Apply for the Fully Funded 2027 UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The 2027 University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is officially open for applications.

This fully funded fellowship offers visionary health professionals the chance to enroll in UGHE’s flagship Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc in HPE).Designed to cultivate high-impact educators and policy drivers, this program gives you the tools, global networks, and strategic leadership skills needed to revolutionize health workforce training throughout Africa.

Program Summary

• Host University:University of Global Health Equity (UGHE)
• Funding Partner:Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
• Academic Award:Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc in HPE)
• Coverage:Fully Funded (Tuition, living expenses, travel, and learning materials)
• Target Audience:Early-to-mid career African health educators and academic leaders
• Application Deadline:October 25, 2026

Why Choose the UGHE MSc in HPE?

Africa faces a critical demand for well-trained healthcare personnel and modern academic leadership. The UGHE MSc in HPE tackles this challenge by preparing scholars to create, evaluate, and scale progressive, equity-driven health education initiatives.

Key Highlights & Program Value

• Pioneering Curriculum:UGHE is the first academic institution in Rwanda and neighboring regions to deliver a full-tier Health Professions Education curriculum.
• Hybrid Learning Format:Designed specifically for active professionals, combining interactive online coursework with immersive, hands-on intensive sessions at UGHE’s campus in Rwanda.
• Integrated Equity & Innovation: Every study module incorporates foundational concepts of global health equity, modern digital learning technologies, and inclusive teaching practices.
• Global Academic Networks: Learn from a faculty of world-renowned global health experts, academic researchers, and partner institutions.
• Actionable Leadership: Go beyond traditional theory to master health education governance, institutional quality assurance, and systemic policy reform.
• Professional Advancement: Prepare for influential positions such as Dean, Director of Medical Education, Clinical Faculty Lead, Quality Assurance Specialist, or Health Policy Advisor.

What Does the Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Cover?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program removes financial barriers so promising leaders can focus entirely on driving institutional reform. Selected scholars receive complete financial support, including:

1. Full Tuition Coverage:Complete funding for all 18 months of academic instruction.
2. Living Allowance:Monthly stipends to support housing, meals, and daily living costs.
3. Travel & Logistics: Covered economy round-trip airfare to and from Rwanda for on-campus intensives.
4. Learning Resources & Mentorship:Access to academic software, research funds, personalized career coaching, and peer support networks.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the fully funded Mastercard Foundation pathway, candidates must satisfy the following criteria:

• Age Limit:Applicants must be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application submission.(Exceptions are made for applicants living with disabilities).
• Nationality & Residency:Must be a citizen, legal resident, or officially recognized refugee residing in an African nation.
• Academic Background:Must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree in a health-related discipline (such as Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Pharmacy, Allied Health, etc.) backed by official transcripts and degree completion certificates.
• Prior Master’s Restriction:Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree are ineligible for this scholarship pathway.
• Professional Experience:Preferred candidates have active experience in teaching, academic supervision, or educational administration within a health sciences higher education context.(Early-career applicants demonstrating strong teaching potential will also be considered).
• Institutional Support:Currently employed candidates must provide a signed and officially stamped endorsement letter from their employer, confirming institutional approval and releasing the applicant to participate in both online modules and mandatory in-person intensive sessions.

Required Application Documents

Before starting your application, ensure you have clear digital copies of the following documents ready to upload:

1. Identification: Valid International Passport, National ID, or Official Refugee Status Certificate.
2. Academic Credentials:Official Bachelor’s degree certificate and full academic transcripts.
3. Recommendation Letter:A signed and stamped employer endorsement letter (if currently employed).
4. Scholarship Essays/Statements: Personal statements addressing your leadership journey, commitment to equity, and financial scholarship need as prompted in the portal.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Follow these instructions carefully to submit a competitive application:

1. Access the Application Portal: Navigate to the official UGHE MSc in HPE Application Page.
2. Complete the Online Form:Provide accurate personal information, academic credentials, work background, and demographic details.
3. Include Scholarship Information:Fill out the integrated Mastercard Foundation Scholars section within the same application form.
4. Upload Documentation:Attach all required certificates, identification papers, and recommendation letters.
5. Review and Submit: Carefully double-check all details before final submission.

Important Note: Applicants must submit only one complete application.Multiple entries or incomplete submissions will result in immediate disqualification.

Key Deadlines & Next Steps

• Application Deadline:October 25, 2026
• Program Start:2027 Academic Year

For comprehensive eligibility details, curriculum overviews, and entry portal access, visit the UGHE Official Program Page

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