Application Deadline: 30 November 2025 @ 11:59 PM CAT
Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc in HPE) is a program that prepares health educators and leaders to design, deliver, and evaluate high-quality, innovative, and equitable health professions programs across Africa. This program description pertains specifically to the pathway fully funded by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the application process on this page is intended for prospective candidates seeking this scholarship.
The program is designed for experienced educators and academic leaders who aim to shape national HPE policy, lead institutions, or contribute to the global education evidence base. This program aims to produce professionals who can navigate the complexities of modern HPE, lead educational programs with confidence, and innovate to improve the quality of education and healthcare outcomes. Graduates of this program are experts in HPE, equipped to lead and innovate in educational settings, contribute to the academic literature, and influence policy and practice at institutional, national, and international levels. They will be equipped with skills to effectively train the next generation of medical professionals and to address the most pressing healthcare challenges.
Eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must be 35 or under the year at the time of application (exceptions apply to applicants with disabilities).
- Applicants must be residents and citizens or hold refugee status in an African country.
- Applicants should have matriculated and successfully graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field. Official academic transcript/s and degree certificate should be attached as proof of completion.
- Experience: Professional experience in teaching, supervision, or educational leadership within health-related higher education institutions (or clear evidence of teaching potential for early-career applicants) is preferable.
- Institutional endorsement: A signed and stamped recommendation letter confirming institutional support and dedicated time to attend online and in-person sessions is required from any applicant who is currently employed.
- A candidate who already holds a master’s degree is not eligible to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Benefits
The Scholarship Provides:
- Full tuition fees
- Return tickets and health insurance for in-person sessions held in Rwanda
- A monthly stipend
- Laptop
- Transitions support in the form of mentorship, entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation training
- Fellowship opportunities
- Pre-arrival support and an official onboarding program,
- Accommodation and meals for the in-person program
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars are required to sign a scholarship agreement once they are accepted and enrolled in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UGHE
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars are expected to meet the required academic standards of UGHE to retain their scholarships
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars are expected to comply with the rules and regulations of the University of Global Health as stipulated in the University’s policies
Application Timeline
| Application Opens | 22 October 2025 |
| Application Closes | 30 November 2025 @ 11:59 PM CAT |
| Admissions Interviews | December 2025 |
| Final Decision | January 2025 |
How to Apply
- Fill in the online application, which includes an application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, entering the required personal, academic, demographic information and the required information for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
- Upload all supporting documents (Passport, National ID or Refugee ID, academic transcript/s, and degree certificate, employer recommendation letter – if applicable).
Applicants should submit a single, fully completed application. Incomplete submissions or multiple applications will not be considered.
For More Information:
