Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
About the Scholarships
Applications are now open for the 2027/2028 Mastercard Foundation graduate scholarship program at the University of Toronto, offered through the Africa Health Collaborative. This prestigious doctoral opportunity is open to recent alumni and graduating students from partner universities of the Africa Health Collaborative. The scholarships are awarded to individuals who have demonstrated academic excellence in health-related disciplines and a personal commitment to returning to and contributing to the development of their home countries. At least 7 fully funded scholarships will be awarded for the 2027/2028 academic year for the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health. The Africa Health Collaborative is a transformative 10-year initiative co-created with eight leading African universities and the Mastercard Foundation. The participating African institutions include: Addis Ababa University, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), African Leadership University, Amref International University, Ashesi University, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Moi University, and the University of Cape Town.
Scholarship Benefits
This comprehensive scholarship offers full financial support for the duration of the professional program, including:
- Full tuition and fees
- Travel expenses
- Housing and food
- Books and study materials
- Other program-related expenses
In addition to financial support, scholars will receive a comprehensive support network to ensure academic success. They will also have the opportunity to engage in orientation sessions, which ease the transition to life as a graduate student in Toronto and prepare them for their eventual return to their home countries.
The Doctor of Public Health Program
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health is a professional doctoral program designed to equip graduates for advanced leadership and knowledge translation roles in public health policy and practice. Unlike research-focused doctoral programs, the DrPH emphasizes the rapid application of research findings to inform policy and practice.
Program Highlights:
- Duration: Full-time, four years
- Core Competency Areas:
- Data and Analysis
- Leadership, Management and Governance
- Policy and Programs
- Education and Workforce Development
The DrPH offers hands-on training and applied research skills. Graduates are prepared to assume advanced roles, such as leadership and knowledge translation, in the fields of public health policy and practice. Major components of the program include coursework, an applied research project, a comprehensive exam, a thesis, and a final oral exam.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria:
- Be a citizen and currently residing in a Sub-Saharan African country
- Have graduated from a partner institution of the Africa Health Collaborative and have not yet started doctoral-level graduate studies
- Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership qualities during undergraduate and master’s studies
- Be academically admissible to the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program
- Demonstrate a desire and commitment to return home for the last two years of the program to contribute to the ongoing economic growth and social development in Africa
Additional DrPH Admission Requirements:
- A Master’s degree in a relevant public health sciences or health services-related discipline (e.g., MPH, MSc with a health-related thesis, MHA) with an average grade equivalent to a B+ or better
- At least five years of mid-level management experience in a relevant field or organization. Candidates with less experience may be considered in exceptional circumstances
- English language proficiency: TOEFL iBT score of 93 (with 22 in writing and speaking) or an IELTS score of 7.0 (with at least 6.5 in each component)
Application Process
Step One: Check Program Requirements
Prospective applicants must first consult the admission requirements for the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program. If you meet the academic requirements, proceed to Step Two.
Step Two: Attend a Mandatory Information Session
Attendance at one information session is mandatory to be eligible for the scholarship. The link to the application form will be shared at the information sessions.
Info Session 1: August 25, 2026, at 9:00–10:00 AM EDT | 1:00–2:00 PM GMT | 3:00–4:00 PM CAT | 4:00–5:00 PM EAT
Info Session 2: August 31, 2026, at 9:00–10:00 AM EDT | 1:00–2:00 PM GMT | 3:00–4:00 PM CAT | 4:00–5:00 PM EAT
Info Session 3: September 4, 2026, at 9:00–10:00 AM EDT | 1:00–2:00 PM GMT | 3:00–4:00 PM CAT | 4:00–5:00 PM EAT
Optional Q&A Session: September 16, 2026, at 9:00–10:00 AM EDT | 1:00–2:00 PM GMT | 3:00–4:00 PM CAT | 4:00–5:00 PM EAT
Step Three: Submit Scholarship Application
Complete the Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship application. The deadline for submission is October 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST (Toronto time). Notifications to shortlisted applicants will be made by late October.
Step Four: Submit DrPH Program Application
If shortlisted, you will be invited to complete a program application to the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, which is due by November 20, 2026. The Dalla Lana School of Public Health will provide specific requirements and dates for submitting supplementary information.
Click here to apply
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