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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.

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

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholarship.  The application deadline was on November 4, 2024.

Areas of Study

For the 2025-2026 academic year, we accepted 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: 

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

Student Stories

Jessica Kumah | ghana

My name is Jessica Kumah, and I am from Ghana. I discovered a strong academic interest and sense of purpose after completing my final year undergraduate thesis at Kwame Nkrumah University of Sci. and Tech. (KNUST) in Ghana. However, at that time, I was unsure about how to pursue and fund further studies in this newfound area of interest.

Thankfully, a colleague introduced me to the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship program at the University of Toronto, which surprisingly aligned perfectly with my newfound passion for environmental health. Thanks to the Mastercard Foundation, my purpose became a reality, and the MPH Environmental Health program at the University of Toronto has exceeded all my expectations.

The comprehensive training I am currently receiving at UofT has not only enhanced my knowledge but has also provided me with a broader perspective on how to address environmental health challenges. Equipped with this invaluable education, I am now prepared to positively contribute to communities in Africa and the world at large by tackling pressing issues related to environmental health and its global implications facing our world today.

Isdora Bonaventure Msigwa | Tanzania

My name is Isdora Bonaventure Msigwa. I am pursuing a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Scholarship.

Being an Mastercard Foundation scholar in a world’s renowned university has been an enriching experience that allowed me to explore my potential further and reach out for my dreams. As a graduate student, I have had a chance to partake in various programming and events that have enriched both my academic and social knowledge on numerous topics, such as cultural diversities, leadership, and more out-of-the-classroom knowledge that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Through these experiences, I have developed new hobbies that have allowed me to achieve good health in mind and body, greatly improving my overall productivity.

I am currently interning with Springborne Lifesciences as a Compliance Support Intern to further enhance my medical devices knowledge. As an engineering in healthcare enthusiast, I am excited to be here as it’s a step closer towards realizing my long-term dream of engineering a healthy society. I am making the most of this opportunity and look forward to realizing my hopes and dreams for the healthcare sector.

John Ndolo | Kenya

I’m John Ndolo, a Kenyan pursuing a master’s degree in financial insurance at the University of Toronto. Thanks to the Mastercard Foundation scholarship, my educational journey has been nothing short of transformative, shaping my path since high school to date– on the cusp of completing my master’s degree.

My time at University of Toronto has been an enriching adventure. I’ve gained knowledge in financial insurance and immersed myself in a culturally diverse environment. Through university programs and Mastercard Foundation sponsored events, I’ve grown both academically and socially. Currently interning at Roche, a renowned biotechnology company, I’m refining my data analytics skills and bridging theory with practice. Besides, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship has expanded my social and academic networks, connecting me with remarkable individuals.

As a Mastercard Foundation scholar, I’ve imbibed invaluable lessons in leadership, excellence, and community engagement. These values have become an integral part of my personal and professional identity. I’m driven by a deep desire to make a positive impact beyond my academic pursuits. Through various initiatives, I actively seek opportunities to give back and uplift my community, ensuring that others can benefit from the transformative power of education. Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore career opportunities that intersect financial inclusion, technology, and health development.

Famous Ghanyo Tay | Ghana

My name is Famous Ghanyo Tay, and I come from Ghana. With a strong background in Electrical Engineering and experience in circuit design, I aspire to become a leading neurotech engineer driving health advancements in Africa through technology. Currently, I am pursuing an M.Eng. in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on medical devices. My research interests lie in Neuromodulation, Brain-Machine Interface, and Artificial Intelligence.

The journey as a Mastercard Foundation scholar has been truly transformative for me. Joining this program has provided me with a supportive community that offers invaluable academic guidance, career mentorship, and financial assistance. I consider the Mastercard Foundation scholarship at the University of Toronto to be a perfect opportunity to be one of the young Africans who will drive a positive change in Africa.

My current academic endeavor involves an exciting research project within the Neural Engineering Lab, where I am collaborating with Professor Paul Yoo. Our project aims to minimize the burning sensation associated with surface electrodes during electrical stimulation. This research holds deep significance for me, as I am passionate about enhancing medical procedures and improving patient comfort. My ultimate goal is to develop innovative solutions that make medical interventions more effective and affordable.