Computational neuroscience is a rapidly expanding subject focussed on understanding and modeling the brain while helping to design and interpret future experiments. This school aims to promote computational neuroscience in Africa by bringing together international and local students under the tutelage of world-leading experts in the field.
Imbizo is a Xhosa word meaning “a gathering to share knowledge”. The Computational Neuroscience Imbizo is exactly that: an opportunity for African and international applicants to learn about cutting-edge research techniques in computational neuroscience.
The first Imbizo was held in January 2017 in Muizenberg, Cape Town.
The school is designed for students who are completing their master’s degrees or starting their doctoral studies. However, highly motivated advanced undergraduate students and postdoctoral researchers are also encouraged to apply. We welcome applicants with a good quantitative background, such as at least two years of university-level experience in fields like physics, engineering, statistics, computer science, or related disciplines. Experimental neuroscientists or medical doctors with some coding or quantitative experience who want to strengthen these skills are also encouraged to apply. All applicants should have some prior experience with coding.
Example 1: MSc Physics student, who has a bachelors in physical sciences (e.g., physics, statistics, mathematics, computer science). Has taken 1st-year level courses in biology and/or electives in psychology, etc.
Example 2: PhD Neuroscience candidate, who has a bachelors in biological science, and has completed 2nd-year level courses in statistics, applied mathematics, bioinformatics, or any related field. Now in Masters/PhD. Has some experience writing code.
Example 3: Post-doctoral researcher in Machine Learning. This school will be most beneficial for postgraduate students and postdocs, who want to fast-track their education in the quantitative aspects of neuroscience.
Arrival and orientation day: Sunday January 11, 2026
Lectures: Monday January, 12 to Saturday February 1, 2026
Departure day: Sunday February, 2
At “The Team House” in Noordhoek, Cape Town, South Africa. Noordhoek lies on the Atlantic seaboard, below Chapman’s Peak on the west coast of the Peninsula, approx. 35 km from the city centre. The Team House is a 13-bedroom guesthouse that acts as ‘Imbizo headquarters’ where applicants stay, lectures take place and most meals are eaten.
The Imbizo is a full-on, totally immersive experience with a FULL schedule. You will be required to be onsite at Imbizo for the duration and no personal off-campus activities are permitted. We do appreciate that everyone has their own ‘social energy’ quota and as such understand that some personal time is very important too. Whether on the beach or in your shared room, there will be moments for reflection. We do expect, however, for you to engage in the planned social activities which occur 3-4 times per week. By applying, you commit to twenty-two subsequent days of intense science, socialising, and fun.
Applicants are required to attend and actively participate in the entire course, including all scientific sessions and excursions/off days. Please do not make any personal plans for the time of your stay. If you have an emergency or need to leave the Imbizo please do come and speak to the Organisers.
The course fee for 2026 is €1,550. The actual cost of a single course fee amounts to around €5,500 per person
All accommodation, meals, social activities, and ground transport in Cape Town
You will be responsible for covering the cost of your travel to and from Cape Town
All visa costs and related admin to apply(see below for more information)
All travel vaccination costs (if required)
Travel & medical insurance
Yes! Thanks to our generous sponsors, significant financial assistance is available to reduce and waive fees for applicants, as well as to provide some travel bursaries. If you need financial assistance to attend the Imbizo, please state so clearly in the relevant section of your application. Scholarships are distributed on the basis of merit and need.
Flights for applicants who are awarded a full scholarship will be booked and paid for by the Imbizo. All other applicants are required to book, manage, and pay for their own travel expenses. For applicants booking their own travel, we suggest booking flights early, as availability to Cape Town can be limited. Applicants booking their own travel will be required to send a copy of their e-ticket to the Imbizo Committee no less than 8 weeks prior to arrival in Cape Town.
The Imbizo acknowledges that the visa application process can be a tricky one and we will provide supporting documents to make the process easier where we can. The documents we can provide are only:
Important: Be aware that a visa can take a few months to apply for and receive - apply as soon as you are accepted
Imbizo is not a visa or travel agency and does not have connections with SA Embassies in various countries. Responsibility remains on the student to find out their individual visa requirements by contacting the SA Embassy in the country they live in. Applicants must keep the Imbizo Committee up to date on the status of their visa application at all times.
The Imbizo is aware that some countries are part of the new e-visa program rolled out by the SA Dept Home Affairs. Unfortunately this system does not work, and we must request that all applicants apply in person at the SA Embassy in the country they live in. If you have any questions please contact us directly to discuss.
At The Team House
Delicious and nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served each day, starting with dinner on the arrival day. Meals will either be at The Team House or nearby restaurants. We are able to provide for vegetarian dietary requirements only. Should you have any food allergies please let us know and we will provide suitable alternatives where applicable
In the spirit of Imbizo and togetherness, accommodation is in shared dorm rooms where you may be sharing with up to 3 other people of the same gender. Most of the bedrooms are en suite but two rooms make use of a general shared bathroom in the corridor. Bedding and towels are provided by the venue. Sleeping in dorm-style accommodation can take some getting used to and you may find your sleep patterns will need some tweaking. Some applicants have benefitted from bringing earplugs with them. Applicants are not permitted to stay off-site at an Airbnb or Guesthouse or at a family home. Applicants who accept their place on Imbizo agree to adhere to these accommodation conditions.
The Team House is a large basic guesthouse with fast internet, multiple outdoor areas including a sea-facing terrace and garden, and quiet lounge areas where you can relax. Noordhoek is a quiet suburb with no shops within walking distance. The Imbizo provides a regular shuttle service (1-2 times per week) to the nearby shopping mall so you will be able to buy or replace anything you run out of or forgot to bring. The mall has a pharmacy/drugstore, a huge grocery store, clothing shops, cellular network shops, ATMs, etc. A complimentary laundry service will be provided for all applicants and TAs once a week.