The UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers fully funded master’s study at the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda for young Africans. It is a 10-year partnership between UGHE and the Mastercard Foundation to support 500 scholars. Applicants choose between two master’s tracks, one in global health delivery and one in health professions education.
The package covers tuition, housing, meals and a monthly living allowance, plus an economy return flight. Each track has its own application portal and deadline. The Health Professions Education track closes on 25 October 2026, and the Global Health Delivery track closes on 31 January 2027.
UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Details
UGHE describes the scholarship as a fully funded opportunity to pursue master’s degrees. Scholars study either the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD) or the Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MHPE). Admission to one of these programmes is a condition of the award.
The MHPE lasts 18 months across 3 semesters and 180 credits. It uses a blended format, combining online learning with in-person sessions on UGHE’s campus. UGHE does not state a duration for the MGHD on these pages.
Programme / award | UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program |
|---|---|
Host institution | University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) |
Location | Rwanda |
Level | Master’s: MGHD and MHPE tracks |
Scholar target | 500 young African scholars over a 10-year partnership |
Funding | Tuition, housing, meals, monthly living allowance and economy return flight |
Application fee | None charged by UGHE or the Mastercard Foundation |
Deadlines | MHPE: 25 October 2026, 11:59 PM CAT. MGHD: 31 January 2027, 5:00 PM CAT |
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UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Benefits
The scholarship is built to remove the main costs of studying in Rwanda. UGHE lists full coverage of tuition, housing and meals, plus a monthly living allowance. It also pays for an economy return flight and associated fees.
Beyond funding, scholars join a structured support network. This includes leadership and innovation training, career guidance from the UGHE Innovation Centre, and alumni membership.
Applicants who want an African-focused entrepreneurship route alongside study can read about the Jim Leech Mastercard Fellowship, an eight-month virtual programme from Queen’s University. Its eligibility and funding terms are separate from this award.
UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Eligibility
The programme is limited to young Africans who are aged 35 or under at admission and have completed an undergraduate degree. UGHE also requires admission to the MGHD or MHPE, demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential. Dual citizens, and asylum seekers, refugees or permanent residents of countries outside Africa, are not eligible.
Selection also looks at commitment to community service and health equity, and at experience of significant barriers to higher education. UGHE especially encourages applications from young women, refugees and displaced young people, and persons with disabilities. The MHPE route adds track-specific conditions listed below.
Another funded master’s option for international applicants is the Erasmus Mundus GEM Scholarship, which offers a tuition waiver and a monthly contribution. Check its separate rules before comparing the two.
Requirements and Documents
UGHE asks for one complete online application per applicant. The form includes a section for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program with personal, academic and demographic information. Incomplete or multiple applications are not considered.
The document list differs slightly between the two tracks. Check the portal for the track you choose before you start uploading files.
How to Apply
Apply through the UGHE admissions portal for the track you want. Both routes use the same single-application rule, and neither UGHE nor the Mastercard Foundation charges an application fee. Start with the official programme page to confirm the current portal status.
The MHPE opened on 6 October 2026, with interviews planned for November 2026 and decisions expected in December 2026. The MGHD portal opens on 14 December 2026. UGHE lists an admissions exam in early April 2027 and interviews from 15 to 30 April 2027 for that track.
Application Deadline
The MHPE application closes on 25 October 2026 at 11:59 PM CAT. The MGHD application closes on 31 January 2027 at 5:00 PM CAT and opens on 14 December 2026. Because the two tracks run on separate timelines, check the one you plan to use.
The MGHD page also carries a note describing the class of 2027 as closed, which conflicts with its own December opening date. Confirm the portal status on the official page before you prepare documents. Another current Africa-focused option is the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship for experienced professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers cover the questions applicants ask most about the UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. They follow the official UGHE programme and admissions pages.
Deadlines and portal status can change, so confirm them on the official pages before applying.
Is the UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program fully funded?
Yes. UGHE lists tuition, housing, meals, a monthly living allowance and an economy return flight with associated fees.
Which master’s programmes can scholars study?
Scholars study the MS in Global Health Delivery or the MS in Health Professions Education at UGHE in Rwanda.
What is the age limit?
Applicants must be 35 or under at admission. Both track pages note exceptions for applicants with disabilities.
Is there an application fee?
No. Neither UGHE nor the Mastercard Foundation charges an application fee.
When does each track close?
The MHPE closes on 25 October 2026 at 11:59 PM CAT. The MGHD closes on 31 January 2027 at 5:00 PM CAT.
How many scholars will the programme support?
The partnership is designed to support 500 young African scholars over 10 years. UGHE does not publish a yearly breakdown on its programme pages.
Conclusion
The UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program combines full funding with master’s study in Rwanda for young Africans. Scholars receive tuition, housing, meals, a living allowance and a return flight. The two tracks, MGHD and MHPE, close on different dates.
Choose your track first, then prepare your identity, transcript and recommendation documents. Apply through the official UGHE portal before 25 October 2026 for the MHPE or 31 January 2027 for the MGHD.
