Master of Science in Bioinformatics of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Genomics (Option 2) at Stellenbosch University

Programme overview

The Master of Science in Bioinformatics of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Genomics is a two-year multidisciplinary programme for students with a biological background, teaching bioinformatics techniques and tools used in infectious diseases and pathogen genomics research. This listing is offered through the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences | Department: Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | Duration: Two years | Intake: Applications open 1 April 2026; SA applications close 30 September 2026; international applications close 31 August 2026. | Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Nine months of compulsory and elective modules followed by independent research leading to a thesis. Compulsory: Bioinformatics 811, Algorithms and Machine Learning in Bioinformatics 812, Python for Bioinformatics 813, R language for Bioinformatics 814 and Bioinformatics Research Project in Health Sciences 871 (90 credits); one elective from Infectious Diseases 845 or Pathogen Genomics 846.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Specific admission requirements (programme): a BSc Honours degree (NQF level 8) in Bioinformatics, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology or a related field; a professional 480-credit bachelor's degree (NQF level 8) in those fields; or another degree with appropriate experience assessed through RPL and approved by the relevant Faculty Board. A minimum of 65% in the preceding qualification is required. Selection is on academic merit and places are limited.

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.

Explore more study programmes

STEM