2026 University of Toronto Mastercard Scholarships for Africans

Are you an African student dreaming of graduate or doctoral studies in a world-class institution? The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto (U of T) offers a life-changing opportunity: a fully funded scholarship opportunity for students from Sub-Saharan Africa. Here’s everything you need to know to apply, qualify, and succeed.

What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at U of T?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a fully funded scholarship initiative designed to empower young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue graduate studies in health-related professions, public health, and other related disciplines at the University of Toronto. The goal is not just education but also leadership and impact: scholars are expected to return to their home countries to drive health improvements and social development.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

This is a comprehensive scholarship. Among the benefits:

Tuition fees fully covered for the duration of the studies.
Living expenses: housing, food, monthly stipend or allowance.
Health insurance.
Travel costs, including airfare to Canada, visa application, possibly passport fees.
Books, learning materials, possibly laptop and other academic supplies.
Orientation programs and mentorship / support network to help international students adjust and succeed.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the 2026-2027 cycle, you must typically meet criteria such as:

Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country and currently residing there.
Be a graduate or graduating student (or recent alumni) from one of the partner institutions of the Africa Health Collaborative.
Not yet started graduate (for masters) or doctoral studies (depending on which scholarship you apply for).
Be under a certain age (often under 35) for some programs.
Demonstrate academic excellence and strong leadership qualities.
Be academically admissible to the specific U of T program you choose.
Show commitment to returning home after studies to contribute to development in Africa.

University-of-Toronto-U-of-T-Mastercard-Scholarships

Which Programs Are Covered?

Depending on the scholarship track, the programs included for the 2026-2027 intake may include:

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
Various Health-related masters programmes, e.g.
- Master of Engineering (Biomedical)
- Master of Financial Insurance
- MHSc Master of Health Administration
- MHSc Health Informatics
- MPH Health Promotion
- MPH Occupational and Environmental Health.

Key Deadlines & Application Process

Application deadline for the Doctor of Public Health track: October 10, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST (Toronto time).
For the general graduate programme applications: Deadline is November 3, 2025 at 12 noon (Toronto time).
Applicants are required to register for and attend virtual info sessions. Attendance at least one such session is typically mandatory.
After attending info sessions, complete the scholarship application (with all required documents). If shortlisted, then apply directly to the U of T graduate or doctoral program.

Why This Scholarship Is Exceptional

Fully funded: No worry about tuition, living, or travel for successful applicants.
Leadership & impact dimension: More than just academic training — emphasis on returning home and applying skills for the benefit of African communities.
Support structure: Orientation programs, mentorship, and networks that help scholars adapt to graduate studies in a foreign country and succeed.

Tips for a Strong Application

Demonstrate clear motivation and vision: Why this specific field? How will your studies help solve problems in your country or region?
Strong academic record: Grades, relevant courses, research or projects, publications if any.
Leadership & community engagement: Experience leading or contributing to projects, volunteering, initiatives, etc.
Prepare required documents well in advance: Transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume/CV, proof of citizenship/residency.
Attend info sessions: They often share helpful details and clarifications.
Be mindful of deadlines (Toronto time).

The 2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at the University of Toronto present a rare chance for Africans to gain world-class education with full support and to become agents of change in public health and related sectors. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have passion and vision, this could be your stepping stone to making a significant impact.

APPLY NOW