UGHE Announces New Intake for Fully Funded MSc in Health Professions Education
The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) has opened applications for the 2025–2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholars MSc-HPE Programme, a prestigious fully funded route designed to train the next generation of African leaders in health professions education. The deadline for applications is 30 November 2025.
Targeted at young African educators with strong potential but limited financial resources, the programme equips scholars with the skills needed to strengthen health training systems across the continent.
A Programme Built to Transform Health Education in Africa
The Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc-HPE) prepares early-career and emerging educators to design, teach, and evaluate high-quality health training programmes. The Mastercard Foundation-funded route is tailored for educators who aim to shape national HPE policy, lead academic institutions, or contribute to global research in teaching and learning.
Graduates of the programme are trained to:
- Develop and manage modern health education curricula
- Lead teams that prepare the next generation of doctors, nurses, and health workers
- Contribute meaningful research to the growing field of HPE
- Influence policy and practice at institutional, national, and regional levels
Through this leadership-focused curriculum, the programme seeks to drive improvements in teaching quality and health outcomes across Africa.
A Flexible Blended Learning Model
UGHE’s MSc-HPE uses a blended learning structure, enabling students to balance work commitments while gaining advanced academic grounding. The model includes:
- Online coursework covering theory and foundational concepts
- In-person intensive blocks for practical learning, mentorship, and networking
- A strong emphasis on equity, quality, and real-world relevance
The programme prepares students for roles such as:
- Lecturers and health educators
- Curriculum and instructional design leaders
- Faculty development coordinators
- Quality assurance officers
- Educational researchers
With a strong focus on workplace-based learning and leadership development, scholars graduate prepared to lead reforms in health education.
Who Can Apply? Key Eligibility Requirements
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars route has strict eligibility criteria to ensure support reaches those most likely to use the degree for community impact.
Applicants must:
- Be 35 years old or younger (with exceptions for applicants with disabilities)
- Be citizens, residents, or refugees in an African country
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, supported by official transcripts
- Have professional experience in teaching, supervision, or educational leadership within a health-related higher education setting
- Early-career applicants may instead demonstrate strong teaching potential
- Provide a signed, stamped employer recommendation letter confirming study support and allocated time for programme activities
- Not hold a previous master’s degree when applying through the Mastercard Foundation funding route
These requirements ensure support goes to promising young educators committed to advancing health professions education.
What Scholars Receive: Full Financial Support
Mastercard Foundation Scholars in this programme receive full funding, including:
- 100% coverage of tuition and university fees
- Support for attending both online and in-person learning sessions
- Access to UGHE faculty mentorship
- A strong peer network of fellow Scholars and HPE professionals
This full funding package enables scholars to focus fully on learning and leadership development.
How to Apply for the 2025–2026 MSc-HPE Mastercard Foundation Route
The application is fully online and completed via the UGHE MSc-HPE portal.
Steps include:
- Filling out the combined MSc-HPE and Mastercard Foundation Scholars application form via UGHE MSc-HPE application portal
- Providing personal, academic, and demographic information
- Uploading required documents:
- Passport, national ID, or refugee ID
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Employer recommendation letter (for employed applicants)
Applicants must submit one complete application only, as incomplete or multiple submissions will not be considered. UGHE MSc-HPE programme page.
Why This Programme Matters for Africa’s Health Future
Africa’s growing population requires not only skilled clinicians but also skilled educators who can train the workforce needed for sustainable health systems. By investing in health education leaders, this MSc-HPE route helps:
- Improve teaching quality and curriculum relevance
- Expand access to fair and equitable health education
- Strengthen links between training, research, and local health needs
- Support reforms in universities and health institutions
Each graduate multiplies their impact, shaping the careers of hundreds of future health workers who will serve communities across Africa.
You may also like to read: UC Berkeley Opens 2026–2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Young African Leaders
