growing young population in the world, projected to make up nearly half of the global youth by 2100. Currently, young Africans have limited formal employment opportunities – a challenge that is expected to intensify as the continent’s workforce expands to over a billion people in the coming decades. Compounding this issue, Africa bears... continue reading

African STARS Fellowship Programme

Aim and Benefits of African STARS Fellowship Programme

• Fully funded training (travel, visa, accommodation)
• Monthly stipend
• Mentorship & career development
• Placement in top research institutes, biotech hubs & industry partners
• Join a powerful African STARS Alumni Network

Requirements for African STARS Fellowship Programme Qualification

• Born in and/or living in Africa
• 35 years old or younger
• Relevant degree (Bachelor’s minimum; MSc/PhD preferred)
• Experience in genomics, diagnostics, biotech, or vaccine development
• Leadership potential & commitment to Africa’s scientific growth
• Fluent in English or French (both is an advantage)
• Women are strongly encouraged to apply

Application Deadline

How to Apply

• Apply for ATT Fellowship: Apply here
• Apply for YPP Fellowship: Apply here

For more details, visit African STARS Fellowship webpage