The African STARS MBA Fellowship is a 2-year, part-time Master of Business Administration in Health Care Leadership (MBA HCL) at Stellenbosch Business School in South Africa. It’s delivered in partnership with the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD), and funded by the Mastercard Foundation. The program empowers mid-career African health professionals with managerial, financial, and strategic skills to lead healthcare systems transformation across the continent combining rigorous academic modules, blended learning, leadership mentorship, and research.

Location (country/city)

Country: South Africa
City/Campus: Bellville Park Campus, Stellenbosch (near Cape Town)
Delivery includes online coursework with three in-person residencies in Cape Town, plus an international study module at a partner institution.

Funding

The fellowship fully covers:

• MBA tuition and application fees
  
  
• Accommodation during contact blocks
  
  
• Living stipend
  
  
• Health insurance and air travel
  
  
• Research support and leadership development
  
  
• Some costs of international study exchange
  
  

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: African-born or resident
  
  
• Age: ≤ 35 years
  
  
• Professional Experience: Minimum of 3 years full-time work in the health sector
  
  
• Preferred Backgrounds: Clinicians (MBChB/MD), senior nurses (BSN), medical managers (MPH, PhD), or healthcare leaders (e.g., pharmaceutical, lab, regulatory sector roles)
  
  

Application Date

• Fellowship application opens early June 2025
  
  
• Deadline: 31 July 2025 for STARS MBA Fellowship form
  
  

Application Deadline

• 31 July 2025: African STARS MBA Fellowship form
  
  
• 31 October 2025: Follow-up application to Stellenbosch Business School (application fee waived for fellows)
  
  

Duration of Program or Opportunity

• Two years: January 2026 – December 2027
  
  
• Delivery Mode: Part-time blended (online modules + on-site residencies + international exchange)
  
  

Application Process

1. Fellowship Application: Submit STARS Fellowship form by 31 July 2025
   
   
2. MBA Admission: Shortlisted candidates apply to Stellenbosch Business School by 31 October 2025 (application fee waived)
   
   
3. Evaluation: Includes academic & professional credentials, references, and leadership potential
   
   
4. SAQA Evaluation: For non-South African qualifications prior to enrollment if accepted
5. Notification: Successful candidates are informed after the Stellenbosch selection process
   
   

Application Website

• Program Details & Application: Stellenbosch Business School – African STARS MBA Fellowship https://www.stellenboschbusiness.ac.za/african-stars-mba-fellowship
  
  
  
• FAQs & Contact:
  
  
  
  • Maambele Khosa – starsfellows@sun.ac.za
    
    
  • Stellenbosch Business School Admissions – info@stellenboschbusiness.ac.za 

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