The University of Toronto (U of T) invites applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme for the 2026–2027 academic year. This is a fully funded opportunity for graduate level study at one of Canada’s premier research institutions.
Programme Overview
The Scholars Programme at U of T is designed to empower accomplished young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen health systems in their home countries. Participants will gain advanced training, professional networks, and leadership skills, with a strong expectation that they return home to contribute positively to health outcomes in their communities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this programme, applicants must satisfy all of the following conditions:
- Be a citizen of and currently residing in a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Be a recent graduate (or upcoming graduate) from one of the participating institutions in the Africa Health Collaborative and have not yet commenced graduate studies.
- Be under 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance as well as leadership potential during undergraduate studies.
- Be admissible to one of the specified graduate programs supported by U of T under this initiative.
- Express a firm commitment to return to their home country after graduation to contribute to health sector advancement.
Sponsor Graduate Programs
For the 2026–2027 intake, eligible applicants must choose one of the following master’s programs:
- Master of Engineering (Biomedical)
- Master of Financial Insurance
- MHSc in Health Administration
- MHSc in Health Informatics
- MPH in Health Promotion
- MPH in Occupational & Environmental Health
Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars will receive comprehensive financial support for the entire duration of their graduate studies, including:
- Travel expenses (including visa, passport, etc.)
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and living allowances
- Health insurance
- Study materials and miscellaneous expenses
In addition, participants will benefit from structured orientation, mentoring, and transition support provided by U of T’s Centre for International Experience, departmental advisors, and peer mentors. These services aim to facilitate academic success, social integration, and personal well-being.
The Africa Health Collaborative
This initiative is delivered in collaboration with eight African partner universities to expand capacity in health sector leadership across the continent. These partners include:
- Addis Ababa University
- African Institute for Mathematical Sciences
- African Leadership University
- AMREF International University / Amref Health Africa
- Ashesi University
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
- Moi University
- University of Cape Town
Application Details & Process
- Deadline: November 3, 2025 at 12:00 noon (Toronto time)
- Applicants are encouraged to attend virtual information sessions, scheduled by U of T, to learn more about the application process and programme expectations.
- Detailed programme information and application guidelines are available through U of T’s official website.
For further details and to access official documents, please visit the University of Toronto’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars page.
For more information;https://internationalexperience.utoronto.ca/global-experiences/global-scholarships/mastercard-foundation-scholars
2 Comments
My name is Augustine Salia, and I am currently pursuing a BSc in Business Administration at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. I am very interested in the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Toronto, as it aligns with my goal of gaining a world-class education and contributing to meaningful change in my community. Despite financial challenges, I remain determined to pursue academic excellence and leadership development through this opportunity.
Please I am currently offering Bsc. Business Administration at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and I would want to acquire international studies in an international institution though my family doesn’t have the resource to fund my education