UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 – Fully Funded for Africans

Are you an ambitious African graduate passionate about transforming health and education on the continent? Are you eager to pursue a Master’s at an institution committed to equity, innovation and impact? Then the partnership between the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) and the Mastercard Foundation might be your perfect scholars program.

This initiative offers fully funded scholarships for young African people who face significant barriers and are ready to become transformative leaders in global health delivery or health professions education.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what the scholarship entails, who can apply, what you gain, and exactly how to apply.

UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 Summary at a Glance

Details of the Programme

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UGHE is a major collaboration designed to provide 500 young African scholars across a 10-year period the chance to pursue fully-funded Master’s degrees at UGHE.

What it offers

• A full-cost scholarship: tuition, housing/accommodation, meals, monthly living stipend, return economy flight, study materials and laptop.
• A holistic support ecosystem: pre-arrival orientation, leadership & entrepreneurship training, mentorship, internship placements, alumni network, and career support.
• Study in one of UGHE’s flagship Master’s programmes:
  • Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD)
  • Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MHPE) – 18 months, 180 credits, blended online + in-person delivery.
• Emphasis on transforming health systems in Africa: leveraging equity, innovation, community-based learning, and real-world impact.

Why this matters

Africa faces enormous health challenges—from unequal access to care, to workforce shortages, to fragile systems. UGHE’s mission is to build leaders who deliver health equity. The scholarship aims to remove financial and systemic barriers so that talented Africans (especially from underrepresented groups) can contribute to this mission.

By becoming a scholar, you join a network of change-makers, gain exposure to rigorous training, and return (or stay connected) to your home country with the capacity to influence systems, policy, education and practice.

Who is Eligible?

To be considered for the programme, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be African: citizen, resident or hold refugee status within an African country. Dual citizenship or being an asylum-seeker/refugee outside of Africa may not be eligible.
• Be 35 years or younger at the time of application (exceptions apply for applicants with disabilities).
• Have successfully graduated from a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field.
• Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to health equity and community service.
• Preferably (especially for MHPE), have professional experience in teaching, supervision or educational leadership in health-related higher education (although early-career with potential may also be considered).
• Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible for the scholarship track.

Note: Meeting eligibility does not guarantee selection — the programme is competitive and seeks standout candidates who align with its mission.

Benefits of the Scholarship (2026 Cohort)

If selected, you can expect:

• Full coverage of tuition fees for your Master’s programme.
• A living stipend to support accommodation, meals and daily living.
• Accommodation (housing) provided by UGHE or supported.
• Laptop and study materials (so you’re ready to engage in coursework).
• Return economy flight to Rwanda (or as specified) and travel support.
• Pre-arrival orientation and customised support to integrate into the programme.
• Leadership and entrepreneurship training to develop your skills beyond academics.
• Internship/mentorship opportunities during or after your studies, and access to a strong alumni network.

These benefits combine to remove the typical financial and logistical barriers many Africans face when seeking advanced education abroad or even on the continent.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Here’s how you should proceed (and I recommend starting early to collect documents, craft your narrative, and get references ready):

1. Visit the official UGHE scholarship webpage for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to learn about the Master’s programmes (MGHD and MHPE) and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
2. Choose the Master’s programme you want (MGHD or MHPE) and verify the specific admission requirements and deadlines for that programme.
3. Complete the online application form — this will include your personal details, academic background, demographic information, motivation statement, and leadership and community service evidence.
4. Upload all required supporting documents. Typical documents include:
   • Passport or national ID or refugee ID (as applicable)
   • Official academic transcript(s) & Bachelor’s degree certificate
   • Employer or institutional recommendation (if required)
   • Curriculum vitae / résumé
   • Any additional essays or statements as required by UGHE or the scholarship.
5. Submit a single, complete application — incomplete or multiple applications may not be considered.
6. After submission: if shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview or further assessment. Wait for decision notifications (typically early next year).
7. If selected, prepare for pre-arrival orientation, visa (if international travel needed), travel logistics, and enrolment at UGHE.

For more details, visit the official website here.

Tips to Boost Your Application

• Clearly articulate how your past experiences (academic, professional, volunteer) have prepared you to be a transformative leader in health or health education in Africa.
• Highlight any barriers you overcame (financial, social, displacement, disability) that align with the programme’s equity mission.
• Provide strong references who can speak to your leadership, commitment, and potential for impact.
• Tailor your motivation statement to show why you chose UGHE, why the specific Master’s programme, and how you plan to use your skills after graduation to benefit your community/country.
• Make sure your documents are complete, accurate and submitted ahead of the deadline (30 November 2025) for the 2026 intake.
• Familiarise yourself with UGHE’s mission and the Mastercard Foundation’s Scholars Programme philosophy — alignment with their values matters.

FAQ

Does this scholarship require an English test (IELTS/TOEFL)?

There’s no specific mention in the UGHE-Mastercard Foundation page of a mandatory IELTS/TOEFL requirement for the scholarship track; however, you must satisfy UGHE’s admission standards for the programme you apply to, which could include proof of English proficiency. It’s recommended to check the specific programme’s admission page.

Can I apply if I am over 35 years old?

The general rule is 35 or under at the time of application. Exceptions may apply for applicants with disabilities, but you should check directly with the programme.

I already hold a Master’s degree. Can I apply?

For the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme track, candidates who already hold a Master’s are not eligible.

Does the scholarship cover visa, health insurance, or dependents?

The official webpages specify tuition, living stipend, accommodation, laptop, and travel costs. They do not explicitly list dependents or health insurance — you should check with UGHE for the full benefits package and whether health insurance is included.

Where is UGHE located, and what is the campus like?

UGHE is located in Butaro, Burera District, Rwanda. It is a purpose-built health sciences university dedicated to excellence, equity and community-based education.

CHECK THESE OUT:

MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Program 2026-2027 | Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships

QuTech Academy Scholarship in Netherlands 2026 | Fully Funded MSc & PhD Opportunities

ENS Scholarships in France 2026 (École Normale Supérieure Scholarship) | Fully Funded

Kelloggs Super Stars Scholarship for Nigerians 2025 | ₦150,000 Award