Academic programmes
Diploma, bachelor's and master's programmes in medical and biomedical sciences, and in agriculture and food sciences. Teaching is practical and based on the health and food needs of the communities we serve.
Training for health and food in rural communities
Essential Health Higher Institute (EHHI) offers programmes from diploma to master's level through the School of Medical and Biomedical Sciences and the Department of Agriculture and Food Sciences. Our master's programmes in critical care and anaesthesia are offered by the University of Pretoria.
Students learn in clinics, gardens and farms as well as in the classroom. Practical skill comes first, supported by interprofessional learning, research and community work, so that graduates can serve rural and underserved communities.
School of Medical and Biomedical Sciences
Programmes in nursing, anaesthesia and critical care for health workers in rural and global settings. Teaching is practical and rooted in the realities of African healthcare.
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nursing
Prepares students for general nursing practice in hospitals, clinics and community settings, with emphasis on clinical skills, patient care and health promotion.
- Clinical rotations at EHFAF Medical Center
- Community health outreach and vaccination campaigns
- Preparation for professional licensure
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing
Builds on the HND with research, leadership and specialised nursing practice. Graduates are prepared for management and advanced clinical roles.
- Research methodology and project defence
- Leadership and healthcare management
- Specialised clinical placements
Postgraduate Diploma in Anesthesia
Gives nurses and clinicians advanced skills in anaesthesia administration, patient monitoring and perioperative care. Delivered with international partners.
- Advanced airway management
- Pharmacology and drug administration
- Clinical simulation and hands-on practice
Postgraduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing
For nurses who want to specialise in the care of critically ill patients: advanced assessment, monitoring and intervention in intensive care settings.
- A-B-C-D-E assessment and monitoring
- Management of shock, sepsis and acute kidney injury
- Mechanical ventilation and inotropic support
Master of Science (MSc) in Critical Care
Prepares nurses for leadership in critical care, research and education, with a substantial research component and clinical specialisation.
Offered by the University of Pretoria
- Advanced clinical decision-making
- Research design and implementation
- Teaching and preceptorship skills
Master of Science (MSc) in Anesthesia
Deepens anaesthesia knowledge and skills for senior clinical roles, teaching and research in anaesthesia and perioperative care.
Offered by the University of Pretoria
- Advanced anaesthesia techniques
- Pain management and sedation
- Quality improvement in perioperative care
Inter-professional Anesthesia, Emergency & Critical Care Course
A six-month blended course run with ROBINAID Academy (Germany) for health professionals who want to strengthen their skills in anaesthesia, emergency care and critical care.
Ten core modules
- Clinical Pathways + Standard Operating Procedures
- Prevention of Healthcare Associated Infection + Essentials in Antimicrobial Therapy
- A-B-C-D-E Assessment + Monitoring
- Pathomechanisms + Management of Acute Kidney Injury
- Pathomechanisms, Types + Management of Shock
- Advanced Pharmacotherapy: Management of Pain + Sedation
- Respiratory Failure + Non-invasive + Invasive Mechanical Ventilation
- Advanced Pharmacotherapy: Inotropes in Low Cardiac Output
- Critical Conditions during Pregnancy, Delivery + Post Partum Period
- Pathomechanisms + Management of Sepsis incl. Neonatal Sepsis
Department of Agriculture and Food Sciences
Good health starts with good nutrition. The department links health care with sustainable farming to address malnutrition, hunger and poverty. Students learn in model gardens, at the fish farm and in community co-operatives. It is the backbone of EHHI's entrepreneurial university concept.
The department offers HND, BSc and MSc programmes in Agricultural Production Technology and Sustainable Agriculture. Graduates go on to work as agricultural entrepreneurs, extension officers and food security advocates.
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Agricultural Production Technology
Covers crop production, animal husbandry, fish farming and agribusiness. Students spend a large part of their time on the teaching farm and in community co-operatives.
- Hands-on training at the EHHI teaching fish farm
- Model gardens and school nutrition programmes
- Farmer co-op formation and management
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Agricultural Production Technology
Builds on the HND with research, project management and agricultural policy. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in agriculture.
- Research methodology and project defence
- Agricultural policy and extension services
- Advanced sustainable farming techniques
Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainable Agriculture
Prepares graduates to lead agricultural development initiatives, conduct research and teach at tertiary institutions, with emphasis on food security, climate resilience and agribusiness.
- Advanced research and thesis
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Agribusiness and value chain management
Academic partners
EHHI works with these institutions on teaching quality, clinical training and community programmes.
University of Bamenda
Academic partnerMemorandum of understanding signed in May 2025, covering academic collaboration and student exchange.
ROBINAID Academy
International partnerHamburg, Germany. Partner for the Inter-professional Anesthesia & Emergency Critical Care course.
University of Pretoria
Academic partnerOffers our master's programmes in critical care and anaesthesia. Collaborates with EHHI in medical education and research, with a focus on critical care and nursing.
EHFAF Medical Center
Clinical and training partnerOur main clinical training site and community health hub, where students learn alongside practitioners.
Apply to EHHI
Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year are open. Early registration closes 31 August 2026.