The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) has opened applications for the 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for its Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc-HPE). The fully funded scholarship pathway is open to eligible young Africans who want to build careers in health professions education, academic leadership, and health education policy. The 18-month programme uses a blended learning model, combining online study with intensive in-person sessions at UGHE in Rwanda. The MSc-HPE is designed to prepare health educators and leaders to design, deliver, and evaluate high-quality health professions education programmes across Africa, particularly suited to health professionals and educators interested in improving teaching and learning, educational leadership, curriculum development, assessment, and quality assurance. The direct-entry Mastercard Foundation pathway lasts 18 months, covering three semesters and 180 credits, with no postgraduate certificate or diploma exit award for direct-entry students.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Age: Be 35 years old or younger in the year of application. Exceptions apply to applicants with disabilities.
- Citizenship: Be a citizen and resident of an African country, or hold refugee status in an African country.
- Education: Have successfully completed a Bachelor's degree in a health-related field from an accredited institution.
- Documentation: Provide an official academic transcript and degree certificate.
- Experience: Have professional experience in teaching, supervision, or educational leadership within health-related higher education institutions. This is preferred, though early-career applicants can submit evidence of teaching potential.
- Employment Status: If currently employed, provide a signed and stamped recommendation letter from your employer confirming institutional support and dedicated time for the online and in-person sessions.
- Exclusion: Applicants who already hold a Master's degree are not eligible for this pathway.
Young women, refugees and displaced young people, and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.
What Scholars Will Study
Principles of Curriculum and Course Design, Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods, Assessment in Health Professions Education, Clinical Teaching, Principles of Global Health Equity, Programme Evaluation and Faculty Appraisal, Educational Research and Scholarship, Theories of Teaching and Learning, and a Practicum in Health Professions Education or thesis research.
Scholarship Coverage
The MSc-HPE pathway is offered through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, providing a fully funded opportunity for selected scholars. It's part of a broader 10-year UGHE-Mastercard Foundation partnership expected to provide 500 fully funded Master's opportunities in Global Health Delivery and Health Professions Education to young African scholars, with support focused on leadership, mentorship, personal development, and community engagement.
Career Opportunities
Health professions educators, programme directors, clinical faculty, curriculum and education leaders, deans and academic administrators, quality assurance professionals, health education researchers, institutional leaders, and health professions education policy contributors.
Enjoying this article? Share it with your network!
Format
The MSc-HPE uses a blended learning format, combining online learning with intensive in-person sessions at UGHE's campus in Rwanda, designed to accommodate professionals already working in health education while still providing face-to-face learning, mentorship, and networking.
Required Documents
- Passport, National ID, or Refugee ID
- Official academic transcript(s)
- Bachelor's degree certificate
- Employer recommendation letter, if currently employed
Applicants should submit one complete application. Incomplete submissions or multiple applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
Apply through the UGHE admissions portal, completing the personal, academic, and demographic information along with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program section. Applications close October 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM CAT.
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
