Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto

The University of Toronto (U of T) has teamed up with the Mastercard Foundation to offer a fully funded scholarship program for graduate studies. This scholarship supports Sub-Saharan African students who aim to develop expertise and networks within healthcare. Known for being one of the world’s top research-focused institutions, U of T is committed to discovery and innovation.

With this scholarship, Mastercard Foundation Scholars gain essential skills to pursue diverse careers in healthcare across Africa. Graduates are encouraged to return home, where they can leverage their skills to enhance health outcomes through various healthcare roles or self-employment opportunities.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto covers the full cost of graduate education. This includes:

• Tuition fees
• Travel expenses (including passport and visa fees)
• Housing, meals, and health insurance
• A laptop, learning materials, and other essentials

Scholars can focus on their studies and professional growth without financial worries.

Fields of Study

For the 2025-2026 academic year, applicants can choose from these graduate programs:

• Occupational and Environmental Health
• Social and Behavioural Health Sciences
• Health Administration
• Financial Insurance
• Engineering (Biomedical)
• Biotechnology (for May 2026 start)

Building the Africa Health Collaborative

The University of Toronto also leads the Africa Health Collaborative, a partnership with eight prominent African universities. Together, they prepare young professionals for impactful careers in Africa’s health sectors, with a focus on creating employment opportunities for women. Partner universities include:

Empowering Africa’s Future: The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley

• Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
• Ashesi University, Ghana
• African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Rwanda
• African Leadership University, Rwanda
• Amref International University/Amref Health Africa, Kenya
• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
• Moi University, Kenya
• University of Cape Town, South Africa

Eligibility Criteria for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto

To qualify, applicants must meet these six criteria:

1. Be a citizen currently living in a Sub-Saharan African country.
2. Graduate (or have graduated in the last five years) from one of the Africa Health Collaborative partner institutions.
3. Demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership potential during undergraduate studies.
4. Be admissible to one of the supported U of T graduate programs listed above.
5. Show commitment to returning home after graduation to drive social and economic progress in Africa.
6. Apply before the deadline.

How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto

The application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is November 4, 2024, by noon (Toronto time).

Eligible applicants should reach out via email to mcf.cie@utoronto.ca to request the scholarship application link. Be sure to mention which of the Africa Health Collaborative partner universities you are graduating from or have graduated from.

This is a unique opportunity to access world-class education, develop vital healthcare skills, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s future.