❌ This scholarship is now CLOSED.
The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) invites passionate and visionary health professionals from across Africa to apply for the Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc-HPE) program under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025. This prestigious opportunity offers fully funded scholarships to talented educators, leaders, and professionals committed to transforming the future of health education and advancing global health equity.
This program is ideal for experienced health educators, academic leaders, and professionals eager to shape national health professions education (HPE) policies, lead academic institutions, and influence educational reform across the continent. Through a unique 18-month blended learning model, the MSc-HPE combines online coursework with in-person sessions designed for mentorship, leadership development, and hands-on learning.
Graduates will emerge as innovative educators, curriculum designers, and health systems leaders capable of driving transformation in Africa’s healthcare and education systems.
Program Overview
- Program Title: Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc-HPE)
- Track: Direct Entry under Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Duration: 18 months (3 semesters)
- Credits: 180 credits
- Delivery Mode: Blended (Online and In-person learning)
- University: University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Rwanda
- Application Opens: October 22, 2025
- Application Deadline: November 30, 2025 (11:59 PM CAT)
- Admissions Interviews: December 2025
- Final Decision: January 2025
About the MSc-HPE Program
The Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc-HPE) program at UGHE prepares health educators and academic leaders to design, deliver, and evaluate innovative, equitable, and high-quality health education programs across Africa.
Supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, this track is specifically dedicated to nurturing Africa’s next generation of health education leaders. The program fosters professionals capable of navigating the complexities of modern health professions education and contributing to policy development, institutional transformation, and academic research.
The program equips learners with the ability to integrate equity, innovation, and leadership into teaching and health education. Graduates will not only master the science of teaching and curriculum design but also influence national and regional reforms aimed at improving healthcare delivery and educational systems.
The program’s core philosophy is rooted in equity, excellence, and relevance, ensuring that all learning outcomes directly contribute to better educational and healthcare outcomes across Africa.
Why Study HPE at UGHE?
The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) is one of Africa’s pioneering institutions dedicated to reimagining health education through innovation and inclusion. Studying HPE at UGHE means joining a growing community of passionate educators who are reshaping health systems through learning and leadership.
Key Reasons to Study at UGHE:
- Africa’s First Full HPE Pathway: UGHE offers the first comprehensive HPE curriculum in Rwanda and surrounding regions, paving the way for advanced educational leadership.
- Career Advancement: Graduates are prepared for leadership roles as program directors, deans, curriculum experts, quality assurance officers, and faculty developers.
- Community of Practice: Join an active network of educators and practitioners committed to transforming medical and health education across the continent.
- Flexible Learning for Working Professionals: The blended learning format allows professionals to continue their work while studying through a combination of online classes and immersive on-campus sessions.
- Expert Faculty and Global Networks: Learn from top educators at UGHE and partner institutions around the world who bring real-world expertise and academic excellence.
- Real-World Application: Each module combines theory with practical implementation, focusing on institutional quality, leadership, and educational innovation.
- Peer Mentorship and Growth: Connect with peers, share experiences, and build mentorship relationships that support your academic and career advancement.
- Equity and Innovation: Every course integrates principles of inclusive education, digital innovation, and global health equity.
- Fully Funded Opportunity: Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, eligible applicants receive full funding for tuition, accommodation, travel, and living expenses.
Program Structure and Modules
The MSc-HPE program comprises 180 credits completed over three semesters (18 months). The curriculum combines theoretical learning, applied research, and practical leadership experience.
Sample Modules Include:
| Module Code | Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HPE9111 | Principles of Curriculum and Course Design | 10 |
| HPE9121 | Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods | 10 |
| HPE9131 | Assessment in Health Professions Education | 20 |
| HPE9141 | Clinical Teaching | 10 |
| HPE9151 | Principles of Global Health Equity | 10 |
| HPE9162 | Program Evaluation and Faculty Appraisal | 10 |
| HPE9172 | Quality Assurance and Accreditation in HPE | 10 |
| HPE9182 | Educational Leadership and Management | 10 |
| HPE9192 | Educational Leadership Practicum | 30 |
| HPE9211 | Theories of Teaching and Learning | 10 |
| HPE9221 | Educational Research and Scholarship | 20 |
| HPE9241 | Practicum or Thesis in HPE | 30 |
Total Credits: 180
Students are required to complete the full 18-month program and are not eligible to exit with postgraduate certificate or diploma awards. The only available exit qualification is the Master of Science in Health Professions Education.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the MSc-HPE Direct Entry Track under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age Limit: Applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application (exceptions apply for applicants with disabilities).
- Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens, residents, or hold refugee status in an African country.
- Academic Qualification: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field and provide official transcripts and certificates.
- Professional Experience: Experience in teaching, supervision, or educational leadership within higher education institutions is preferred. Early-career applicants showing strong teaching potential may also be considered.
- Institutional Endorsement: Applicants currently employed must provide a signed and stamped recommendation letter from their institution confirming support and time allocation for participation.
- Degree Limitation: Applicants who already hold a master’s degree are not eligible to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Scholarship Coverage and Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive financial support to ensure that talented individuals can study without financial barriers.
Scholarship Benefits Include:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the 18-month MSc-HPE program
- Accommodation and meals provided during in-person sessions at UGHE’s campus
- Living stipend to cover daily expenses
- Travel support for on-site learning components
- Health insurance coverage
- Mentorship, leadership training, and career development opportunities
- Access to a continental alumni network of health educators and professionals
This scholarship empowers young Africans to pursue advanced education, contribute to sustainable healthcare transformation, and lead with integrity and innovation.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the online application for both the MSc-HPE program and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program simultaneously. Incomplete or multiple applications will not be considered.
Application Steps:
- Complete the online application form, providing personal, academic, and demographic information.
- Upload all required documents, including:
- Passport, National ID, or Refugee ID
- Academic transcripts and degree certificate
- Institutional recommendation letter (if employed)
- Submit the application before the November 30, 2025 deadline.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in December 2025.
- Final admission decisions will be announced in January 2025.
Who We Are Looking For
UGHE seeks dynamic and committed young Africans who demonstrate leadership, academic potential, and a passion for improving health education. The program strongly encourages applications from:
- Young women aspiring to leadership roles in health education
- Refugees and displaced persons who wish to rebuild and serve their communities
- Persons with disabilities committed to inclusive education and healthcare transformation
Conclusion
The Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc-HPE) under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025 at UGHE is more than a degree—it’s a movement to transform the way Africa educates and trains its healthcare workforce.
By combining academic rigor, leadership development, and real-world application, the program equips future educators and policy shapers with the skills and vision to drive equitable healthcare reform across the continent.
If you’re a passionate health professional ready to elevate your career, influence national policy, and inspire the next generation of educators, this program is your pathway to meaningful impact.
Apply before November 30, 2025, and join a community shaping the future of health education in Africa.
Official Website: https://www.ughe.org
Official Application Link https://ughe.populiweb.com/router/admissions/onlineapplications/index?application_form=40035
