UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025 – MSc in Health Professions Education (Fully Funded)
The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, invites passionate health professionals and educators across Africa to apply for the UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025. This fully funded opportunity is designed for talented individuals committed to transforming healthcare education and leadership across the continent through the Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc-HPE) program.
This prestigious program prepares emerging leaders to reshape how health professionals are trained, mentored, and empowered to address Africa’s most pressing health challenges. It offers a unique blend of academic excellence, equity, innovation, and leadership — empowering scholars to become agents of change in the health education ecosystem.
About the MSc in Health Professions Education (MSc-HPE)
The Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc-HPE) at UGHE is an 18-month blended master’s program that equips students with the tools to design, deliver, and evaluate transformative health education programs. Offered under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025–2026, it targets health professionals, educators, and leaders across Africa dedicated to advancing equitable and effective healthcare education.
UGHE’s MSc-HPE is not just a degree — it is a leadership journey. Through a blended learning model that combines online modules with in-person intensives, participants gain real-world experience in curriculum design, faculty development, quality assurance, and educational leadership. Graduates emerge ready to lead academic reform, shape national education policy, and foster a culture of innovation and inclusion within health institutions.
Why Study Health Professions Education at UGHE?
1. Africa’s First Full HPE Pathway
UGHE is the first university in Rwanda and neighboring countries to offer a complete Health Professions Education (HPE) pathway, making it a regional pioneer in advancing academic and professional standards in healthcare education.
2. Career Advancement and Global Recognition
Graduates are prepared to take on senior roles such as academic deans, curriculum designers, quality assurance experts, and educational researchers. The program emphasizes professional growth, academic excellence, and leadership development, ensuring every scholar is ready to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare sector.
3. A Pan-African Community of Practice
By joining the MSc-HPE program, you become part of a diverse network of educators and innovators across Africa, all committed to transforming medical and health professions education through collaboration and mentorship.
4. Designed for Working Professionals
The blended delivery model allows participants to balance academic commitments with their professional responsibilities. Online learning is complemented by intensive in-person sessions at UGHE’s scenic campus in Butaro, Rwanda.
5. Expert Faculty and Global Partnerships
UGHE’s faculty includes leading global educators and practitioners from renowned universities and health organizations worldwide. Students gain access to mentorship, networking, and collaboration opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.
6. Innovation, Equity, and Real-World Impact
Each module integrates principles of equity, inclusion, digital innovation, and leadership, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to tackle systemic challenges in healthcare education and delivery.
Program Duration and Structure
The MSc-HPE is an 18-month (three-semester) program awarding 180 credits. It is structured as a Direct Entry Track under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and requires full participation throughout the entire course. Students cannot exit at certificate or diploma levels — only the full master’s degree is awarded upon successful completion.
Delivery Mode: Blended (Online + In-Person)
Core Modules
- HPE9111 – Principles of Curriculum and Course Design (10 Credits)
- HPE9121 – Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods (10 Credits)
- HPE9131 – Assessment in Health Professions Education (20 Credits)
- HPE9141 – Clinical Teaching (10 Credits)
- HPE9151 – Principles of Global Health Equity (10 Credits)
- HPE9162 – Program Evaluation and Faculty Appraisal (10 Credits)
- HPE9172 – Quality Assurance and Accreditation in HPE (10 Credits)
- HPE9182 – Educational Leadership and Management (10 Credits)
- HPE9192 – Educational Leadership Practicum (30 Credits)
- HPE9211 – Theories of Teaching and Learning (10 Credits)
- HPE9221 – Educational Research and Scholarship (20 Credits)
- HPE9241 – Practicum or Thesis in HPE (30 Credits)
Total Credits: 180
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants to the UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025 must meet the following requirements:
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application (exceptions may apply for applicants with disabilities).
- Be a citizen, resident, or refugee in an African country.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field from a recognized institution.
- Provide official academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Demonstrate professional experience in teaching, supervision, or educational leadership within a health-related institution (early-career applicants with teaching potential are also welcome).
