The Center for Implementation (TCI), a social impact organisation founded in 2018, runs self-paced online courses on implementation science: how to turn evidence and good ideas into programmes and policies that actually work. Most TCI courses are paid, costing US$550–625 each. But there are two ways to learn for free that are especially useful for African professionals:
- 40 free course spots for professionals and graduate students who live and work in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), awarded by random draw. Apply by 27 November 2026.
- A free introductory mini-course, Inspiring Change 2.0, open all year.
At a Glance
| Provider | The Center for Implementation (TCI) |
| Format | 100% online and self-paced |
| Free LMIC spots | 40 spots (one year’s access to one course), by random draw |
| Free mini-course | Inspiring Change 2.0, open year-round |
| Paid course prices | US$550 (Level 1) and US$625 (Level 2) per course |
| LMIC draw deadline | 27 November 2026 (results by 11 December 2026) |
The Courses
Free
- Inspiring Change 2.0: a short, free introduction to implementation science, taken by more than 9,000 people in over 100 countries
Level 1 (US$550 each): planning change
- StrategEase: The HOW of Creating Sustainable Change. TCI recommends starting here.
- Implementation, Spread, and Scale
Level 2 (US$625 each): people, complexity and context
- Cultivating Trust and Navigating Power
- Embracing Complexity (implementation science plus systems thinking)
- Hidden Curriculum: Igniting Change From the Middle
- Context at Scale (adaptations, readiness and sustainability)
There are no prerequisites, so you can start at Level 2. The courses also count towards TCI’s Implementation Support Specialist certificate.
Benefits
- Practical tools and roadmaps for planning, implementing and scaling health, social and development programmes
- Self-paced learning that fits around a full-time job
- Workbooks, interactive activities, a completion certificate and expert support
- For LMIC winners: free one-year access to the course of your choice, which normally costs US$550–625
- Group discounts of 20% for teams of 3–19 people, with more for larger groups
Eligibility for the Free LMIC Spots
To enter the draw, you must:
- Live and work in a low- or middle-income country as defined by the World Bank. This covers most African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and South Africa. The form lists the eligible countries.
- Be actively working on a change initiative aimed at health, public health, mental health or social outcomes, or be a graduate student.
- Not have received a free TCI course spot before.
- Submit only one application.
Eligible applications go into a random draw, so there’s no essay competition. You do need to describe your project in 75–100 words, though, or your application won’t be accepted.
How to Apply
- Optional: take the free Inspiring Change 2.0 mini-course first to see which paid course suits you.
- Complete the LMIC free spot form by 27 November 2026. You’ll give your country, describe your project in 75–100 words and choose the course you’d like.
- Watch your email. Everyone is told the result by 11 December 2026. Submitting the form adds you to TCI’s mailing list.
Apply for a free TCI course spot (LMIC draw) · Free mini-course: Inspiring Change 2.0 · All TCI online courses and prices
Tips
- Make your 75–100 words concrete. Say what your project is, where it runs, who it helps and what you’re trying to change, for example “improving uptake of malaria testing in rural clinics in Kano State”.
- Pick StrategEase if you’re new. TCI recommends it as the starting point.
- Graduate students qualify too. If you’re doing a master’s or PhD in public health, social work or development, you can apply.
- Not selected? TCI holds these draws twice a year, so try again next round.
