About this opportunity
The University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda has opened applications for the 2027 intake of its Master of Science in Health Professions Education, delivered through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The pathway is fully funded and built for health educators and academic leaders who want to design, deliver and evaluate equitable health professions programmes across Africa.
The 18 month, 180 credit curriculum blends flexible online learning with immersive in person sessions on UGHE campus, so working professionals can keep their posts while they train. Teaching covers curriculum design, innovative teaching methods, assessment, clinical teaching, quality assurance, educational leadership and research.
UGHE is the first university in Rwanda and neighbouring countries to offer a full health professions education curriculum, and graduates step into roles as educators, programme directors, deans, clinical faculty, quality assurance experts and institutional leaders.
Applications opened on 6 October 2026 and close on 25 October 2026 at 23:59 CAT, with admissions interviews in November 2026 and final decisions in December 2026. Candidates who already hold a master's degree cannot apply for this scholarship pathway.
What you receive
- Full funding for the 18 month MSc in Health Professions Education through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Africa's first full health professions education curriculum, offered by the first university in Rwanda and neighbouring countries to do so
- Blended delivery designed for working professionals, flexible online learning with immersive in person sessions at UGHE campus
- A community of practice of educators across the continent transforming medical and health professions education
- Teaching from UGHE faculty and expert partners from well known international institutions
- Career pathways into roles as educators, programme directors, deans, clinical faculty, quality assurance experts and institutional leaders
- A 180 credit curriculum covering curriculum design, teaching methods, assessment, clinical teaching, quality assurance, leadership, practicum and research
Who can apply
- Citizens and residents of an African country, or holders of refugee status in an African country
- 35 years old or under in the year of application, with exceptions for applicants living with disabilities
- A Bachelor's degree in a health related field, proven by official academic transcripts and degree certificate
- Professional experience in teaching, supervision or educational leadership within health related higher education is preferable, and early career applicants may show clear evidence of teaching potential
- Employed applicants must add a signed and stamped recommendation letter confirming institutional support and dedicated time to attend online and in person sessions
Who should not apply
- Candidates who already hold a master's degree are not eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars pathway
- Scholars must commit to the entire 18 month programme, the only exit award is the MSc in Health Professions Education
Documents to prepare
- Passport, national ID or refugee ID
- Official academic transcripts
- Degree certificate
- Employer recommendation letter, signed and stamped, for currently employed applicants
How to apply
- Prepare your documents, a passport, national ID or refugee ID, official academic transcripts, degree certificate, and a signed and stamped employer recommendation letter if you are currently employed.
- Open the UGHE application portal at https://ughe.populiweb.com/router/admissions/onlineapplications/index?application_form=40035 and complete the single online application, which includes the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program section with personal, academic and demographic details.
- Upload all supporting documents in the portal.
- Submit one fully completed application before 25 October 2026 at 23:59 CAT. Incomplete submissions or multiple applications are not considered.
Selection process
- Admissions interviews take place in November 2026
- Final decisions are released in December 2026
Sources and verification
Questions applicants ask
Can I apply if I already hold a master's degree?
No, candidates who already hold a master's degree are not eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars pathway.
Can I exit the programme with a diploma along the way?
No, scholars commit to the full 18 month programme and the only exit award is the MSc in Health Professions Education.
Is there an age limit?
Applicants must be 35 or under in the year of application, with exceptions for applicants living with disabilities.
Important disclaimer
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