Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (Science) at Stellenbosch University

Programme overview

The Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is a two-year, full-thesis multidisciplinary programme offered across the Faculties of AgriSciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, and Science. Students enrol in the faculty where their research focus and supervisor are based and graduate from that faculty.

Faculty: AgriSciences | Department: Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | Duration: Two years | Intake: Applications open 1 April 2026; South African applicants close 31 October 2026, international applicants close 30 September 2026 | Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

A 100% thesis (180 credits) based on independent research on an approved topic set by the supervisor(s), examined by appointed examiners and an oral examination.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A BScHons degree in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics or Molecular Biology; or an applicable BScHons in a biological field; or a BScHons in Computer Science, Informatics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or Statistics, or a mathematics-related field; or any other academic degree with appropriate experience assessed through RPL and approved by the Senate. The Postgraduate Committee of the Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology may prescribe additional studies. Applicants must upload email evidence of contact with a prospective supervisor and a 1-3 page research proposal.

The application fee is R100 for South African citizens, permanent residents and refugee, asylum seeker and diplomatic status holders, and R400 for international applicants. Stellenbosch Business School applicants pay R1050 for the MBA and R850 for other SBS programmes. Some applicants are exempt; application fees are non-refundable.

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