We are pleased to announce the start of the 2026–2027 recruitment for the Certificate in Effective Healthcare Management, offered by the University of Toronto‘s Institute for Management and Innovation (IMI) Executive Programs under the Africa Health Collaborative, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
This nine-month online program is designed to develop Africa’s next generation of healthcare leaders, equipping managers and medical professionals with advanced skills in healthcare management, leadership, and strategy to address Africa’s most critical health sector challenges.
Program Structure
The program features nine months of live, virtual instructions, running from September 2026 to May 2027. The curriculum includes the following:
- Core healthcare management foundations: Learners build a strong grounding in healthcare governance, ethics, strategy, and risk management — developing the critical thinking and leadership skills needed to navigate complex health systems across Africa.
- Applied and elective learning: Participants explore healthcare finance, reporting, forensic considerations, and digital health innovation. They will apply concepts directly to real challenges faced in Africa’s healthcare settings.
- Digital health and innovation: The final segment focuses on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and innovation within African healthcare — preparing participants to lead the next wave of health system modernization on the continent.
- Integrated speaker sessions: Throughout the program, leading experts and thought leaders are invited to explore today’s most pressing healthcare challenges — from change management to technology and equity — with opportunities for live Q&A.
Benefits
This is a fully funded certificate opportunity. Selected participants will receive:
- Full scholarship: All tuition costs and learning materials are fully covered by the Mastercard Foundation — no cost to participants.
- Real-world learning: Actionable skills to address healthcare challenges in your community, with lasting impact across the African healthcare landscape.
- Peer network: Develop a network of healthcare contributors and collaborators from institutions across the continent to draw on throughout your career.
- Expert faculty: Gain insights from University of Toronto faculty, subject matter experts, and globally recognized thought leaders in healthcare.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be affiliated with one of the Africa Health Collaborative partner institutions
- Be a healthcare manager or medical professional based in Africa
- Demonstrate a clear interest in strengthening leadership and management capabilities within a healthcare setting
- Commit 3–5 hours per week to coursework, including weekly Wednesday sessions
- Actively participate in class discussions and complete all project deliverables
Why study with IMIx at the University of Toronto
- World-class institution: IMIx is the Executive Programs unit of the Institute for Management & Innovation (IMI) — a cross-disciplinary institute bringing together expertise in management, science, medicine, and innovation.
- Globally recognized faculty: Faculty lead research and programs that shape policy, practice, and impact across sectors — bringing that rigor directly into the classroom.
- Interactive learning environment: Live virtual classes are designed to foster active learning, critical thinking, and peer-to-peer engagement — not passive instruction.
- African healthcare focus: Every module is grounded in the realities of Africa’s health systems — from local governance challenges to continent-wide digital transformation opportunities.
How to apply
Applicants are required to submit the following through the online application form:
- Letter of recommendation from a supervisor or senior officer
- Current resume or CV (template available on the application page)
- Short video (1–2 minutes) reflecting on your healthcare experience
- Responses to four short-answer questions (150–250 words each) covering your interest in the program, a specific healthcare challenge you face, a project idea to address it, and the change you hope to achieve
Program Dates
- September 16, 2026 – May 30, 2027
- Every Wednesday | 3 hours per week | Online
Application Deadline: Sunday, August 9, 2026
Virtual Information Session
Join us for a virtual information session on Tuesday, July 21st 2026
Time: 12 pm EST / 4 pm GMT / 6 pm CAT / 7 pm EAT
Important note: Applications must be submitted online only. Applicants are advised to prepare all required documents in advance and ensure everything is uploaded before the deadline. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
This program is designed and implemented by the University of Toronto’s IMIx Executive Programs under the Africa Health Collaborative, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
Read about alumni of this program:

Building Bridges for Safer Births: How Funmi Odushola connects trusted community caregivers with formal healthcare in Nigeria
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Contact for more information

Rida Private: Khan
Marketing & Operations Coordinator, IMIx Executive Programs
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