The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda is accepting applications for its Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc-HPE) through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The fully funded opportunity is designed for young African health professionals who want to become educators, educational leaders, curriculum specialists, quality assurance experts and advocates for improved health professions education.
The programme runs for 18 months across three semesters and uses a blended delivery model combining online learning with intensive in-person sessions. Applications are open until 25 October 2026 at 11:59 PM CAT.
About the MSc in Health Professions Education
The MSc-HPE prepares health professionals to design, deliver and evaluate innovative, equitable and high-quality education programmes across Africa.
The programme is particularly suited to professionals interested in health professions education, academic leadership, curriculum development, faculty development, educational research, quality assurance and institutional reform.
Students will develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to contribute to education policy, lead academic programmes and institutions, improve teaching and assessment practices, and strengthen the preparation of future healthcare professionals.
The programme comprises 180 credits and is delivered through a blended model that supports working professionals while providing opportunities for hands-on learning, mentorship and networking.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Benefits
Eligible students admitted through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program receive a fully funded pathway to complete the MSc-HPE.
The scholarship is particularly intended to support talented and committed young Africans who have the potential to contribute to positive change in health professions education and healthcare.
UGHE specifically encourages applications from:
- Young women
- Refugees and displaced persons
- Persons with disabilities
The programme also promotes leadership, equity, innovation and professional development across Africa.
Programme Curriculum
The MSc-HPE covers key areas of health professions education, including:
- Principles of Curriculum and Course Design
- Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods
- Assessment in Health Professions Education
- Clinical Teaching
- Global Health Equity
- Programme Evaluation and Faculty Appraisal
- Quality Assurance and Accreditation
- Educational Leadership and Management
- Educational Leadership Practicum
- Theories of Teaching and Learning
- Educational Research and Scholarship
- Practicum or Thesis in Health Professions Education
Students must commit to completing the entire 18-month programme. Applicants applying through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program are not eligible to exit with a postgraduate certificate or diploma. The available exit award is the MSc in Health Professions Education upon successful completion.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application, with exceptions for applicants with disabilities.
- Be a citizen, resident or recognised refugee in an African country.
- Hold a completed Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field.
- Provide official academic transcripts and a degree certificate as evidence of completion.
- Have professional experience in teaching, supervision or educational leadership within health-related higher education institutions, although clear evidence of teaching potential may be considered for early-career applicants.
- Currently employed applicants must provide a signed and stamped institutional recommendation letter confirming institutional support and sufficient dedicated time to participate in online and in-person programme activities.
- Applicants who already hold a master’s degree are not eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete the official online application and provide the required supporting documentation.
The application package should include:
- Passport, National ID or Refugee ID
- Academic transcript(s)
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Employer recommendation letter, where applicable
- Required personal, academic and demographic information
- Information required for consideration under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Only one complete application should be submitted. Incomplete applications or multiple submissions will not be considered.
Application Timeline
The admissions process follows the schedule below:
Application opens: 6 October 2026
Application deadline: 25 October 2026 at 11:59 PM CAT
Admissions interviews: November 2026
Final decision: December 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit early and carefully check that all required documents have been uploaded before the deadline.
Why Study Health Professions Education at UGHE?
The MSc-HPE provides an opportunity to develop specialist expertise in an increasingly important area of African healthcare systems.
UGHE highlights the programme’s emphasis on educational leadership, global health equity, quality assurance, innovation and practical institutional change. Students can also build professional networks with educators and health professionals across the continent while learning from experienced faculty and international partners.
Graduates can pursue roles such as health professions educators, programme directors, clinical faculty, faculty development specialists, quality assurance professionals, curriculum leaders and institutional education leaders.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the official UGHE online application, which incorporates the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application. Applicants should upload all required supporting documents and ensure that the application is complete before submission.
For application-related challenges, applicants can contact [email protected] or [email protected].
UGHE states that neither the University nor the Mastercard Foundation charges application fees for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Applicants should remain alert to fraudulent requests for money or personal information.
Important Details
Host institution: University of Global Health Equity (UGHE)
Programme: Master of Science in Health Professions Education
Scholarship: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Duration: 18 months
Credits: 180
Study mode: Blended – online and in-person
Location: Rwanda
Eligible applicants: African citizens, residents and refugees
Age limit: 35 or under, with disability-related exceptions
Funding: Fully funded
Application deadline: 25 October 2026, 11:59 PM CAT
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
Applicants should use the official UGHE application portal and carefully review all scholarship and admissions requirements before submitting their application.
