The African Health Collaborative announces the opening of applications for the 2026–2027 Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto. This Toronto University Public Health Doctoral Scholarship is a fully funded doctoral opportunity, and it is available to recent alumni and final-year students from the Africa Health Collaborative partner universities.
The scholarship is designed for candidates who have excelled academically in health-related disciplines and who are committed to returning to their home countries to make meaningful contributions after their studies.
Scholarship Coverage
The award provides comprehensive financial support, including:
Tuition fees
Travel expenses
Housing and food
Books and learning materials
Other essential living costs
In addition to funding, scholars will benefit from a strong support network, academic mentorship, and orientation sessions to ease their transition into graduate life in Toronto. The program also emphasizes leadership development and preparation for reintegration into their home communities.
Graduate Program
For the 2026–2027 academic year, up to three (3) scholarships will be awarded for the following program:
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
Applicants should demonstrate not only academic readiness but also a strong personal motivation, a clear career vision, and a commitment to advancing health and development across Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- Be a citizen and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Be a graduate of an Africa Health Collaborative partner institution and have not yet started doctoral-level studies.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership qualities at both undergraduate and master’s levels.
- Be admissible to the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program at the University of Toronto.
- Show a clear commitment to return home for the final two years of the program to contribute to Africa’s economic and social development.
Application Process
There are basically 4 steps to take to successfully apply for the scholarship.
Step 1:
Review the admission requirements for the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program. Applicants must meet these academic criteria before proceeding.
Step 2:
Register for and attend one of three virtual information sessions (attendance at one is mandatory). An optional Q&A session will also be available. Participation in an info session is required for scholarship eligibility.
Step 3: Fill the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship application form before October 10, 2025 at 11:59 PM (Toronto local time). Applicants whose applications meet the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship criteria and approved by the Admission Committee will receive email by November 1, 2025 to proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Shortlisted candidate for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship will be invited to complete a program application for Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) by University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health by November 22, 2025. Dalla Lana School of Public Health will inform the candidates of the documents required by the department and date for submission. The submission will be done online
To start the application processes, visit the Africa Health Collaborative website.