African STARS Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded) – ATT & YPP for Africans

This is a prestigious continental fellowship designed to equip early-career scientists and young professionals from Africa with advanced technical and leadership skills in genomics, diagnostics, vaccine design, biotechnology, and innovation. Applications for both the Advanced and Translational Training (ATT) track and the Young Professional Programme (YPP) track are currently open.

Quick Opportunity Snapshot

• Host Institutions: Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI, Stellenbosch University, South Africa) & Centre for Africa’s Resilience to Epidemics (CARE, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Senegal)
• Supported by: Mastercard Foundation
• Tracks: Advanced and Translational Training (ATT) – 4 months, Young Professional Programme (YPP) – 12 months
• Region: Africa-wide eligibility
• Fellowship Type: Fully funded fellowship

Application Deadline

31 January 2026 (final date to submit your application via the official portal). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Who Can Apply

This opportunity is open to candidates who:

• Are born in and/or living in Africa
• Are aged 35 years or younger at the time of application
• Hold a relevant postgraduate qualification (minimum Master’s degree; PhD advantageous)
• Have relevant research, innovation, or industry experience (ATT: ~3+ years; YPP: ~5+ years) in areas such as genomics, diagnostics, biotechnology, or vaccine development
• Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to advancing Africa’s health and innovation sectors
• Are proficient in English or French (fluency in both is an advantage)

What the Opportunity Offers

• Fully funded training including travel, visa support, and accommodation
• Monthly stipend for living expenses
• Hands-on technical training and upskilling in genomics, diagnostics, vaccine research, biotechnology innovation, or research management
• Leadership and professional development workshops
• Mentorship and structured career support
• Placement opportunities at leading research institutes, innovation hubs, or industry partners
• Access to the African STARS Alumni Network for long-term collaboration and growth

About the Program

The African STARS Fellowship is a flagship programme that strengthens Africa’s capacity to respond to health challenges through cutting-edge scientific and technological expertise. It offers two tailored tracks — the ATT track focuses on advanced technical training in genomics, diagnostics, and vaccine manufacturing, while the YPP track blends innovation, entrepreneurship and industry placement with comprehensive skills development. The programme fosters a network of scientists and innovators who are equipped to lead transformational work across the continent. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Why This Opportunity Is Worth Considering

This fellowship is one of the few fully funded opportunities specifically designed to build deep technical expertise and leadership capacity for Africans in high-impact scientific fields. Whether your career goal is to drive research, improve public health systems, or lead innovation ecosystems, the African STARS Fellowship provides the training, mentorship, and network to accelerate your impact across Africa and beyond.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted directly through the official African STARS Fellowship portal. Select the track you are applying to (ATT or YPP) and complete the online application form along with the required documents, including your CV and at least one letter of recommendation.

Practical Application Tips

• Begin your application early and review all eligibility criteria carefully before submitting.
• Tailor your CV to highlight research, innovation, or biotech experience relevant to your chosen track.
• Ask your referees well in advance to submit strong recommendation letters that speak to your leadership and technical skills.
• Ensure your supporting documents (CV, recommendation letters) are clear and professionally formatted.
• Proofread your online application to avoid any errors before final submission.

Application Template to Use

Below is a suggested structure you can adapt for your personal statement or motivation section when applying to either track:

1. Personal Introduction
State your full name, current role, country of residence, and which track (ATT or YPP) you’re applying for.

2. Professional Background
Summarize your education and relevant work or research experience. Focus on achievements in genomics, diagnostics, biotechnology, public health, or innovation. 

3. Motivation
Explain why this fellowship matters to your career goals and how you plan to use the training to impact your community or field.

4. Leadership and Impact
Describe a challenge you have led through or a project where you demonstrated leadership and problem-solving.

5. Future Plans
Articulate how the fellowship will help you achieve your long-term goals and contribute to Africa’s scientific and health sectors.

6. Closing
Reaffirm your passion, readiness, and commitment to contribute to the African STARS Fellowship community.