MAGNETS Fellowship 2026: Funded Master’s in Malaria Genomic Epidemiology at CISM, Mozambique
MAGNETS Fellowship 2026: Funded Master’s in Malaria Genomic Epidemiology at CISM, Mozambique
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Deadline: 30 October 2026, at 23:59 Central Africa Time (CAT)
Location: Mozambique
Available positions in this round: 3
Last verified: 27 October 2026
Three funded Master’s fellowships are available through the MAGNETS programme for eligible researchers interested in malaria genomic epidemiology and biostatistics. However, the current application round is specific to the Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM) in Mozambique.
If you work at a malaria or infectious disease institution in sub-Saharan Africa, this may be worth considering. Read the eligibility requirements carefully before preparing an application, because this is not a general scholarship for all university students.
Official application page:
https://magnetsfellowship.org/call-for-applications/
Apply directly:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWEMMQ2veeEk0yVDe4dxBPZGimgIBruIp2W6L0gdQaRgBOjg/viewform?usp=header
Download the application guidelines:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LiGtmidvHih-8gjGleatzUzhoypQM9DQ/view
What is the MAGNETS Fellowship?
MAGNETS stands for Malaria Genomic Epidemiology and Biostatistics Network for Enhancing Talent in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The initiative is funded through the European Union’s Global Health EDCTP3 programme. It aims to develop research capacity in malaria genomic epidemiology and biostatistics through structured training and research experience at participating African institutions.
The broader programme offers fully funded Master’s-level fellowships at four African host institutions. However, the application deadlines differ by institution.
As of 27 October 2026, the official call page lists the CISM round in Mozambique as open. The rounds associated with AHRI, IDRC and WHC/NICD are closed.
Applicants should therefore use the current CISM call rather than relying on older announcements about the other institutions.
What does the fellowship cover?
According to the official MAGNETS call, the fellowship provides:
- Full tuition fees for an approved Master’s programme
- A monthly living stipend
- A personal laptop and access to high-performance computing
- Workshops and analytical bootcamps
- Participation in one regional conference
- Mentorship from malaria research experts
- Career development and individual development planning
The official call page does not specify the exact monthly stipend amount. Applicants should consult the guidelines or contact the programme for any financial details they need clarified.
Who can apply?
The programme is intended for early- and mid-career researchers working in malaria or infectious disease institutions in sub-Saharan Africa.
The official call identifies relevant academic backgrounds that include:
- Biological sciences
- Medicine
- Statistics
- Public health
- Economics
- Related disciplines
Applicants must also satisfy the admission requirements of an eligible Master’s programme.
The language requirement depends on the programme of study. The official call identifies English or Portuguese as possible languages of instruction.
Successful fellows must commit to working in a relevant role in sub-Saharan Africa for at least two years after completing the fellowship.
The programme encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups. Previous genomics experience is not required, and career gaps will not be penalised, according to the official call.
Is this fellowship suitable for undergraduate students?
Not generally as a direct undergraduate scholarship.
The fellowship is aimed at researchers who already work at malaria or infectious disease institutions in sub-Saharan Africa and who can meet the requirements for an eligible Master’s programme.
Being enrolled in a public health or biological sciences degree does not, by itself, establish eligibility.
If you are still an undergraduate, you can use the programme as a pathway to plan toward: relevant research experience, institutional affiliation, postgraduate admission and the professional relationships needed for future applications.
What documents are required?
The official call lists five main application documents:
- Statement of interest: Up to 1,000 words.
- Curriculum vitae: Up to four pages.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Academic transcripts.
- Post-fellowship employment guarantee letter.
Do not leave the recommendation letters and employment guarantee letter until the final day. These documents may require action from referees, supervisors or employers, so contact the relevant people early.
Read the official guidelines to confirm the format and any additional instructions before submitting.
How to apply for the MAGNETS Fellowship
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Read the official call
Visit the MAGNETS application page and confirm that the CISM round remains open.
Official page:
https://magnetsfellowship.org/call-for-applications/
Step 2: Confirm your eligibility
Check that your research affiliation, academic background and professional experience meet the programme’s requirements.
You must also qualify for an eligible Master’s programme in epidemiology, statistics or a programme with sufficient relevant training.
Step 3: Review the guidelines
Read the application guidelines for the proposed research areas, suggested Master’s programmes, supervisors and selection process.
Guidelines:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LiGtmidvHih-8gjGleatzUzhoypQM9DQ/view
Step 4: Prepare the required documents
Prepare your statement of interest and CV. Request both recommendation letters and the employment guarantee letter early enough to allow the relevant people to respond.
Step 5: Submit the application
Use the official application form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWEMMQ2veeEk0yVDe4dxBPZGimgIBruIp2W6L0gdQaRgBOjg/viewform?usp=header
Deadline: Friday, 30 October 2026, at 23:59 CAT.
That is 21:59 in Liberia and Ghana, and 22:59 in Nigeria.
Submit before the deadline and allow time to resolve any technical problems.
Important things to understand before applying
The fellowship does not guarantee Master’s admission
Applicants are responsible for securing admission to an eligible Master’s programme. The fellowship award is conditional on admission.
The open application round is institution-specific
The CISM round in Mozambique is currently open. The official page lists the AHRI, IDRC and WHC/NICD rounds as closed.
The professional commitment matters
Applicants must be prepared to work in a relevant role in sub-Saharan Africa for at least two years after the fellowship.
Check every requirement before submitting
An opportunity may appear suitable based on its title but still have eligibility conditions that exclude an applicant. Confirm the full requirements before investing time in the application.
Frequently asked questions
How many positions are available?
The official call lists three positions for the CISM round in Mozambique.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
The programme describes its Master’s fellowships as fully funded. The stated support includes approved tuition, a monthly living stipend, computing resources, training and mentorship.
How much is the monthly stipend?
The exact amount is not stated on the main application page. Consult the guidelines or contact the programme for clarification.
Can I apply if I have no previous genomics experience?
The official call states that previous genomics experience is not required. However, applicants must still meet the programme’s research-affiliation and academic eligibility requirements.
Does receiving the fellowship guarantee admission to a Master’s programme?
No. Applicants must secure admission to an eligible programme. The fellowship is conditional on admission.
Where can I find the official application form?
Use the official MAGNETS call page or the direct application form linked above.
Final reminder
The MAGNETS Fellowship offers a relevant opportunity for eligible researchers seeking advanced training in malaria genomic epidemiology and biostatistics. The most important step is to establish eligibility before preparing the application.
If you qualify, review the guidelines and begin assembling your documents now. The deadline is 30 October 2026.
If you are not eligible, consider sharing this opportunity with a colleague who works in malaria or infectious disease research.
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Official links
- MAGNETS call page: https://magnetsfellowship.org/call-for-applications/
- Direct application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWEMMQ2veeEk0yVDe4dxBPZGimgIBruIp2W6L0gdQaRgBOjg/viewform?usp=header
- Application guidelines: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LiGtmidvHih-8gjGleatzUzhoypQM9DQ/view
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