Apply Now: UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded

The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) has opened applications for the 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

It is offering talented young Africans an opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in health-related fields.

The scholarship is part of a 10-year partnership between UGHE and the Mastercard Foundation aimed at supporting 500 young African scholars facing significant social and economic barriers to higher education. The programme particularly encourages applications from young women, refugees and displaced young people, and persons with disabilities.

For the 2027 intake, the scholarship opportunity is available to eligible candidates seeking admission to UGHE’s Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD) and Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc-HPE) programmes.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive financial and academic support to successful scholars.

The fully funded package includes:

• Full tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Monthly living allowance
• Economy-class return airfare and related travel costs
• Additional academic and student support
• Access to an entrepreneurial fund
• Leadership and life-skills development opportunities
• Membership of a network of Mastercard Foundation Scholars and alumni

The programme goes beyond financial assistance, with UGHE emphasising leadership, entrepreneurship, life skills and preparation for scholars to contribute meaningfully to health systems and communities across Africa.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is open to eligible young Africans who meet UGHE’s admission requirements and are admitted to an eligible master’s programme.

Applicants must generally:

• Be citizens of an African country;
• Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application, with exceptions for applicants with disabilities;
• Hold an undergraduate degree;
• Demonstrate academic ability and leadership potential;
• Show a commitment to creating positive change in their communities and the African continent;
• Meet the admission requirements of the relevant UGHE master’s programme.

UGHE is particularly seeking talented candidates who face significant barriers to higher education, including young women, refugees and displaced persons, and persons with disabilities.

Available Study Areas

For the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery, eligible Mastercard Foundation scholarship pathways include:

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

The MGHD programme combines global health, epidemiology, health policy, management, health financing and leadership to prepare professionals capable of addressing complex healthcare delivery challenges.

The Master of Science in Health Professions Education prepares healthcare professionals to become educators, curriculum leaders, faculty developers, quality-assurance specialists and institutional leaders capable of strengthening health professions education across Africa.

Application Requirements

Applicants are expected to provide supporting documents as part of the UGHE application process. These include:

• Passport, national identity card or refugee identification document;
• Academic transcripts;
• Degree certificate;
• Two recommendation letters;
• Other information and documents requested through the online application.

Applicants should submit one complete application. UGHE states that incomplete or multiple applications will not be considered.

Application Deadline

For the MGHD Class of 2027, UGHE’s official admissions information lists:

Application Opens: December 14, 2026
Application Deadline: January 31, 2027, at 5:00 p.m. CAT
Admissions Examination: Early April 2027
Admissions Interviews: April 15–30, 2027

Prospective applicants should check the official UGHE admissions page for the latest information before submitting their applications.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the UGHE online admission application and indicate their interest in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program where applicable.

Apply Now: UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Official Application Information

The Mastercard Foundation also advises prospective scholars to apply directly through its partner institutions because each institution manages its own application process and deadlines.

Important: UGHE and the Mastercard Foundation do not charge an application fee for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Applicants should be cautious of individuals or platforms requesting payment in exchange for scholarship placement.