The Africa Health Collaborative has officially opened applications for the 2026–2027 Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholarship at the University of Toronto. This opportunity is designed for exceptional students from Africa Health Collaborative partner universities who aspire to pursue a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree.
The program is aimed at academically outstanding candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to return home and contribute to advancing health systems and social development across Africa.
A Scholarship Beyond Financial Support
The Mastercard Foundation Doctor of Public Health Scholarship goes far beyond covering tuition. Recipients will receive a comprehensive funding package that includes:
- Full tuition coverage
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation and food
- Books and academic materials
- Other essential costs throughout the program
In addition, scholars will benefit from orientation sessions and a support network that helps ease their transition to graduate life in Toronto. The program not only prepares students to succeed academically but also equips them for their critical role in contributing to Africa’s future after graduation.
Program Focus
For the 2026–2027 academic year, up to three scholarships will be awarded for the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
Applicants are encouraged to reflect on:
- Their motivation for pursuing public health
- Their long-term career goals
- Their commitment to strengthening Africa’s health systems
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country
- Have graduated from an Africa Health Collaborative partner university (and not yet started a doctoral program)
- Demonstrate strong academic excellence and leadership qualities at undergraduate and master’s levels
- Meet the academic admission requirements for the DrPH program at the University of Toronto
- Commit to returning home for at least the final two years of the program to actively contribute to Africa’s health, social, and economic development
Application Process
The application process consists of four main steps:
Step 1 – Review Admission Requirements
Check the Doctor of Public Health program admission requirements to ensure you are academically eligible.
Step 2 – Attend an Information Session
Register for one of the three mandatory virtual information sessions. Attendance is required to receive application guidance and the scholarship link. Optional Q&A sessions will also be offered.
Step 3 – Submit Scholarship Application
Complete and submit the Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship application by October 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST (Toronto time). Shortlisted candidates will be notified by November 1, 2025.
Step 4 – Apply to the DrPH Program
Shortlisted applicants must formally apply to the University of Toronto’s Doctor of Public Health program by November 22, 2025, including all additional documents required by the department.
Check other opportunities:
Study in Australia: 600 University of Melbourne Scholarships for Master’s and PhD 2026
Yenching Academy Scholarship 2026 in China (Fully Funded)
Ireland Government Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)
Study in Europe: Central European University Scholarships 2026 Open Now
