UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholarship for African Health Professionals 2026 (Fully Funded)

The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is offering a fully funded scholarship for African professionals and emerging leaders who want to reshape how healthcare education and delivery work across the continent.

This opportunity is ideal for individuals already working in healthcare or teaching roles, or those preparing to step into leadership positions such as educators, program directors, deans, clinical faculty, or quality-assurance leaders.

The scholarship covers major expenses, including tuition, housing and meals, a monthly living allowance, logistics support (such as a return economy flight), and access to academic and leadership development resources—allowing scholars to focus fully on learning and impact.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholarship: what it offers, who’s eligible, and how to apply.

About the UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

The UGHE Mastercard Foundation partnership is a ten-year initiative supporting 500 African scholars through fully-funded Master’s programmes. Its goal is to develop visionary professionals who will redefine how healthcare workers are trained and how health systems function across Africa.

The scholarship focuses on two eligible Master’s programmes: the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD) and the Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc in HPE). These programmes empower educators and health professionals to design, deliver, and strengthen innovative and equitable training and delivery models.

Graduates emerge prepared to lead meaningful change from improving institutional practices to shaping health education and delivery at national and regional levels.

The programme blends online coursework with in-person intensive sessions, offering practical learning, mentorship, and strong networking opportunities. It’s also deeply rooted in equity and inclusion, giving priority to young women, refugees and displaced persons, people with disabilities, and those committed to advancing healthcare education and delivery in underserved communities.

What the Scholarship Covers

If selected, you’ll receive full financial and academic support, including:

• Full tuition for the entire programme
• Housing and meals on campus
• A monthly living allowance
• A return economy flight and other logistics support
• Health/academic resources and access to support services
• Leadership training, internships, mentoring and alumni network access through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme

With each major expense covered, scholars can fully focus on developing their knowledge, leadership, and impact.

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Eligible Master’s Programmes

The scholarship applies to both eligible Master’s programmes at UGHE:

• MSc in HPE (Health Professions Education), and
• MSc in MGHD (Global Health Delivery)

Make sure to review the programme details carefully to confirm that your goals and background align with the scholarship’s focus.

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship seeks passionate, purpose-driven candidates who:

• Are African citizens, or recognised refugees/displaced persons living in Africa
• Have completed a Bachelor’s degree (undergraduate degree) at a recognised institution
• Are no more than 35 years of age at the time of admission (exceptions may apply for applicants with disabilities)
• Demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence and a commitment to health equity and community service
• Belong to groups that often face barriers to education: young women, persons with disabilities, refugees, displaced persons

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme page to review full programme details and admission requirements.
2. Prepare your documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement that highlights your experience and vision for healthcare education or delivery.
3. Complete the UGHE admission form and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars application as instructed on the UGHE website.
4. Upload all documents and submit before the stated deadline. Monitor your email for updates or interview invitations.

Application Deadline

Key dates for the 2026 intake are as follows:

• Application closes: 30 November 2025 at 11:59 PM CAT
• Admissions interviews: December 2025
• Final decisions released: January 2026

It’s best to apply early to avoid last-minute issues and ensure your documents are reviewed on time.

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In Conclusion

If you’ve ever looked around and thought, “This could be done better, and I want to be part of the solution,” the UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholarship was created for people like you.

This is your opportunity to step up, sharpen your skills, and become the kind of leader who can truly shape how healthcare is taught, practised, and delivered across Africa.

Apply For The UGHE–Mastercard Foundation Scholarship