Master of Science in Tropical Medicine - SAHRI Fellowship

Eligibility for admission is based on the following criteria:

The prior higher education degree of applicants. Students with one of the following master degrees, or equivalent university degree of 240 credits (ECTS), can be admitted to the programme:

• Master of Science in Medicine
• Master of Science in Global Health
• Master of Science in Epidemiology
• Master of Science in Pharmacy
• Master of Science in Drug Development
• Master of Science in Biology
• Master of Science in Bio-informatics
• Master of Science in Molecular Biology
• Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
• Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
• Master of Science in Engineering: Biomedical Technology
• Master of Science in Bioscience Engineering: Human Health Engineering

Other previously obtained degrees can be taken into consideration as well as concrete evidence of relevant professional experience or previously acquired competencies or qualifications.

For admission to any ITM course, the minimum language requirements are proof of a TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) score of 79-93, an IELTS score of 6.5 or other qualifying evidence of an English CEFR level of B2-C1 meaning a higher tier B2 or C1. A higher tier B2 will generally mean a B2 on all components of language proficiency and would have to be evidenced (ITM Toefl Code = 7727).

Native English speakers are exempt from these language requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English are exempt if they have successfully completed a higher education programme of at least 60 ECTS credits taught in English or have a higher education diploma from a Flemish Community higher education institution.

For applicants to master’s programmes: Non-native speakers who fail to attain the above language proficiency requirements but can prove a reasonable level of proficiency, i.e., iBT TOEFL score 60-78 or IELTS score 6.0 or CEFR B2, can be admitted if they enroll in the English Language Training Programme, Linguapolis – Antwerp, offered 2 weeks before, and again during, the MSc programme.

The motivation letter must clearly indicate which of the six BioNTech internship profiles you are applying for and explain why it aligns with your interests and qualifications (click to read the profile description):

• Clinical Operations
• Global Research and Development Program Management
• Early Clinical Development (Translational Science)
• Product Supply Chain Management
• Clinical Development
• Technical Quality Assurance (QA) for Good Manufacturing Practices and Quality Control (QC)

Documents required at application:

• Copies of academic and professional degrees
• Copies of transcripts of academic records (scores)
• Curriculum vitae
• Passport-size photograph
• Passport copy
• Proof of English language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL)
• Motivation letter
• Institutional endorsement letter
• Contact details of 2 referees
• Provisional study-plan Master in Tropical Medicine and thesis proposal

Instructions on each of the required documents are provided during the application process.

Only complete applications can be taken into account.

SAHRI applicants will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Academic qualifications: Master’s degree (EU equivalent) in a biomedical or clinical discipline.
• Research experience: prior involvement in biomedical or clinical research, preferably on infectious diseases relevant to Africa.
• Professional profile: clear alignment with one of the two target groups (clinical/biomedical professionals or clinical/biomedical scientists).
• Institutional support: an Institutional endorsement letter from the home institution confirming support during the fellowship and the return home phase.
• Motivation: strong interest in health research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with a demonstrated commitment to apply skills in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Potential for leadership: ability to contribute to capacity building and sustainable change in health research and innovation.
• Language skills: fluency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of French is considered an asset.
• Diversity: gender balance and regional representation will be taken into account, with women and candidates from underrepresented regions strongly encouraged to apply.

We expect our ITM students to use their own laptop for their studies. For ITM’s "Bring Your Own Device" policy and advice to students see this page.