Mastercard Foundation is offering fully funded scholarship for the Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc in HPE) program at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE).
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.
The Program is designed for young Africans who are eager to make a lasting impact, with particular interest in:
- Young women
- Refugees and displaced persons
- Persons with disabilities
Benefits of Studying HPE at UGHE
1. Africa’s First Full HPE Pathway: UGHE is the first university in Rwanda and its neighbouring countries to offer a full HPE curriculum.
2. Career Advancement: Prepare roles as educators, program directors, deans, clinical faculty, quality assurance experts, and institutional leaders.
3. Community of Practice: Join a growing network of educators across the continent working to transform medical and health professions education.
4. Designed for Working Professionals: Flexible online learning combined with immersive in-person intensive sessions at UGHE’s campus.
5. Expert Faculty & Global Networks: Learn from leading educators at UGHE, and our expert partners from known international institutions.
6. Real-World Impact: Blends academic theory with practical change leadership, QA practice, and institutional reform.
7. Peer Mentorship and Career Growth: Connect with fellow educators, build regional mentorship networks, and gain access to new leadership pathways.
8. Equity and Innovation Embedded: Every module weaves in global health equity, inclusive education, and digital innovation.
9. Gain Mastercard Foundation Scholarship: Eligible professionals may qualify for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Link).
Available Study Programs
The MSc-HPE track through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provide access to any of the 18-months program comprising:
- Master of Science – HPE – Mastercard Foundation Scholars
- Master of Science – HPE – Mastercard Foundation Scholars
- Master of Science in Health Professions Education Program (MSc-HPE)
- Direct Entry Track (for new MSc applicants under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program)
Overview of the 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.
The program uses a blended model that combines online learning with intensive in-person sessions for hands-on practice, mentorship, and networking. Rooted in equity, excellence, and relevance, the program prepares healthcare professionals to become educators, curriculum leaders, faculty developers, quality assurance champions, and educational researchers.
It emphasizes workplace integration, policy engagement, and leadership development, positioning graduates to lead reforms at institutional, national, and regional levels.
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.
Application Deadlines
- Application Opens 22 October 2025
- Application Closes 30 November 2025
- Admissions Interviews holds in December 2025
- Final Decision would be announced in January 2025.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are required to fill in the online application for theMSc in HPE. The application also 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).
Apply for the MSc in HPE at UGHE with Mastercard Foundation Scholarship