The applications are now open for the Mastercard Foundation Doctor of Public Health Scholarships 2026-2027 !!!
The Mastercard Foundation Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Scholarships at the University of Toronto for the 2026-2027 academic year offer a unique opportunity to undertake a fully funded professional doctoral degree while preparing for a leadership role in public health in the scholar’s home country. It is available to recent alumni and graduating students from partner universities of the Africa Health Collaborative. The scholarship will be awarded to individuals who have demonstrated academic excellence in related health disciplines and a personal commitment to returning to their home countries to give back.
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Offered by the Africa Health Collaborative in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, up to three scholarships will be available for the 2026-2027 academic year. The degree offered is the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at U of T’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, a professional doctorate designed to train public health practitioners and leaders. This program combines rigorous coursework, applied practice, leadership development, policy analysis, health systems, and governance, typically lasting four years on a full-time basis.
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During the scholarship period, recipients will benefit from orientation sessions to help them transition to graduate life in Toronto, as well as a supportive academic and social network that promotes success throughout their studies. Scholars are expected to commit to spending the final two years of the program in their home country to apply their knowledge and contribute to public health in Africa.
This comprehensive scholarship covers full financial support for tuition, travel expenses, housing, food, books, and other expenses throughout the professional program. Alongside this financial backing, scholars will also receive a robust support network to ensure academic success. Orientation sessions will help scholars engage fully from the start of their graduate studies, easing their transition to life in Toronto and preparing them for their eventual return to their home countries.
Up to three Mastercard Foundation Doctoral scholarships will be awarded for the Doctor of Public Health program for the 2026-2027 academic year. When preparing an application, candidates must ensure they meet all program requirements and convey their motivation for pursuing this field, alongside their career goals and commitment to contributing to Africa’s future, which are crucial for determining their eligibility for the scholarship.
Applicants must meet five eligibility criteria to be considered: they must be citizens currently residing in a Sub-Saharan African country, have graduated from a partner institution of the Africa Health Collaborative, demonstrate academic excellence and leadership qualities during their undergraduate and master’s studies, be academically admissible to the sponsored graduate program, and show a desire to return home for the last two years of the program to contribute to ongoing economic growth and social development in Africa.
Location:
CanadaBenefits
- Comprehensive financial support: tuition, travel, housing, meals, books, and living expenses throughout the DrPH program.
- Academic & social support structures: orientation, networking, mentorship, and help with adapting to academic expectations in Toronto.
- Leadership development: the program emphasizes leadership, public health practice, and preparing scholars to make systems-level changes back in their home countries.
- Professional exposure & global health environment: studying in a top public health school, likely opportunities for collaboration, exposure to best practices, research, and policy.
Eligibilities
To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country and be currently residing there.
- Have graduated (or be graduating) from an Africa Health Collaborative partner university.
- Not yet commenced doctoral (PhD or DrPH) studies.
- Demonstrate strong academic excellence throughout undergraduate and master’s studies, plus leadership qualities.
- Meet the admission requirements of the University of Toronto DrPH program. (These would include whatever the Dalla Lana School requires: typically a master’s degree, relevant public health experience, etc.)
- Show a clear commitment to return to their home country for at least the final two years of the program, contributing to economic/social development.
Application Process
Here are the steps and what you’ll need:
- Review the admission requirements for the DrPH program at the University of Toronto (Dalla Lana School of Public Health). Make sure you meet academic and other prerequisites.
- Register for and attend one of the three mandatory virtual information sessions. Attendance at one info session is required for scholarship consideration. There’s also an optional Q&A session.
- Info Session Dates: September 3; September 11; September 25, 2025
- Q&A: October 1, 2025
- Submit the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Application by October 10, 2025, 11:59pm EST (The link to the application form will be shared at the upcoming info sessions)
- If shortlisted, apply formally to the University of Toronto’s DrPH program by November 22, 2025. That application will include supplemental documents as required by the DrPH program.
Application Deadline: October 10, 2025
Application ClosedOfficial link
