Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded DrPH at University of Toronto
Scholarship Description
The Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship opportunity for outstanding Sub-Saharan African scholars to pursue a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health. This comprehensive scholarship covers tuition, travel, housing, food, books, and other expenses for the duration of the doctoral program.
The scholarship is administered through the Africa Health Collaborative and is open to recent alumni and graduating students from partner universities across Africa. Up to 3 Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarships will be awarded for the 2026–2027 academic year. Scholars receive not only financial support but also a comprehensive support network, orientation sessions, and preparation for returning to their home countries to contribute to Africa's development.
The Mastercard Foundation is committed to empowering African leaders who will drive change across the continent. This scholarship invests in scholars who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a personal commitment to "going back and giving back" to their home countries.
Scholarship Location
The scholarship supports study at the University of Toronto, Canada, specifically at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. Scholars will be based in Toronto, one of the world's most diverse and vibrant cities.
Scholarship Deadline
Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year close on October 10, 2025. Prospective applicants must attend a mandatory information session before applying.
Scholarship Application Deadline: October 10, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST, Toronto time)
Info Sessions: September 3, 11, and 25, 2025 (attendance at one is mandatory)
Q&A Session: October 1, 2025 (optional)
Shortlisted Notification: By November 1, 2025
Program Application Deadline: November 21, 2025 (for shortlisted candidates)
Recommendation: Attend an info session early and prepare your application well before the deadline.
Host Institution
University of Toronto – one of the world's leading universities, consistently ranked among the top 20 globally. The Dalla Lana School of Public Health is a premier institution for public health education and research, renowned for its commitment to global health equity and its partnerships across Africa.
Level and Fields of Study
Level: Doctoral (Doctor of Public Health – DrPH).
Field: Public Health, with a focus on health-related disciplines. The program prepares leaders who will address the most pressing public health challenges in Africa and globally. Scholars will engage in research, policy analysis, and practice-oriented training to become transformative leaders in public health.
Target Group
Citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries who are currently residing in a Sub-Saharan African country. Applicants must have graduated from a partner institution of the Africa Health Collaborative and must not have yet started graduate studies at the doctoral level. The scholarship is designed for individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a commitment to returning to Africa to contribute to the continent's development.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
Duration: Full duration of the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program.
Comprehensive financial support includes:
- Full tuition fees for the duration of the program
- Travel expenses to and from Toronto
- Housing and accommodation costs
- Food and living expenses
- Books and study materials
- Additional expenses related to the doctoral program
Beyond financial support:
- Comprehensive support network to ensure academic success
- Orientation sessions to ease transition to life in Toronto
- Preparation for return to home countries
- Opportunity to engage in the Africa Health Collaborative community
📊 Summary of Benefits:
Full tuition + Travel expenses + Housing + Food + Books + Living expenses
Plus: Orientation + Support network + Return preparation
Scholarship Eligibility
Applicants MUST meet all five eligibility criteria:
- Be a citizen and currently residing in a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Have graduated from a partner institution of the Africa Health Collaborative (list available on the Collaborative website) and have not yet started graduate studies at the doctoral level.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership qualities during undergraduate and master's years.
- Be academically admissible to the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program at the University of Toronto.
- Demonstrate a desire and commitment to return home for the last two years of the program to contribute to the ongoing economic growth and social development in Africa.
✅ Eligible Candidates
- Sub-Saharan African citizens residing in a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Graduates of Africa Health Collaborative partner universities.
- Outstanding academic and leadership record.
- Admissible to the University of Toronto DrPH program.
- Commitment to return to Africa for the last two years of the program.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Non-Sub-Saharan African citizens.
- Not currently residing in a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Not a graduate of an Africa Health Collaborative partner university.
- Already started doctoral studies.
- Insufficient academic or leadership record.
- Unable to commit to returning to Africa for the program's final two years.
Application Procedure
The application process has four key steps. Following each step carefully is essential for consideration.
- Consult program admission requirements – Visit the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health website to review the admission requirements for the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program. Ensure you meet all academic prerequisites before proceeding.
- Attend a mandatory information session – You must attend at least one of the three virtual information sessions to be eligible for the scholarship. The sessions are scheduled for:
- Info Session 1: September 3, 2025 (10–11 am EST)
- Info Session 2: September 11, 2025 (8–9:30 am EST)
- Info Session 3: September 25, 2025 (9–10:30 am EST)
- Q&A Session (optional): October 1, 2025 (10–11 am EST)
- Complete the scholarship application – The link to the application form will be shared during the info sessions. Submit your completed application by October 10, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST). If approved by the Scholarship Admission Committee, you will receive notification by November 1, 2025.
- Submit the program application (if shortlisted) – If shortlisted, you will be invited to complete a formal application to the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program at the University of Toronto. This application is due by November 21, 2025. The Dalla Lana School of Public Health will provide detailed instructions for submitting supplementary information online.
Important notes: Attendance at an information session is mandatory – applications from candidates who have not attended a session will not be considered. The scholarship application and the program application are separate processes. Shortlisted candidates must complete both. All communication regarding the application will be via email.
Official Website & Application Links
Africa Health Collaborative – Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship Official Page
University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health: https://www.dlsph.utoronto.ca
Scholarship Queries: [email protected]
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship is a transformative opportunity for African public health leaders. With full financial support and access to world-class education at the University of Toronto, scholars can develop the skills and networks to drive meaningful change in Africa's health systems. This scholarship invests not only in individuals but in the future of the continent.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Confirm you are a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country and reside there.
- Verify that your university is a partner institution of the Africa Health Collaborative.
- Ensure you have not yet started doctoral-level studies.
- Prepare a strong academic record – academic excellence and leadership are essential.
- Attend a mandatory information session – this is non-negotiable.
- Submit your scholarship application by the October 10, 2025 deadline.
- If shortlisted, complete the University of Toronto DrPH program application by November 21, 2025.
- Articulate your commitment to returning to Africa for the last two years of the program to contribute to development.
Important reminders: Only up to 3 scholarships are awarded annually, making this highly competitive. The scholarship requires a commitment to return to Africa for the final two years of the program. For questions, email the Dalla Lana School of Public Health directly at [email protected]. Start your preparations early – the application window is limited.
Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship 2026 – FAQ
What does the Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers full tuition, travel expenses, housing, food, books, and other expenses for the duration of the DrPH program. It also includes a comprehensive support network and orientation sessions.
Who is eligible to apply?
Sub-Saharan African citizens residing in a Sub-Saharan African country who have graduated from an Africa Health Collaborative partner university and have not yet started doctoral studies.
What is the application deadline?
The scholarship application deadline is October 10, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST).
Do I need to attend an information session?
Yes. Attendance at one of the three mandatory information sessions is required for your application to be considered.
What is the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program?
The DrPH is a professional doctoral degree in public health that prepares leaders to address complex public health challenges through research, policy analysis, and practice-oriented training.
How many scholarships are available?
Up to 3 Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarships will be awarded for the 2026–2027 academic year.
What is the commitment to return to Africa?
Scholars are required to return home for the last two years of the program to contribute to ongoing economic growth and social development in Africa.