Organization: University of Cape Town

Location: South Africa

Duration: 2 years

Type: Full Time

Application Deadline:September 30th, 2025

ABOUT

The University of Cape Town (UCT) invites applications for the Master of Science in Computational Health Informatics (CHIP) for enrolment in 2026. This innovative programme aims to train the next generation of scientists and data specialists to tackle complex health challenges in Africa using cutting-edge tools in biomedical informatics, computational omics, and health data science.

Supported by the NIH-funded COBIP (Computational Omics and Biomedical Informatics Program), this interdisciplinary MSc targets highly motivated individuals with strong academic backgrounds and a passion for using data-driven approaches to transform healthcare and public health on the African continent.

Core Modules

• Bio-Computing
• Bioinformatics Programming with Python
• Machine Learning and Biomedical Data Science

Electives:

• Omics Data Mining
• Population Genomics
• Pharmacogenomics and the Microbiome
• Omics for Industry
• Omics-Wide Association Studies
• Computational Phylogenetics
• Omics Data Generation

Admission Requirements

• Hold a minimum Honours-level qualification (South Africa NQF level 8 or equivalent four-year degree), with an overall average of at least 65%.
• Have a background in a suitable field such as biology, genetics, epidemiology, bioinformatics, computer science, statistics, or engineering.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English (written and spoken).Be computer literate with reliable access to a computer and internet.
• Submit a letter of motivation (max 500 words) outlining their research interests and career aspirations related to biomedical data science.

Scholarship Opportunities

A limited number of full scholarships are available to top candidates on a competitive basis. These scholarships are funded through the NIH COBIP programme (Grant Number: 5U2RTW012131) and support the mission of building data science capacity for Africa-focused biomedical research.

Please note:

• Applying for a scholarship is separate from the programme application.
• Only admitted students will be considered for scholarship awards.

How to Appy:

Log into University of Cape Town online application platform in the link below:

Homepage

After applying to the programme, eligible candidates can apply for the scholarship by sending the following documents to:

chipcobip@gmail.com

1. A 500-word motivation letter detailing your research interests and why you should be considered for the programme and scholarship
2. Your CV
3. Copies of your academic transcripts

For more information:

Visit UCT official website on the link below:

MSc CHIP | Division of Human Genetics