SANBI offers a research MSc in Bioinformatics. The programme consist of a combination of research and coursework.

Upon arrival of the accepted candidate at SANBI, our faculty will present possible research projects. The candidate will do a laboratory rotation for the first six weeks, where he/she will spend approximately 2 weeks in each of the faculty’s laboratories. After laboratory rotation, the student will select a supervisor to work with as well as a research topic.

Masters studies normally include the opportunity to visit collaborators and attend courses or conferences relevant to the research project within South Africa or abroad. Visits to foreign laboratories and attendance of conferences are dependant on the performance of the student.

It is expected of MSc candidates to publish their work in peer-reviewed international journals and to present it at laboratory meetings and to wider audiences. All students also participate in journal club meetings, where relevant publications are prepared, presented, and discussed.

Students have to adhere to rules and regulations set out by the University of the Western Cape to obtain their degrees.

A number of funding opportunities exist through which students’ registration fees and living expenses could be covered. For more information on student bursaries, please contact our Postgraduate Student Administrator, Ms Maryam Salie (maryam(at)sanbi.ac.za).

The degree should be completed within two years.

Admission Requirements

Participants in the programme should be in possession of a good Honours (BSc) degree (average score not less than 60%) in a related scientific subject area. Candidates with an undergraduate degree or diploma (M +3) having at least 3-5 years experience will also be considered. Exceptionally, candidates who have shown significant potential, but did not achieve the necessary score requirements, may be considered at the discretion of SANBI Faculty. The case, however, has to be well motivated. The application process requires that all candidates write a short essay on bioinformatics and their role and expectations from the programme. Also, all candidates will be interviewed by Faculty members, after which the decision on acceptance to the programme will be made.

Read more on application instructions and procedures.