ABSTRACT:
Introduction. In low-resourced African settings, accessible and contextually relevant postgraduate training is essential for professionals in clinical, education, and community sectors who must translate learning into practice while embedded in their local contexts. Population-level wellbeing requires coordinated action across sectors and geographic settings, making flexible, practice-oriented training models particularly important. Session aims. This symposium will share experiences, successes, and challenges in delivering remote postgraduate training across a coursework postgraduate diploma and research-based Masters and PhD programmes in public mental health. The programmes are designed as a complementary training pathway, building competencies in public mental health concepts, evidence-informed policy and practice, and rigorous research methods aimed at addressing population-level mental health challenges. Faculty members, supervisors, and postgraduate students will reflect on programme design, delivery, supervision models, and strategies for supporting students working in their home countries while engaging international faculty. We will discuss approaches to fostering peer learning and professional networks, as well as practical challenges in sustaining engagement, mentorship, and research productivity in remote settings. The session will also explore emerging lessons in the ethical integration of artificial intelligence for learning and assessment, including opportunities to enhance learning and risks related to academic integrity and inequity. Conclusion. This session aims to stimulate mutual learning and sharing across higher education programmes to extend the impact of these programmes across disciplines.