Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Mastercard Foundation is a private foundation based in Toronto, Canada with a vision to create the opportunity for all to learn and prosper. In collaboration with a global network of educational institutions and non-governmental organizations, the Foundation promotes financial inclusion and prosperity for people living in poverty. The Foundation believes the future of Africa will be shaped by its young people, including those with academic talent and a commitment to giving back to their countries.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto (U of T) is a fully funded scholarship program for graduate studies at Canada’s leading institution of learning, discovery, and knowledge creation. U of T is proud to be one of the world’s top research-intensive universities, driven to invent and innovate.
Prospective Mastercard Foundation Scholars will develop their capacity and networks to engage in diverse healthcare professions and healthcare ecosystems in Africa. Upon completion of the program, it’s expected that Mastercard Foundation Scholars will return to their home countries and engage in self-employment or work in a range of health-related professions to advance the health outcomes within their countries upon completion.
We are pleased to announce the start of the 2025-2026 Mastercard Foundation graduate scholarship recruitment at the University of Toronto. To learn more about the Scholarship please see this announcement
The Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto is a comprehensive scholarship that provides citizens from Sub-Saharan Africa with access to relevant university education.
Scholarship Benefits
Scholars in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto are provided with full financial assistance for the duration of their graduate studies. This includes travel expenses to Canada (including obtaining a passport and visa application fees), tuition, housing, food, health insurance, laptop, learning materials, and other expenses.
Apply
The application deadline for the 2025-2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto will be on November 4, 2024 at 12 noon (Toronto time).
Interested applicants that meet the six eligibility criteria as outlined in the Announcement, should contact mcf.cie@utoronto.ca to request a link to the supplementary scholarship application form. In your email please indicate which of the Africa Health Collaborative Partner universities you are graduating, or have graduated from.
Areas of Study
For the 2025-2026 academic year, we will accept scholarship applications for one of the following programs:
• Master of Occupational and Environmental Health
• Master of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences
• Master of Health Administration
• Master of Financial Insurance
• Master of Engineering (Biomedical)
• Master of Biotechnology (for May 2026 start)
Africa Health Collaborative
The University of Toronto is collaborating with eight leading African universities to support their efforts to train and prepare young professionals for the meaningful work of growing African health sectors, with an emphasis on employment opportunities for women.
The Africa Health Collaborative Partners include:
- Addis Ababa University
- Ashesi University
- African Institute for Mathematical Sciences
- African Leadership University
- Amref International University/Amref Health Africa
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
- Moi University
- University of Cape Town
About the University of Toronto
Established in 1827, the University of Toronto has one of the strongest research and teaching faculties in North America and consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. U of T attracts top faculty and students, providing an intellectual environment that is unmatched in depth and breadth by any other Canadian campus.
To learn more about U of T, visit the Future U of T website.
Mentoring, Orientation, and Transition Programs
Mastercard Foundation Scholars are provided with a variety of mentoring and transition assistance programs. This includes an extended orientation prior to, and, upon arrival to become familiar with the University’s academic requirements and practices and will also introduce students to various social, co-curricular and professional opportunities.
Advisors and Administrators
Advisors and administrators within the departments, faculties, and Centre for International Experience, regularly interact with Mastercard Foundation Scholars and help students navigate through university life. Student mentors also provide peer support. These resources will help with transitioning to U of T and to support academic and personal success