UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholarship for Africans 2027

The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda, together with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, offers fully funded scholarships to young Africans for its Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD). The programme trains health leaders who can deliver better care in their own communities.

Key dates: applications open on 14 December 2026 and close on 31 January 2027 at 5:00 PM CAT (Central Africa Time). Check the official UGHE admissions page for any changes.

About the programme

The MGHD is an 18-month, full-time master's degree. It begins with an online semester, followed by in-person study at UGHE's campus in Rwanda. Students choose one of four tracks:

• Global Surgery
• Health Management
• One Health
• Social and Community Medicine

What the scholarship covers

Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive:

• Full tuition and academic fees
• On-campus accommodation and meals
• A monthly stipend for personal and transport costs
• Health insurance
• A laptop and study materials
• Return flights and visa support for international scholars
• Mentorship, plus leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation training

Admission doesn't guarantee a scholarship. Awards are competitive.

Who can apply

• Citizens and residents of an African country, or people with refugee status in an African country
• Age 35 or under at the time of application (exceptions for applicants with disabilities)
• A completed bachelor's degree in any field
• No master's degree already. Applicants who hold one aren't eligible.
• Good English for reading, writing and speaking
• Basic analytical skills for subjects like biostatistics and epidemiology

Important dates

Documents you'll need

• Passport (non-Rwandans), national ID (Rwandans) or refugee ID
• Academic transcripts and degree certificate
• Two recommendation letters
• A short CV in PDF format

If your degree is from outside Rwanda, you may need an equivalence certificate from Rwanda's Higher Education Council, but only after you're admitted.

How to apply

1. Go to UGHE's admissions page when applications open on 14 December 2026.
2. Fill in the online application. The scholarship application is part of the same form, so there's nothing separate to submit.
3. Submit one complete application only. UGHE won't consider incomplete or duplicate applications.

Also at UGHE: Master's in Health Professions Education

UGHE also offers Mastercard Foundation scholarships for a Master of Science in Health Professions Education (HPE), for people with a health-related bachelor's degree who teach or want to teach health workers. Its last round closed on 30 November 2025, so watch UGHE's website for the next one.

Tips for a strong application

• Show your commitment to Africa's health. Describe a real health problem in your community and how you want to help solve it.
• Prepare for the admissions exam by refreshing basic maths and statistics.
• Ask your referees early so their letters are ready before 31 January.

Need help with your CV or motivation? See our motivation letter guide or book a review.