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 is available to eligible young Africans seeking careers in health professions education, academic leadership and health education policy.

The 18-month programme is delivered through a blended learning model, combining online study with intensive in-person sessions at UGHE in Rwanda.

The MSc-HPE is designed to equip health educators and leaders with skills to develop, deliver and assess high-quality health professions education programmes across Africa.

It is particularly suited to health professionals and educators seeking to strengthen their capabilities in teaching and learning, educational leadership, curriculum development, assessment and quality assurance.

The direct-entry Mastercard Foundation pathway runs for 18 months across three semesters and carries 180 credits. Students must complete the full programme, as direct-entry MSc-HPE students are not offered a postgraduate certificate or diploma exit award.

Applicants must be 35 years old or younger in the year of application, although exceptions apply to applicants with disabilities. They must also be citizens and residents of an African country or hold refugee status in an African country.

Candidates are required to have successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field from an accredited institution and must provide an official academic transcript and degree certificate.

Professional experience in teaching, supervision or educational leadership within health-related higher education institutions is preferred. However, early-career applicants may demonstrate their potential for teaching.

Applicants who are currently employed must submit a signed and stamped recommendation letter from their employer confirming institutional support and dedicated time to participate in both the online and in-person components of the programme.

Those who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible for this Mastercard Foundation Scholars pathway.

UGHE and the Mastercard Foundation particularly encourage applications from young women, refugees and displaced young people, as well as persons with disabilities.

The MSc-HPE curriculum covers subjects intended to prepare graduates for careers in health professions education and institutional leadership.

The modules include 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.

The programme combines academic study with practical application, leadership development and educational improvement.

The scholarship pathway is specifically offered through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and provides selected scholars with a fully funded opportunity.

The wider UGHE-Mastercard Foundation partnership is a 10-year initiative expected to provide 500 fully funded Master’s opportunities in Global Health Delivery and Health Professions Education to young African scholars.

Beyond financial support for graduate education, the scholarship includes assistance focused on leadership, mentorship, personal development and community engagement.

Graduates of the programme can pursue roles as health professions educators, programme directors, clinical faculty, curriculum and education leaders, deans and academic administrators, quality assurance professionals, health education researchers, institutional leaders and contributors to health professions education policy.

They can also contribute to research and evidence on health professions education and educational policy at institutional, national and international levels.

The MSc-HPE’s blended format allows participants to combine online learning with intensive in-person sessions at UGHE’s campus in Rwanda.

The structure is intended to accommodate professionals already working in health education and related settings while maintaining opportunities for face-to-face learning, mentorship and networking.

Currently employed applicants must provide institutional endorsement confirming that they have the support and dedicated time needed to participate in the programme.

Applicants are required to prepare a passport, National ID or Refugee ID, official academic transcript(s), Bachelor’s degree certificate and an employer recommendation letter where applicable.

UGHE advises applicants to submit one complete application, noting that incomplete submissions or multiple applications will not be considered.

Applications are submitted online through the UGHE admissions portal. Candidates are expected to complete the application form, provide the required personal, academic and demographic information and fill out the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program section.

Applications for the 2027 programme close on October 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM CAT.

Apply for the UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027:
https://ughe.populiweb.com/router/admissions/onlineapplications/index?application_form=40062

Source: msmeafricaonline