Call for Applications: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Global Health Equity – Master of Science in Health Professions Education

The Mastercard Foundation is partnering with the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) to implement the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This global initiative is designed to develop the next generation of transformative leaders by enabling highly talented, service-oriented young people, primarily young Africans, to pursue their higher education and cultivate their leadership potential.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is specifically designed to address the challenges faced by young individuals who lack access to higher education due to economic and social barriers. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program places a special emphasis on reaching young women, refugees, forcibly displaced young people, and individuals with disabilities, encouraging them to apply.

Call for Applications

UGHE invites applications for the Master of Science degree in the Health Professions Education program from qualified candidates from Rwanda and other African countries for full-time study in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program

The Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc in HPE) is an 18-month program that prepares health professions educators and leaders to design, deliver, and evaluate high-quality, innovative, and equitable health professions programs across Africa. The program uses a blended model that combines online learning with intensive in-person sessions for hands-on practice, mentorship, and networking.

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 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.

How to Apply

• • Either fill in the online application, which includes an application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program on the UGHE website, entering the required personal, academic, and demographic information, and the required information for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, or scan the QR code to apply.
  • Upload all supporting documents (Passport or National ID, academic transcript, degree certificate, and recommendation letter).

Applicants should submit a single, fully completed application. Incomplete submissions or multiple applications will not be considered.

The Scholarship Provides

• • Full tuition fees,
  • Return tickets & health insurance for in-person sessions held in Rwanda.
  • A monthly stipend,
  • Laptop,
  • Transitions support in the form of mentorship, entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation training,
  • Fellowship opportunities,
  • Pre-arrival support and an official onboarding program,
  • Accommodation and meals for the in-person program,
  • Mastercard Foundation Scholars are required to sign a scholarship agreement once they are accepted and enrolled in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UGHE
  • Mastercard Foundation Scholars are expected to meet the required academic standards of UGHE to retain their scholarships
  • Mastercard Foundation Scholars are expected to comply with the rules and regulations of the University of Global Health as stipulated in the University’s policies.

Who We Are Looking For

We seek talented and committed young Africans who are eager to make a lasting impact, particularly:

• • Young women
  • Refugees and displaced persons
  • Persons with disabilities

For         any         application          process-related  challenges,          please   send       your               inquiries               to mfsp@ughe.org           and admissions@ughe.org. To learn more about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, visit this link.

Disclaimer

The University of Global Health Equity and the Mastercard Foundation do not charge fees to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The public is cautioned to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities to local law enforcement. Please notify the University of Global Health Equity of fraudulent activity by contacting us at mfsp@ughe.org.