Mastercard Foundation Doctor of Public Health Scholarship at the University of Toronto 2027 to 2028

Applications are open for the Mastercard Foundation Doctor of Public Health Scholarship at the University of Toronto for the 2027 to 2028 academic year. The scholarship supports African students pursuing the Doctor of Public Health at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health in Canada.

The opportunity is part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Health Collaborative. It is designed for recent graduates and graduating students from Africa Health Collaborative partner universities who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries.

At least seven Mastercard Foundation doctoral scholarships will be awarded for the 2027 to 2028 academic year. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support covering tuition, travel, accommodation, food, books, and other expenses for the duration of the professional program.

The University of Toronto Doctor of Public Health is a four year, full time professional doctoral program. It combines coursework, applied research, practical experience, a comprehensive examination, thesis work, and a final oral examination. The programme develops advanced competencies in public health data and analysis, leadership and governance, policy and programmes, and education and workforce development.

About the Scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation Doctor of Public Health Scholarship is intended to support talented African professionals who want to develop advanced public health knowledge and leadership skills and apply those skills to health and development challenges in Africa.

The Doctor of Public Health at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health focuses on applying research evidence to public health policy and practice. Students receive training in areas including policy analysis, knowledge translation, implementation, programme and policy evaluation, leadership, management, and public health practice.

The programme is delivered through a combination of online, hybrid, and in person learning. Students participate in on campus intensive periods during the academic year and complete an applied research project with a relevant public health system organisation.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition support for the Doctor of Public Health programme

• Travel expenses

• Housing support

• Food and living expenses

• Books and other study related expenses

• Comprehensive academic and student support

• Orientation sessions to support transition into graduate study in Toronto

• Preparation and support for contributing to the scholar’s home country

The Africa Health Collaborative describes the scholarship as providing full financial support for the duration of the professional programme.

Programme Areas

The University of Toronto Doctor of Public Health develops expertise across four major competency areas:

• Data and analysis

• Leadership, management and governance

• Policy and programmes

• Education and workforce development

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of a Sub Saharan African country

• Currently reside in a Sub Saharan African country

• Have graduated from an Africa Health Collaborative partner university

• Not have already started doctoral level graduate studies

• Demonstrate academic excellence during undergraduate and master’s studies

• Demonstrate leadership qualities during undergraduate and master’s studies

• Meet the academic admission requirements for the University of Toronto Doctor of Public Health programme

• Demonstrate a commitment to returning home for the last two years of the programme

• Demonstrate a commitment to contributing to economic growth and social development in Africa

Doctor of Public Health Admission Requirements

The Dalla Lana School of Public Health states that the DrPH is designed for mid career professionals with relevant master’s level training and at least five years of work experience. Relevant backgrounds can include public health, health sciences, health administration, and related fields.

The degree is a professional doctoral programme offered full time over four years. Applicants should therefore review the university’s current programme requirements carefully before proceeding with the scholarship application.

Required Application Information

For the initial Mastercard Foundation scholarship application, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate:

• Academic background and excellence

• Leadership experience

• Motivation for pursuing the Doctor of Public Health

• Career goals

• Commitment to contributing to Africa

• Commitment to returning home

• Eligibility through an Africa Health Collaborative partner university

How to Apply

1. Review the admission requirements for the University of Toronto Doctor of Public Health programme.
2. Confirm that you meet the Mastercard Foundation scholarship eligibility requirements.
3. Confirm that you graduated from an Africa Health Collaborative partner university.
4. Register for and attend at least one of the designated virtual Mastercard Foundation scholarship information sessions. Attendance at one information session is mandatory for consideration.
5. Complete the Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship application using the application link provided through the information sessions.
6. Submit the completed scholarship application by October 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST, Toronto time.
7. If shortlisted, follow the instructions provided by the University of Toronto to complete the Doctor of Public Health programme application.
8. Submit the University of Toronto DrPH application by November 20, 2026.