If you’ve been dreaming of pursuing a world-class degree in global health but tuition, travel, and living costs have always felt out of reach, the 2026 Mastercard–UGHE Scholarship might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
This new intake continues one of Africa’s most impactful education partnerships, bringing together the Mastercard Foundation and the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) to support the next generation of African health leaders. With full funding, mentorship, and leadership development at its core, the program aims to empower young changemakers who want to tackle health inequity head-on.
And the best part? Every selected student receives comprehensive support for the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD), one of Africa’s most forward-looking graduate programmes.
Key Takeaways
What the Mastercard–UGHE Scholarship Offers for 2026
The 2026 scholarship announcement reinforces Mastercard Foundation’s long-standing commitment to expanding access to higher education for talented African youth. Through its partnership with UGHE, the Foundation is supporting students who want to shape the future of healthcare delivery but have been held back by financial or social barriers. The scholarship fully covers the MGHD programme, an 18-month master’s degree designed for students who want to develop real-world solutions to public health challenges across the continent.
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The funding package goes far beyond tuition alone. Scholars receive on-campus accommodation, a monthly stipend, medical insurance, academic support, and even a return flight for those travelling to Rwanda. This comprehensive support ensures that students can fully focus on their academic and professional growth without worrying about financial constraints. The partnership specifically aims to open doors for young Africans committed to improving health equity, whether in rural communities, fragile health systems, or underserved populations.
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What makes this scholarship particularly meaningful is the leadership ethos behind it. Mastercard Foundation is known for investing in young people who want to lead change, and UGHE is known for training health professionals who understand the social and structural barriers that impact health outcomes. Together, they’re building a pipeline of leaders who are academically strong, socially conscious, and ready to drive transformation in African healthcare systems.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria for African Students
The scholarship is open to applicants from across Africa who have shown perseverance, leadership potential, and a true commitment to improving their communities. While academic ability is important, the programme explicitly targets young people who have faced economic, social, or displacement-related challenges and still managed to excel. This includes women, refugees, displaced youth, and applicants with disabilities.
To qualify, candidates must be citizens, residents, or legally recognised refugees of an African country. They must also be 35 years old or younger, although applicants with disabilities may be granted some flexibility on the age limit. A Bachelor’s degree is required, and applicants should be able to show both academic readiness and an understanding of health equity issues. The selection committee also looks closely at each applicant’s leadership potential, whether demonstrated through community work, professional initiatives, or personal resilience.
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It’s worth noting that individuals who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible. The programme is specifically structured to allow first-time postgraduate students to advance academically and professionally in the field of global health delivery. This ensures that the scholarship continues to support emerging leaders who have limited access to higher education opportunities.
Benefits Beyond Tuition: What Scholars Receive
While the full tuition funding is a major highlight, the Mastercard–UGHE Scholarship is intentionally designed to be far more holistic. Scholars receive on-campus housing at UGHE’s Butaro campus in Rwanda, giving them access to a world-class learning environment built specifically for global health education. This residential model fosters collaboration, cultural exchange, and the kind of peer learning that shapes strong future leaders.
Financially, the programme covers a monthly stipend to support living costs, alongside comprehensive medical insurance to ensure scholars are fully supported throughout their academic journey. For international students arriving from other African countries, a return flight is provided, removing yet another financial barrier that often prevents talented youth from pursuing graduate education abroad.
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Beyond financial support, scholars gain access to mentorship programmes, leadership workshops, and career development training. UGHE places strong emphasis on equipping graduates with the practical skills needed to drive impact, whether they choose careers in public health policy, clinical management, community programming, or nonprofit leadership. This combination of academic rigor and leadership development makes the scholarship one of the most sought-after opportunities for aspiring health innovators in Africa.
Program Overview: What You Study in the MGHD Degree
The Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD) at UGHE is a robust, 18-month program built around the principles of health equity, health system strengthening, and practical problem-solving. The degree blends online and in-person learning to accommodate students from across the continent. The opening semester is delivered online, allowing scholars to transition into graduate-level learning before relocating to Rwanda for the remainder of the programme.
The curriculum exposes students to the social, economic, and systemic factors that influence health outcomes. Through coursework and hands-on learning, students explore policy, management, health delivery systems, and community-level interventions. UGHE’s teaching philosophy emphasises real-world application, ensuring that scholars graduate not just with knowledge but also with strong analytical and leadership skills.
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Students also specialise in one of several focus areas: One Health, Global Surgery, Health Management, or Community & Social Medicine. Each specialization addresses specific gaps in Africa’s health systems, from surgical care to zoonotic diseases to management of rural clinics. Experiential learning, fieldwork, and community-based projects are embedded throughout the programme, ensuring that graduates are ready to step into leadership roles in their home countries.
How to Apply for the 2026 Mastercard–UGHE Scholarship
The application process is fully online and has been designed to evaluate academic ability, leadership potential, and commitment to health equity. Applicants begin by filling out UGHE’s online application form, where they will provide personal details, academic history, and a clear statement of purpose outlining their goals and community impact. This is an important part of the application, as the selection panel looks for students who demonstrate a strong sense of purpose and service.
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Alongside the form, applicants must upload required documents such as academic transcripts, degree certificates, a CV, and identification documents. Letters of recommendation are also necessary, ideally from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic ability or leadership contributions. Since the MGHD is a graduate-level degree, clarity and coherence in your written application matter just as much as your academic record.
Once the application is submitted, candidates should keep an eye on their official email for updates. The process moves through several phases: scholarship review, admissions exam, and finally interviews. Given the competitiveness of the scholarship, applicants are encouraged to prepare thoughtfully, ensuring that their application clearly communicates both their achievements and their commitment to advancing health equity in Africa.
Key Dates and What Happens After You Apply
The application window for the 2026 Mastercard–UGHE Scholarship opens on 14 November 2025 and closes on 18 January 2026, with all submissions due by 5:00 PM CAT. Once applications are received, the first major milestone is the admissions exam scheduled for February 2026. This exam evaluates readiness for graduate-level study and is required for all shortlisted candidates.
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Applicants who perform well in the exam will move on to the interview stage in March 2026. These interviews are an essential part of the evaluation process, allowing the panel to understand each candidate’s motivations, leadership qualities, and long-term goals. Candidates may also be asked for additional documents at this stage, depending on their specific circumstances.
Final selections will be announced in May 2026, giving successful applicants enough time to plan for relocation and enrolment. Those admitted into the scholarship will receive pre-arrival guidance, academic onboarding, and support from both UGHE and the Mastercard Foundation. With such a clear timeline, students can plan and ensure they meet all requirements on time, a crucial part of securing a spot in this prestigious programme.
Reference: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/
