The Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) is a global leading institution for health-related education, research, and leadership development. Established in 1997 and registered as a Private Institution of Higher Education with the South African Department of Education since 2002 (Registration number 2002/HE07/013), FPD has grown into a trusted global partner in professional capacity building. With over 600,000 alumni across 110 countries, FPD stands at the forefront of shaping the future of health systems, education, and social transformation.
Our mission is to catalyse social change by developing people, strengthening systems, and creating innovative solutions that improve health and wellbeing across Africa and beyond.
Our Educational Philosophy
FPD offers a comprehensive portfolio of learning opportunities—from postgraduate qualifications and executive programmes to specialised short courses, in-house training, and international conferences. All programmes are designed to balance academic excellence with real-world relevance, ensuring our graduates can lead in rapidly changing, complex environments.
We deliver education through flexible and innovative formats, including fully online, hybrid, and in-person learning. Our pay-per-module structure makes it easier for professionals to manage both their time and their investment, without compromising on quality.
A Global Leader with African Roots
FPD’s strength lies in its unique ability to blend African experience with global best practice. Through strategic partnerships with internationally renowned institutions—including Ivy League universities and top-tier business schools—we bring the world’s best educational resources to Africa, while exporting African expertise to the world.
FPD is not just an educational institution —it is a driver of social transformation, shaping leaders, strengthening systems, and building healthier, more resilient societies.
What Sets Us Apart
“Access. Value. Relevance. Excellence.” The FPD Promise.
ACCESS
We bring world-class education within reach. Through flexible delivery—online, hybrid, or in-person—FPD ensures our learners across the globe and beyond can study when and where it suits them.
VALUE
By leveraging strong partnerships with leading global institutions, FPD delivers world-class education at a price point that represents exceptional value for money. FPD focuses on flexible, affordable tuition models that ensure long-term sustainability and access. With our pay-per-module model, model on our qualifications, professionals can manage their investment over time while benefiting from globally benchmarked, internationally quality assured, high-quality education that delivers a strong return on career growth.
RELEVANCE
Our courses are designed to meet the real needs of professionals, leaders, and social change organisations operating in volatile, uncertain and rapidly changing environments. Curricula are continuously updated by our faculty panel of leading local and globally renowned experts to reflect emerging global health, management, and social transformation challenges.
EXCELLENCE
FPD is recognised as a leader in health-related leadership and professional development education across Africa and globally. Our faculty includes globally recognised experts in their field, with substantial practical real world implementation experience allowing them to merge academic excellence with work-based experience, ensuring every programme combines academic rigour with practical impact.