Now open: University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme

Applications are officially open for the 2026/2027 University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme—a fully funded opportunity designed to equip Africa’s brightest minds with advanced academic training, leadership development, and global exposure. The initiative supports talented young Africans who are committed to transforming health systems and contributing to sustainable development across the continent.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto (U of T)—Canada’s leading institution of learning, research, and innovation—aims to nurture a new generation of change-makers in Africa’s healthcare ecosystem. U of T is recognized globally for its excellence in research and innovation and provides Mastercard Foundation Scholars with a dynamic environment to develop the skills, networks, and leadership capacity needed to make a lasting impact.

About the Program

This fully funded graduate scholarship enables exceptional students from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue postgraduate studies in select health-related fields at the University of Toronto. Through the Mastercard Foundation’s vision of inclusive and transformative education, the program empowers young Africans to become leaders in healthcare, innovation, and public policy.

Upon graduation, scholars are expected to return to their home countries to drive progress in their local healthcare systems—either through employment, entrepreneurship, or policy advocacy—enhancing health outcomes and fostering long-term community well-being.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the U of T Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, applicants must meet the following six criteria:

1. Citizenship and Residency: Applicants must be citizens and residents of a Sub-Saharan African country.
2. Academic Background: Candidates should have graduated from a partner institution within the Africa Health Collaborative (listed below) and must not have commenced graduate studies.
3. Age Requirement: Applicants must be under 35 years of age at the time of application.
4. Academic and Leadership Excellence: Candidates must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership qualities, and a strong record of community engagement during their undergraduate studies.
5. Program Admissibility: Applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for one of the eligible graduate programs offered at U of T.
6. Commitment to Africa’s Development: Scholars must show a clear intention to return to their home country upon graduation to contribute to social and economic progress, particularly in healthcare.

Scholarship Benefits

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive financial support for the duration of the graduate degree, including:

1. Full coverage of tuition and academic fees.
2. Travel support, including airfare, visa, and passport processing fees.
3. Accommodation and living stipends for food, housing, and daily expenses.
4. Health insurance coverage throughout the study period.
5. Funding for learning materials and other academic-related costs.

Beyond financial assistance, scholars gain access to mentorship, personal development, and professional training opportunities designed to enhance both academic and career success.

Mentorship, Orientation, and Transition Support

Scholars are enrolled in a comprehensive transition program that begins before arrival in Canada. This includes virtual and in-person orientation sessions covering U of T’s academic culture, professional expectations, and social integration. Upon arrival, scholars receive continuous mentoring and academic guidance from faculty, advisors, and student mentors to support a smooth adjustment to campus life.

The Centre for International Experience also provides tailored guidance to help Mastercard Foundation Scholars navigate academic challenges, cultural adaptation, and community engagement opportunities.

Areas of Study

For the 2026–2027 academic year, scholarships are available for the following graduate programs at U of T:

1. Master of Engineering (Biomedical) (opens in a new tab)
2. Master of Financial Insurance(opens in a new tab)
3. MHSc Master of Health Administration (opens in a new tab)
4. MHSc Master of Health Informatics (opens in a new tab)
5. MPH: Health Promotion(opens in a new tab)
6. MPH: Occupational and Environmental Health(opens in a new tab)

These programs are designed to address critical health challenges in Africa by preparing graduates for leadership roles in health management, policy, technology, and systems innovation.

Africa Health Collaborative

The Africa Health Collaborative is a strategic partnership between the University of Toronto and eight leading African institutions. This network supports training, mentorship, and research collaborations to strengthen Africa’s health workforce, with a focus on increasing opportunities for women and underrepresented communities in healthcare.

Partner institutions include:

1. Addis Ababa University(opens in a new tab)
2. African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (opens in a new tab)
3. African Leadership University (opens in a new tab)
4. Amref International University/Amref Health Africa (opens in a new tab)
5. Ashesi University (opens in a new tab)
6. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (opens in a new tab)
7. Moi University (opens in a new tab)
8. University of Cape Town

Through this collaborative model, the University of Toronto and its African partners aim to enhance health education, promote gender equity, and create stronger pathways to employment in Africa’s growing health sector.

Application Procedure

The deadline for applications is November 3, 2025, at 12:00 noon (Toronto time). Applicants are encouraged to begin early to ensure all documents, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and proof of citizenship, are submitted on time.

Interested candidates can also register for virtual information sessions outlined on the program’s announcement page to learn more about eligibility, application procedures, and program benefits.

Why Apply?

1. Becoming a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Toronto offers more than a degree—it’s a life-changing opportunity to join a global community of innovative African leaders shaping the future of healthcare and sustainable development across the continent. Scholars not only receive world-class academic training but also access a lifelong network of peers, mentors, and industry experts dedicated to creating impact-driven change.
2. Visit the Official Webpage of the University of Toronto (U of T) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme 
3. Application Deadline: November 3, 2025