- Submit a stamped institutional recommendation letter confirming employer support and dedicated time for study.
- Candidates who already hold a master’s degree are not eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Program Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UGHE offers a comprehensive full scholarship that covers all study-related costs. Benefits include:
- Full tuition coverage for all semesters.
- Accommodation and meals during in-person sessions in Rwanda.
- Travel support for required on-campus modules.
- Health insurance and access to wellbeing support services.
- Learning materials and digital access for online coursework.
- Leadership and career development opportunities throughout the program.
How to Apply
The application process is managed entirely online through UGHE’s official portal. Applicants should follow these steps:
- Complete the online application form, including the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program section, at the official UGHE page: UGHE MSc-HPE Program Page.
- Upload all required documents: Passport or National ID, academic transcripts, degree certificates, and (if applicable) an employer recommendation letter.
- Ensure all documents are compiled into a single, complete submission — incomplete or multiple submissions will not be reviewed.
Important Dates for 2025 Admissions
- Application Opens: 22 October 2025
- Application Deadline: 30 November 2025 (11:59 PM CAT)
- Admissions Interviews: December 2025
- Final Decisions Announced: January 2026
Visit the Opportunity Desk Program Listing for additional updates and announcements.
Who Should Apply?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program seeks young, talented, and committed Africans who are passionate about improving healthcare education and access across the continent. Priority is given to:
- Young women aiming to break barriers in healthcare leadership.
- Refugees and displaced persons committed to rebuilding health systems.
- Persons with disabilities aspiring to lead through inclusion and equity.
Disclaimer and Contact Information
Neither the University of Global Health Equity nor the Mastercard Foundation charges any fees for applications. Beware of fraudulent entities claiming to offer paid assistance or guaranteed admissions.
For assistance and inquiries, contact:
- Email (Scholarship queries): mf**@**he.org
- Email (Admissions): ad********@**he.org
FAQs – UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025
1. Is the UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship covers full tuition, accommodation, travel, meals, and all program-related expenses, allowing scholars to focus entirely on academic and professional growth.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the MSc in Health Professions Education program?
Applicants must be citizens or residents of an African country, under 35 years of age, and hold a bachelor’s degree in a health-related discipline. Professional teaching or educational leadership experience is preferred.
3. What is the program duration?
The MSc-HPE program runs for 18 months (three semesters) and follows a blended model combining online learning and in-person sessions at UGHE in Rwanda.
4. When is the application deadline for the 2025 intake?
The application deadline is 30 November 2025 at 11:59 PM CAT. Early submission is encouraged to ensure full consideration.
5. Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?
No. Applicants who already possess a master’s degree are not eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UGHE.
6. How do I know if my application has been received?
Once you submit your complete application online, UGHE’s admissions team will send a confirmation email. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews in December 2025.
7. Will I receive mentorship and leadership training?
Absolutely. The MSc-HPE program integrates career mentorship, leadership development, and professional networking throughout all modules to support scholars’ long-term growth.
Application Tips – How to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
- Start early: Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, and identification documents ahead of time.
- Be authentic: In your essays, reflect your genuine passion for teaching, health leadership, and community impact.
- Demonstrate leadership: Highlight initiatives you’ve led or supported in education, healthcare, or community development.
- Show commitment: Explain how you plan to apply the MSc-HPE learnings to improve healthcare systems in your region.
- Proofread before submission: Ensure your application is clear, well-structured, and free from errors.
Remember, this program is not only about academic success — it’s about building a new generation of health educators and leaders who will shape Africa’s healthcare future through equity and innovation.
Conclusion
The UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025 is a life-changing opportunity for passionate educators, healthcare professionals, and leaders who aspire to drive transformation across Africa’s health systems. Through the fully funded MSc in Health Professions Education, scholars gain the skills, networks, and vision needed to make lasting impact in teaching, policy, and healthcare equity.
Apply now to join a movement that redefines the future of health professions education — where leadership meets purpose, and education meets equity.
Visit the Official UGHE Program Page to Apply
