Call for Applications: African STARS MBA Fellowship
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Health Care Leadership
The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University (South Africa) and the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) (Senegal), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, invite applications for the African STARS MBA Fellowship; a fully funded opportunity to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Health Care Leadership at Stellenbosch Business School, South Africa.
Programme Overview
This specialised MBA equips professionals with the skills to lead and transform health systems in Africa. It integrates strategic, financial, and operational training with a focus on navigating complex health care environments. The programme is designed for those ready to drive innovation, policy reform, and improved governance in the health sector.
Duration: 2 years, January 2026 – December 2027 Format: Blended learning (online and three in-person blocks in Cape Town, South Africa) Specialisation: Health Care Leadership, with modules in Health Care Finance, Health Systems & Policy, and Value-Based Health Care
Fellowship Funding Overview
The African STARS Fellowship covers the full cost of the MBA, including:
- Full tuition fees
- Application fees (for shortlisted candidates)
- Research-related support
- Access to mentorship and leadership development opportunities
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Living stipend
- Air Travel expense
- Health insurance
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Born in and/or residing in Africa
- Born in and/or currently residing in Africa
- Hold an NQF Level 8 qualification or higher (e.g. Honours, Master’s, PhD, or equivalent)
- Minimum of 3 years’ full-time work experience (health sector preferred)
- Demonstrated leadership potential and motivation to lead change
- Strong communication and commitment to societal development
- Open to both clinical and non-clinical professionals
- Suitable for GPs, clinicians, and senior nurses aiming for leadership
- Relevant to managers in health systems, pharma, tech, or policy
- Ideal for professionals in health insurance, aid, or career switchers to health leadership
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply for the African STARS MBA Fellowship
Click here to apply
Deadline: 31 July 2025
Note: This application form is for the fellowship only.
Step 2: Submit a formal application to Stellenbosch University Business School for admission to the MBA Programme in Health Care Leadership.
Click here to apply/read more
Submit a formal application to Stellenbosch Business School for admission to the
Deadline: 31 October 2025
The application fee will be covered for the shortlisted fellowship candidates.
Contact
For questions or further information, please review the MBA-FAQs. If not covered, please contact:
Maambele Khosa
starsfellows@sun.ac.za | maambele@sun.ac.za