The University of Toronto, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has announced the opening of applications for the 2026–2027 Graduate Scholars Program.
This prestigious opportunity is designed for exceptional students from Africa who are dedicated to advancing health-related fields and committed to returning home to contribute to economic growth and social development.
Partner Universities
Applicants must be graduates or graduating students from one of the following Africa Health Collaborative partner institutions:
- 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
MasterCard Scholarship Benefits
This is a fully funded scholarship covering:
- Tuition fees
- Travel expenses
- Housing and food
- Books and study materials
- Other living costs
In addition, scholars will receive a strong support network to help them succeed academically. A two-week summer orientation in Toronto will prepare students for graduate life, help them adjust to their new environment, and ensure they are well-prepared to eventually return and make an impact in Africa.
Eligible Graduate Programs
Up to 20 scholarships will be awarded for the following graduate programs at the University of Toronto:
- Master of Engineering (Biomedical)
- Master of Financial Insurance
- MHSc Master of Health Administration
- MHSc Master of Health Informatics
- MPH: Health Promotion
- MPH: Occupational and Environmental Health
When applying, candidates should ensure they meet program-specific requirements and clearly express how their chosen field aligns with their long-term goals and their commitment to giving back to Africa.
MasterCard Scholarship Eligibility
Applicants MUST meet the following six eligibility criteria:
- Be a citizen and currently residing in a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Be graduating or have graduated from a partner institution of the Africa Health Collaborative (listed on page one) and have not yet started studies at the graduate level
Be under 35 years of age. - Have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership qualities during his/her undergraduate years.
- Be academically admissible to one of the sponsored graduate programs listed above
Demonstrate a desire and commitment to return home following graduation to contribute to the ongoing economic growth and social development in Africa.
Fully Funded: Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program
AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship In USA
Application Process
The application involves three key steps:
Step One:
Consult the admission requirements for your chosen program of study. Relevant program links are provided in the official announcement.
Step Two:
Attend a scholarship information session and complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship application.
Deadline:
Deadline for submission of the completed application and receipt of all required attachments is Monday, November 3, 2025 at 12 noon (Toronto time).
Successful candidates will be notified in early December 2025.
Step Three:
Begin your graduate application through the University of Toronto’s School of Graduate Studies portal, following all program-specific instructions.
Information Sessions
Two virtual information sessions will be offered for prospective applicants:
- Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 9:00am EST
- Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 12:00pm EST
Registration links are available in the official announcement.
Contact Information
For inquiries, please reach out to the University of Toronto’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team at:
mcf.cie@utoronto.ca
