Mastercard Foundation MSc-HPE Scholarship at UGHE (Fully Funded)
The Mastercard Foundation MSc-HPE Scholarship offers a fully funded opportunity for eligible young Africans to pursue a Master of Science in Health Professions Education at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda. The 18-month programme combines online learning with in-person sessions and focuses on healthcare education, leadership, curriculum development, and educational research. Applications are open until 25 October 2026 at 11:59 PM CAT, and there is no application fee.
Quick Overview
Programme: Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc-HPE)
Opportunity Type: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship
Host Institution: University of Global Health Equity (UGHE)
Scholarship Programme: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Country: Rwanda
Study Level: Master’s Degree
Duration: 18 months (3 semesters)
Study Format: Blended (Online and In-Person)
Academic Credits: 180 credits
Application Deadline: 25 October 2026 at 11:59 PM CAT
About the Mastercard Foundation MSc-HPE Scholarship
The Master of Science in Health Professions Education is designed to prepare healthcare educators and leaders to develop, deliver, and evaluate high-quality educational programmes across Africa.
The programme focuses on strengthening health professions education through innovative teaching methods, educational leadership, research, and institutional improvement.
It equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to contribute to healthcare education and training.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides a fully funded pathway for eligible candidates pursuing the MSc-HPE degree at UGHE.
Students admitted directly through this scholarship pathway must complete the full 18-month programme. They cannot exit with a postgraduate certificate or diploma instead of the master’s degree.
Why Study Health Professions Education at UGHE?
The MSc-HPE programme combines academic study, practical learning, and professional development.
Confirmed programme features include:
✓ Fully funded study through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
✓ Flexible online learning combined with intensive in-person sessions
✓ Learning opportunities with expert faculty and international academic partners
✓ Peer mentorship and professional networking
✓ Practical training in curriculum design, educational leadership, and quality assurance
✓ Exposure to global health equity, inclusive education, and digital innovation
✓ Opportunities to develop educational research and institutional leadership skills
The programme is designed for working professionals seeking to strengthen their contributions to health professions education.
MSc-HPE Programme Curriculum
The MSc-HPE curriculum includes 180 credits delivered across three semesters.
Students study subjects covering healthcare education, assessment, institutional leadership, and educational research.
Key modules include:
• Principles of Curriculum and Course Design
• Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods
• Assessment in HPE
• Clinical Teaching
• Principles of Global Health Equity
• Program Evaluation and Faculty Appraisal
• Quality Assurance and Accreditation in HPE
• Educational Leadership and Management
• Educational Leadership Practicum
• Theories of Teaching and Learning
• Educational Research and Scholarship
Students also complete a practicum in Health Professions Education or a thesis in Health Professions Education.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants seeking the Mastercard Foundation MSc-HPE Scholarship must meet the University of Global Health Equity’s eligibility requirements.
The official criteria include:
• Applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application. Exceptions apply to applicants with disabilities.
• Applicants must be residents and citizens of an African country or hold refugee status in an African country.
• Applicants must have successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field.
• Applicants must provide official academic transcripts and a degree certificate.
• Professional experience in teaching, supervision, or educational leadership within health-related higher education institutions is preferable.
• Early-career applicants may demonstrate clear evidence of teaching potential.
• Applicants who are currently employed must provide a signed and stamped recommendation letter confirming institutional support and dedicated time for online and in-person participation.
• Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Priority Applicant Groups
The programme seeks talented and committed young Africans who want to contribute to healthcare education.
The university particularly encourages applications from:
• Young women
• Refugees and displaced persons
• Persons with disabilities
Check: EMABG Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027 (€1,400/Month)
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the supporting documents required for the MSc-HPE and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
These include:
• Passport, National ID, or Refugee ID
• Official academic transcript or transcripts
• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Signed and stamped employer recommendation letter, if applicable
Applicants must upload the required documents through the official online application system.
The application must be fully completed. Incomplete applications and multiple submissions will not be considered.
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Application Process
Eligible candidates can apply for the Mastercard Foundation MSc-HPE Scholarship through UGHE’s official online application portal.
The application process includes the following steps:
Step 1: Review the Eligibility Requirements
Check the academic qualifications, age requirements, and other eligibility conditions for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Access the official application form and enter the required personal, academic, and demographic information.
The application also includes information required for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents
Attach the required identity documents, academic transcripts, degree certificate, and employer recommendation letter, where applicable.
Step 4: Review and Submit
Ensure the application is complete before submitting it through the official online system.
Applicants must submit only one complete application.
Selection and Admissions Timeline
The University of Global Health Equity has published the following admissions schedule for the MSc-HPE programme:
• Applications Open: 06 October 2026
• Application Deadline: 25 October 2026 at 11:59 PM CAT
• Admissions Interviews: November 2026
• Final Decision: December 2026
Applicants should follow the official admissions timeline and submit all required materials before the closing date.
Explore: GLOCAL Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Mastercard Foundation MSc-HPE Scholarship at UGHE is:
25 October 2026 at 11:59 PM Central Africa Time (CAT)
The University of Global Health Equity confirms that there is no application fee for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
Apply for the Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc-HPE)
