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CALL FOR APPLICATION: AFRICAN STARS (YPP AND ATT) FELLOWSHIPS

Application Deadline: 31 January 2026

LOCATION: South Africa

The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University in South Africa and Center for Africa’s Resilience to Epidemics (CARE) at the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) in Senegal are pleased to announce the next call for applications for the African STARS Fellowship Programme. This prestigious initiative, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, aims to develop the next generation of African leaders in genomics and diagnostics.

ELIGIBILITY:

Fellowship Tracks

Advanced and Translational Training (ATT) Fellowship – 4 months

Intensive training in advanced genomics for public health, genomic diagnostic design, and/or vaccine manufacturing.

Designed for early-career scientists and professionals seeking specialized technical training.

Includes leadership development in grants and financial management, team management, and strategic leadership.

Young Professional Programme (YPP) Fellowship – 12 months

Focus on biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship, including placements at commercial companies, industry, or at innovation hubs.

Training in critical thinking, problem-solving, writing, grantsmanship, effective communication, and project management.

Designed for young scientists and entrepreneurs aiming to bridge the gap between research and industry.

Born in and/or living in Africa

35 years old or younger

Relevant postgraduate qualification (minimum Master’s degree, PhD advantageous)

ATT Track: Minimum 3 years of research, innovation, or industry experience

YPP Track: Minimum 5 years experience in research management, innovation, or commercialization; prior experience in biotech startups, innovation hubs, or translational research advantageous

Demonstrated excellence in genomics, diagnostics, biotechnology, or vaccine development

Strong leadership potential and commitment to advancing scientific capacity in Africa

Willingness to remain in Africa to contribute to local scientific, business, and public health initiatives

Fluency in English or French (proficiency in both is an advantage)

Women are strongly encouraged to apply

Completed application form:

ATT Track: Apply here

YPP Track: Apply here

Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Download template

At least one letter of recommendation from academic or professional referees

BENEFIT:

Fellowship Benefits:

Fully funded training, including travel, visa support, and accommodation

Monthly stipend to cover living expenses

Mentorship and career development support

Placement opportunities at leading research institutes, biotechnology hubs, and industry partners

Access to an extensive African STARS Alumni Network for continued collaboration and professional growth

APPLY

SCHOLARSHIPS: MASTER BY RESEARCH AND PH.D. PROGRAMMES OFFERED BY L-UNIVERSITÀ TA’ MALTA (UM)

Application Deadline:  30 April 2026

LOCATION: Malta

The University of Malta seeks to attract top quality students from countries outside the European Union/EEA and is offering tuition fee waivers of 40 to 100 per cent awarded to most deserving students.  Bench fees for certain programmes may still apply.  The fee waiver will apply for the normal duration of the programme being followed.  If extensions of the period of study are required, these may not necessarily be eligible for a fee waiver.

Only applicants who have been accepted unconditionally to read for a master’s by research or a Ph.D. on a full-time or part-time basis are eligible to apply.

ELIGIBILITY:

These scholarships are available to non-EU/EEA applicants who have been accepted unconditionally to read for a master by research or a Ph.D. on a full-time or part-time basis.

How to apply for UM Doctoral Studies    

How to apply for Masters by Research*  

Masters Programmes ‘mainly by research’ refers to programmes where the dissertation/project is assigned 60 ECTS or more.

Students are to submit a request to be considered for a fee waiver by sending an email to the International Office indicating the UM Applicant ID (student number) as shown in the letter of acceptance and ‘University of Malta Postgraduate Scholarship Application’ in the subject line.

Requests for these scholarships will be evaluated by a UM Ph.D. and Masters (by research) Degree Scholarship Selection Board whose decision shall be final.

The following documents should be attached to the application email:

Copy of the Acceptance Letter

Detailed Curriculum Vitae, and

A motivational letter, and

Copy of Passport (details page)

For each candidate, the International Office will request an Academic Recommendation Form from the Head of Department, Supervisor, or Director of the academic area concerned.  This document seeks to provide insight into the academic aspects of the research.

Candidates that meet the necessary eligibility requirements will be invited to attend an online interview with the Ph.D. and Masters (by research) Degree Scholarship Selection Board.  

Scholarship applications from students who have already started their programme of studies at the UM cannot be considered.

Requests are to be submitted within one month of receipt of the unconditional letter of acceptance, taking into consideration also the deadlines indicated below:   

Next deadline: 30 April 2026

Applicants who are in receipt of a full scholarship (covering tuition fees and living costs) from another sponsoring organisation are not eligible to apply.  However, applicants who hold a partial scholarship or maintenance grant to cover living costs from another organisation may be considered.  Such a scholarship should be disclosed to the Selection Committee when applying.

PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED THAT FOR COURSES STARTING IN OCTOBER, SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE 30TH OF APRIL, 2026.

BENEFIT:

The scholarships consist of the partial to full waiving of the annual tuition fee applicable for the master by research or Ph.D. Programme being followed.  The scholarship does not provide support for travel costs to and living costs in Malta.  The applicants will need to ensure they have the means to support themselves throughout their studies in Malta.

APPLY