Who This Is For
This African STARS Fellowship is explicitly designed for ambitious, early-to-mid career professionals and nascent entrepreneurs across Africa who possess a demonstrable, fervent passion for tackling epidemic response and fostering health innovation.
If you are an African national, actively working within the health sector, or leading an early-stage health-tech/health-solution venture – perhaps even pre-seed or idea-stage – that addresses critical epidemic challenges, this is for you.
The selectors are hunting for individuals who aren't just looking for funding, but for a transformative leadership development experience, mentorship, and a robust network to amplify their impact.
You must be driven by a desire to contribute tangibly to Africa's health security and possess a clear vision for how this fellowship will accelerate your specific project or career trajectory in this domain.
This is not for passive learners; it's for proactive change-makers.
Who Should NOT Apply
Do NOT apply if you are not an African national, or if your primary professional interest lies outside the specific domains of epidemic response and health innovation.
This fellowship is unsuitable for established, well-funded startups seeking significant capital investment or late-stage scaling support; it's a developmental program, not a venture fund.
Likewise, senior professionals merely seeking a sabbatical or a research grant without a strong leadership and impact-driven agenda will be a poor fit.
If you lack a clear, articulated passion for solving critical health challenges in Africa or are simply looking for a 'fully funded' opportunity without genuine commitment to the program's core mission, save your time and theirs.
What the Selectors Are Actually Looking For
Beyond the explicit requirements, the selection committee at CERI is unequivocally seeking genuine evidence of leadership potential and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.
They want individuals who have already demonstrated initiative, even if on a small scale, in health innovation or epidemic response. This means your application must vividly showcase your current contributions, future aspirations, and a clear understanding of the complexities of health challenges in Africa.
For entrepreneurs, they're looking for innovative ideas with scalability potential and a strong understanding of market/community needs, not just technical prowess.
They prioritize applicants who can articulate precisely how the fellowship's resources – leadership training, mentorship, and networking – will directly enable them to make a significant, measurable impact.
Expect them to scrutinize your ability to collaborate, adapt, and drive change within resource-constrained environments, ensuring you embody the 'STAR' (Skills, Talent, Ambition, Resilience) ethos.
Key Facts
- •Opportunity Name: The African STARS Fellowship Programme 2026 for young health professionals and Entrepreneurs
- •Host Organization: The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University
- •Program Type: Fellowship, fully funded
- •Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- •Target Regions: Africa (applicants must be from Africa)
- •Key Domains: Health, with a specific focus on epidemic response and innovation
- •Eligible Applicants: Young health professionals and entrepreneurs
- •Key Benefits: Fully funded, leadership training, mentorship, networking opportunities, research opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'young health professionals and entrepreneurs' specifically mean regarding age or career stage?
While no specific age range is provided, 'young' typically implies early to mid-career professionals or entrepreneurs who are not yet established leaders, but possess significant potential and drive. It's about your stage of development and ambition, rather than a strict age limit.
Is prior direct experience in epidemic response mandatory, or is passion sufficient?
The eligibility states 'passionate about contributing to epidemic response and innovation.' While prior experience is beneficial, a strong, demonstrable passion coupled with relevant skills or an innovative idea in the health domain is likely sufficient. Show how your background connects to this crucial area.
What kind of 'entrepreneurs' are they looking for? Must I have a registered company?
They are seeking entrepreneurs focused on health innovation and epidemic response. While a registered company is advantageous, the fellowship targets individuals, implying early-stage ventures, even idea-stage, where the individual's vision and leadership potential are paramount. Your idea's relevance and potential impact are key.
Does 'fully funded' cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses, or just program fees?
The description states 'fully funded' without specific breakdown. Typically, fully funded fellowships cover program tuition/fees and often include support for travel, accommodation, and a stipend for living expenses, but applicants should confirm the exact scope during the application process or directly with CERI.
Given the deadline is January 2026, when would the program actually commence?
With a January 2026 deadline, the selection process would likely conclude in mid-2026, with the program commencing in late 2026 or early 2027. This long lead time allows for thorough application review and participant preparation.
Startup911's Take
This is an exceptionally high-value opportunity, particularly for African health professionals and early-stage health entrepreneurs. The 'fully funded' aspect, combined with leadership training, mentorship, and networking from an institution like Stellenbosch University's CERI, makes it highly competitive.
Its value extends far beyond mere financial support; it's a strategic launchpad for significant impact and career acceleration within the critical domain of epidemic response.
The January 2026 deadline offers a rare luxury: ample time to craft an impeccable, highly strategic application. Our advice: do not squander this time.
Start building your narrative now. Clearly articulate your unique contribution to epidemic response or health innovation in Africa, demonstrating not just passion, but a tangible vision and leadership potential.
For entrepreneurs, explicitly connect your venture's mission to the fellowship's goals and how this program will directly enable your solution to scale or achieve greater impact.
Leverage the long lead time to refine your proposal, seek feedback, and align your profile perfectly with CERI's mission. This fellowship is a strategic investment in future African health leadership – position yourself as that investment.