University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Doctor of Public Health Scholarships 2027: How to Apply

Fully funded University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation scholarship opens for 2027

Eligible African students have an opportunity to pursue advanced studies in Canada with full financial support as applications open for the 2027 University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Doctor of Public Health Scholarship.

The scholarship is part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and is designed to support academically strong African students with demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to development in their home countries.

Selected scholars will receive funding covering major study and living expenses, including tuition, travel, housing, food, books and other programme-related costs. The opportunity is targeted at eligible candidates seeking to pursue doctoral-level studies at the University of Toronto.

The application deadline is October 1, 2026, making the scholarship one of the major fully funded study opportunities currently available to eligible African applicants planning for the 2027/2028 academic session.

University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens for African Students

The University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship is connected to the Africa Health Collaborative and is intended for eligible recent alumni and graduating students from participating partner universities.

The programme focuses on supporting students with strong academic records in health-related disciplines who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to Africa’s social and economic development.

Successful applicants are expected to pursue doctoral-level studies through the University of Toronto’s public health programme, subject to meeting the academic and scholarship requirements.

The scholarship provides more than tuition support, offering a financial package designed to reduce many of the major costs associated with international study in Canada.

What the Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Covers

The University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 provides comprehensive financial support for selected scholars throughout the duration of the sponsored programme.

The scholarship benefits include funding for:

Full tuition
Housing and accommodation expenses
Living support
Food
Books and academic materials
Travel expenses
Other eligible programme-related costs

In addition to financial assistance, selected scholars will receive access to a support network intended to help them navigate their academic journey.

The programme also includes orientation activities designed to help scholars prepare for graduate studies and become familiar with the academic environment from the beginning of their studies.

Who Can Apply for the University of Toronto Mastercard Scholarship?

Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements to be considered for the 2027 scholarship opportunity.

Candidates must be citizens of and currently residing in a Sub-Saharan African country.

Applicants must also have graduated from an eligible partner institution of the Africa Health Collaborative and must not have started doctoral-level graduate studies.

Academic performance and leadership experience are important considerations under the scholarship programme. Applicants are expected to demonstrate academic excellence and leadership qualities developed during their undergraduate and master’s studies.

Candidates must also meet the academic admission requirements for the sponsored graduate programme.

Another major requirement is a demonstrated commitment to contributing to development in Africa. The scholarship is aimed at supporting scholars who intend to use their education and professional experience to contribute to their home countries and the wider continent.

Commitment to Africa Is Part of the Scholarship Requirements

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program places significant emphasis on leadership and social impact.

Eligible applicants are expected to demonstrate a genuine desire and commitment to contributing to Africa’s economic growth and social development.

According to the programme details, scholars are expected to demonstrate a commitment connected to returning home and contributing to their communities and countries.

This focus means the scholarship is not based solely on academic performance. Applicants may also need to demonstrate how their education, professional plans and public health interests align with broader development goals in Africa.

How to Apply for the University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027

The application process involves several stages, and prospective applicants are advised to carefully follow the required procedure.

Step One: Review the Doctor of Public Health Admission Requirements

Applicants should begin by consulting the admission requirements for the Doctor of Public Health programme at the University of Toronto.

Candidates should ensure that their academic background and qualifications meet the requirements of the programme before progressing with the scholarship application.

Step Two: Attend a Mandatory Information Session

Prospective applicants must register for and attend one of the scheduled virtual information sessions.

Attendance at at least one information session is mandatory. Applicants may also have access to an optional question-and-answer session.

Step Three: Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Application

Eligible candidates must complete the Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship application.

Applications will be reviewed by the relevant scholarship admissions process, and candidates who meet the required criteria may receive further communication about progressing in the selection process.

Step Four: Shortlisted Candidates Apply to the Academic Programme

Applicants who are shortlisted for the Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship may be invited to complete an academic application to the Doctor of Public Health programme at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health.

The information provided states that the programme application for shortlisted candidates is due by November 20, 2026.

FAQ: University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027

What is the University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027?

The University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 is a funded scholarship opportunity for eligible African students pursuing advanced studies through the University’s public health programme. The scholarship is connected to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Health Collaborative.

Is the University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?

The scholarship information provided states that selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support covering major expenses, including tuition, travel, housing, food, books and other eligible costs.

What degree can scholars pursue under the programme?

The scholarship opportunity described is connected to doctoral-level public health studies at the University of Toronto.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to apply to the Doctor of Public Health programme at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health.

Who can apply for the University of Toronto Mastercard Scholarship 2027?

Applicants must be citizens of and currently residing in a Sub-Saharan African country.

They must also meet the programme’s academic and institutional requirements, including graduation from an eligible partner institution of the Africa Health Collaborative.

Can Nigerian students apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?

Nigerian applicants may be eligible if they meet all of the programme’s requirements, including citizenship and residency requirements, academic eligibility and the requirement relating to eligible Africa Health Collaborative partner institutions.

Applicants should carefully confirm whether their university is included among the eligible partner institutions.

Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?

Yes. The scholarship provides financial support for tuition as part of its funding package.

Does the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship cover accommodation?

Yes. Housing is included among the expenses covered under the scholarship information provided.

Does the scholarship cover food and living expenses?

The scholarship provides support for food and other eligible living-related expenses during the sponsored programme.

Does the University of Toronto scholarship cover travel expenses?

Yes. Travel expenses are included in the financial support package described for selected scholars.

Is IELTS required for the University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?

The scholarship information provided lists the opportunity as No IELTS Required. Applicants should still review the University of Toronto’s programme admission requirements and any applicable language requirements that may apply to their individual academic application.

What is the deadline for the University of Toronto Mastercard Scholarship 2027?

The stated deadline for the scholarship application is October 1, 2026.

Is there another deadline after the scholarship application?

Shortlisted scholarship candidates may be invited to submit an application to the University of Toronto’s Doctor of Public Health programme, with the programme application deadline listed as November 20, 2026.

Do applicants have to attend an information session?

Yes. Applicants must register for and attend at least one mandatory virtual information session as part of the process described.

What academic qualifications are required?

Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence during their undergraduate and master’s studies and must be academically admissible to the sponsored graduate programme.

Can someone who has already started a PhD apply?

No. The eligibility information states that applicants should not have already started graduate studies at the doctoral level.

Is the scholarship open to all African universities?

The programme is specifically connected to recent alumni and graduating students from Africa Health Collaborative partner universities. Applicants should verify whether their institution is included before applying.

Does the scholarship consider leadership experience?

Yes. Applicants are expected to demonstrate leadership qualities alongside academic excellence.

What is the Africa Health Collaborative?

The Africa Health Collaborative is associated with the scholarship recruitment process and connects participating institutions and initiatives focused on strengthening health education and development.

What should applicants do before applying?

Prospective applicants should review the admission requirements for the Doctor of Public Health programme, confirm that they meet the scholarship eligibility requirements and register for one of the required virtual information sessions.

What does the scholarship look for beyond academic excellence?

The programme also considers leadership potential and an applicant’s commitment to contributing to economic growth and social development in Africa.

Why is the University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholarship important for African students?

The scholarship can significantly reduce the financial barriers associated with doctoral studies abroad by covering major costs such as tuition, accommodation, food, books and travel. It also provides scholars with academic support and access to an international learning environment.