Closing Date: 6 November 2026
AFRITRAC MSc Fellowship Program 2026: Master’s Scholarships in Biostatistics and Epidemiology for Africans
The AFRITRAC MSc Fellowship Program 2026 is inviting applications from qualified African graduates and early-career professionals interested in pursuing advanced training in Biostatistics and Epidemiology. The fellowship provides an opportunity to develop specialised skills in public health research, statistical analysis and the use of health data to strengthen disease surveillance and epidemic preparedness across Africa.
The programme is offered through the African Training Network for Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Infectious Disease Modelling (AFRITRAC), with support from the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) Joint Undertaking. Successful applicants will receive support towards university tuition fees and undertake Master’s-level training at Makerere University or another participating African university within the AFRITRAC consortium.
The initiative targets emerging African professionals who want to build careers in public health research, epidemiology and health data science.
About the AFRITRAC MSc Fellowship Programme
The African Training Network for Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Infectious Disease Modelling (AFRITRAC) is a regional initiative established to strengthen Africa’s capacity to analyse health data, monitor infectious diseases and respond effectively to public health emergencies.
The programme brings together universities, research institutions and public health organisations from Central, Eastern and Western Africa. It aims to address the shortage of specialists with advanced skills in epidemiology, biostatistics and infectious disease modelling.
Through the MSc fellowship, selected candidates will receive postgraduate training in Biostatistics or Epidemiology. The programme combines academic learning with practical research skills to prepare graduates to use scientific evidence in addressing public health challenges.
What the AFRITRAC MSc Fellowship Offers
The fellowship provides several academic and professional development opportunities, including:
- Tuition Fee Support: The AFRITRAC project covers university fees for successful Master’s fellowship recipients.
- Advanced Academic Training: Fellows can pursue Master’s-level studies in Biostatistics or Epidemiology at Makerere University or another participating African university.
- Practical Research Skills: Participants develop quantitative research, statistical analysis and data interpretation skills.
- Public Health Expertise: Training prepares fellows to contribute to infectious disease surveillance, epidemic preparedness and evidence-based health policy.
- Regional Collaboration: Participants become part of a network of emerging African public health professionals and researchers.
The programme also seeks to strengthen research collaboration and improve the availability of skilled professionals who can support public health institutions across the continent.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the AFRITRAC MSc Fellowship Program 2026, applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative discipline, such as Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Epidemiology, Public Health or a related field.
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of a sub-Saharan African country.
- Be an early-career health professional, researcher, public health practitioner or data analyst.
- Demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical abilities.
- Have proficiency in English.
- Possess basic familiarity with statistical software.
- Demonstrate an interest in building a career in health data science and contributing to public health research and policy in Africa.
Applicants should demonstrate how postgraduate training in Biostatistics or Epidemiology aligns with their professional goals and their interest in strengthening African health systems.
Required Application Documents
Interested candidates must prepare the following documents and combine them into a single PDF file in the specified order:
- Academic Certificates: Copies of academic certificates, starting from the Bachelor’s degree onwards.
- Curriculum Vitae: An updated CV of no more than two pages, single-spaced and formatted in Times New Roman.
- Identification Document: A copy of a valid passport or national identity card.
- Statement of Purpose: A statement of no more than 500 words explaining career goals and the potential contribution to strengthening health systems.
- Recommendation Letter: An academic and/or professional recommendation letter.
The completed PDF must contain all five documents and be uploaded at the end of the online application form.
How to Apply for the AFRITRAC MSc Fellowship Program 2026
Applications are submitted online through the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) application platform.
Follow these steps:
- Review the fellowship eligibility requirements.
- Prepare all five required application documents.
- Combine the documents into one PDF file in the specified order.
- Visit the official AFRITRAC application portal.
- Complete the online application form and select Master’s Fellowship as your preferred opportunity.
- Upload the combined PDF and submit your application.
Important: The application form requires all fields to be completed and does not allow applicants to save a partially completed application. Prepare your combined PDF before starting.
Conclusion
The AFRITRAC MSc Fellowship Program 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for African graduates seeking specialised postgraduate training in Biostatistics and Epidemiology. By supporting tuition fees and providing advanced research training, the initiative aims to develop a new generation of public health professionals equipped to address infectious disease challenges and strengthen health systems across Africa.
