If you’re passionate about shaping health professions education in Africa, this might be your moment—whether you’re currently a teacher, a supervisor, or just ready to step into a leadership role. The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda is now offering a programme called the Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc-HPE) under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, designed specifically for African educators.
Purpose of the Programme
What this programme is trying to achieve is thoughtful and bold. UGHE recognises a pressing need across African health-education systems: competent educators who can lead curriculum design, teaching, assessment, quality assurance—basically building the pipeline of health professions education. The MSc-HPE is positioned to develop those leaders.
You’re not just studying a module here. You’re preparing for real change—whether that means being a faculty developer in a medical school, heading up a training programme, or influencing national policy on how future doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are taught. UGHE emphasises equity, innovation and relevance—so the aim is to equip you to do more than teach; to transform.
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Eligibility Criteria
Here’s what you’ll need to check and line up before applying. If you skip one of these, your application might not be considered.
Must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen, resident or refugee in an African country.
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application (exceptions may apply for applicants with disabilities).
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field (official transcript and certificate required).
- Have professional experience in teaching, supervision or educational leadership in a health-related higher-education institution, or show clear potential for such work.
- If currently employed, provide a signed and stamped institutional endorsement confirming support and dedicated time to engage in both online and in-person sessions.
- Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible for this Mastercard Foundation Scholars track.
Other important conditions to know:
- You’ll commit to the full 18-month (three semester) programme (180 credits). Exit awards (PgCert, PgDip) are not available if admitted directly to the full MSc track under the scholarship.
- You must be able to attend in-person intensive sessions at UGHE’s campus (in person component + blended online mode) as part of the programme.
Fields of Study
The MSc in Health Professions Education (HPE) is a specialist programme focusing on how to educate and lead in health professions settings. You’ll engage with modules such as:
- Principles of Curriculum and Course Design
- Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods
- Assessment in HPE
- Clinical Teaching
- Principles of Global Health Equity
- Educational Leadership and Management
- Practical Components (Practicum or Thesis)
It’s designed for educators in health fields—so if you come from nursing, medicine, allied health education, teaching, faculty development, or related areas, this programme could align well.
Benefits of the Scholarship
What you receive as a selected scholar is significant. Here’s a breakdown:
- Full tuition coverage for the MSc-HPE under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme.
- Blended learning format: online modules plus in-person intensive sessions (which includes travel to Rwanda, accommodation, meals during intensives, possibly health insurance and support).
- A cohort of educators from across Africa (networking and peer-learning).
- Mentorship, leadership development, and career advancement focus—not just academic content.
- Designed for working professionals (or those about to join leadership roles) facilitating integration of your work and studies.
While the website doesn’t list an exact stipend or living cost allowance for every student, the “fully funded” nature of the scholarship means you won’t bear tuition costs and you’ll have some support for the in-person components.
Deadline & Important Dates
Mark these dates carefully — timing is crucial. For the 2026/2027 intake:
- Application opens: 22 October 2025
- Application closes: 30 November 2025 @ 11:59 PM CAT
- Admission interviews: December 2025
- Final decision: January 2026
You’ll want to apply for the scholarship and programme in good time. Make sure your documents are ready and you’ve confirmed your eligibility ahead of the deadline.
How to Apply
Here’s how to approach the application process:
- Go to UGHE’s official page for the MSc-HPE (via the Mastercard Foundation Scholars link).
- Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria (citizenship/residence, age, degree, experience, employment support).
- Gather your documentation: Bachelor’s degree certificate & transcript; ID/passport; institutional endorsement letter (if employed); CV; personal statement/motivation; any other required documents.
- Complete the online application form – remember to apply only once. Multiple submissions or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Submit by the deadline (30 November 2025).
- If shortlisted, attend interview in December.
- Upon acceptance, follow instructions to enrol and engage with the programme starting the intake.
Why Students Should Consider This Programme
If you’re serious about advancing health professions education in Africa, this is a strong route. Here’s why:
- It’s one of the first full MSc programmes in HPE on the continent, and it’s facilitated by UGHE, an institution with a strong vision for equity in health education.
- The fully funded scholarship means you can focus on learning and leadership, not tuition stress.
- The blended format gives you flexibility and the chance to continue working, while also engaging in in-person immersion.
- The network, mentorship and leadership development build a longer-term career path, not just a degree certificate.
- If you’re from Africa, you gain relevance: your context is built into the teaching, your future work likely connected to the region rather than a generic global north programme.
Final Thoughts
If you see yourself leading change in health education—training future nurses, doctors, allied health professionals or educators—then the MSc in Health Professions Education at UGHE is worth serious consideration. It ticks many of the boxes: scholarship support, relevance to Africa, leadership focus and a credible institution.
Start now: check your eligibility, prepare your documents, write your motivation, gather your endorsements, and submit by 30 November 2025. This could be the turning point for your career and impact.
Wishing you the very best in your application journey—go ahead, apply, and step into your future as a health professions educator and leader.
Official program website: https://ughe.org/master-of-science-hpe-2/