Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — University of Toronto (2026–2027) | Fully Funded Graduate Scholarships
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — University of Toronto 2026–27 (Fully Funded)
Fully funded Mastercard Foundation graduate scholarships at the University of Toronto for Sub-Saharan African students in health-related programs. Apply by Nov 3, 2025.
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The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto (U of T) offers fully funded graduate scholarships for citizens of Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue selected health-related and allied graduate programs at U of T for the 2026–2027 academic year. Scholars receive full financial support and mentoring with the expectation that they return to Africa to apply their skills in health systems, health services, research, and entrepreneurship.
Target audience / Who should apply
- Citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries
- Recent graduates or early-career professionals with relevant background and commitment to advancing health outcomes in their home country
- Candidates aiming for the specified U of T graduate programs (see “Areas of Study” below)
Areas of study accepted for 2026–2027
Applications are accepted for one of the following Master’s programs (confirm program-specific entry requirements on the program pages):
- Master of Engineering (Biomedical)
- Master of Financial Insurance (MFI)
- MHSc — Master of Health Administration
- MHSc — Master of Health Informatics
- MPH — Health Promotion (Social & Behavioural Health Sciences)
- MPH — Occupational and Environmental Health
Scholarship benefits
- Full tuition for the duration of the degree
- Travel costs (including assistance with passport and visa expenses)
- Housing support and stipend for groceries/food
- Health insurance and access to campus health services
- Learning materials and allowances for academic needs
- Mentoring, orientation, and transition support (peer mentors + departmental advisors)
- Networking opportunities with the Africa Health Collaborative partner universities
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Eligibility (summary)
To be eligible, applicants must typically meet the following (refer to the official announcement for exact rules and exceptions):
- Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Hold the equivalent qualifications required for admission to the chosen U of T graduate program.
- Demonstrate commitment to improving health outcomes in Africa and willingness to return to their home country after studies.
- Meet any English language and program-specific admission requirements.
Important dates from the announcement:
- Application window opens: October 14, 2025.
- Application deadline: November 3, 2025 at 12:00 noon (Toronto time).
Application requirements
(Exact list may vary by program; check the official announcement and program pages.)
- Completed Mastercard Foundation Scholars application form (when the portal opens)
- Application to the University of Toronto program (online program application and application fee, unless waived)
- Official academic transcripts (undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume highlighting academic and professional experience
- Statement of purpose / personal statement that explains motivation, leadership potential, and post-study plans for Africa
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2 academic / professional referees)
- Proof of citizenship / passport copy
- English language test scores (if required by the degree program)
- Any program-specific materials (e.g., portfolio, GRE if required — check program pages)
How to apply step-by-step for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Read the official announcement & register for information sessions
- Find the announcement on U of T’s Centre for International Experience page and register for the virtual information sessions.
- Confirm program fit
- Review the full admission requirements for your chosen program (links in the Areas of Study) and ensure you meet the academic and English language standards.
- Prepare documents early
- Request official transcripts and referees’ letters well in advance. Draft a compelling statement of purpose focused on impact in Africa.
- Complete the U of T graduate program application
- Apply to the specific master’s program through U of T’s graduate admissions portal (follow program deadlines).
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars application
- When the scholarship portal opens (Oct 14, 2025), complete and submit the Scholars application by Nov 3, 2025, 12:00 noon Toronto time.
- Attend virtual information sessions
- Use sessions to ask program-specific questions and confirm scholarship details.
- Prepare for interviews (if shortlisted)
- Be ready to discuss your academic background, leadership experience, and plans to contribute to health systems in your home country.
- Accept offer and prepare for transition
- If selected, participate in mentoring and orientation programs arranged by U of T and Mastercard Foundation prior to arrival.
Application tips , make your application stand out
- Emphasize impact: show clear plans to apply your skills in Africa after graduation.
- Demonstrate leadership and community engagement (projects, volunteer work, initiatives).
- Use concrete examples (outcomes, numbers, timelines) in your statement of purpose.
- Get strong referee letters that speak to both academic capacity and leadership potential.
- Start visa and passport preparations early (the scholarship covers costs, but processing takes time).
Africa Health Collaborative partner universities
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
The program is part of a wider Africa-focused partnership. Partner institutions include (selection): Addis Ababa University, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), African Leadership University, Amref International University, Ashesi University, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Moi University, and University of Cape Town.
