Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto 2025-2026

The Mastercard Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Toronto, Canada. With a mission to create opportunities for all to learn and prosper, the Foundation has a strong commitment to Africa’s future, supporting youth with academic talent and a drive to transform their communities. The Foundation collaborates with global educational institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community organizations to promote financial inclusion and prosperity for individuals living in poverty

As part of this commitment, the Mastercard Foundation has partnered with the University of Toronto to provide full scholarships to talented students from Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative helps cultivate transformative leadership among Africa's youth, fostering sustainable development in their home countries.

Program Overview

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto offers a comprehensive and fully-funded scholarship opportunity for outstanding graduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa. The program provides financial support that covers the costs of pursuing a master's degree in specific academic disciplines, focusing on fields that align with the development goals of Sub-Saharan Africa.

The program not only focuses on academic excellence but also on leadership development and community service. Scholars are expected to return to their home countries after graduation to contribute to meaningful and sustainable change in their communities. By empowering these scholars with education and leadership training, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program plays a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s future.

Scholarship Benefits

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto offers a range of benefits to ensure that scholars can fully focus on their studies without the financial burden. These benefits include:

• Full Tuition Coverage: The scholarship covers all tuition fees for the duration of the graduate program.
• Travel Expenses: Scholars receive funding for travel to and from Canada, including costs associated with obtaining a passport and visa fees.
• Living Expenses: Housing, food, and a maintenance stipend are provided to cover the scholars' day-to-day expenses while living in Toronto.
• Health Insurance: Scholars are enrolled in a comprehensive health insurance plan.
• Technology and Learning Resources: Scholars receive a laptop, learning materials, and access to online and physical university resources.
• Additional Support: Funding is available for various other expenses related to the academic program, such as research, fieldwork, and extracurricular activities.

In addition to financial support, scholars benefit from leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and connections with the vast network of Mastercard Foundation Scholars across the globe.

Areas of Study

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto is accepting applications for the following graduate programs:

• Master of Occupational and Environmental Health: This program focuses on improving workplace safety and addressing environmental health risks. Scholars will gain the skills to analyze and resolve complex issues related to health and safety.
• Master of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences: Scholars in this program will engage in research and practice related to the social determinants of health, aiming to create more equitable health outcomes in communities across Africa.
• Master of Health Administration: This program is designed for individuals aspiring to leadership roles in the health sector, providing them with the tools to manage healthcare systems efficiently and sustainably.
• Master of Financial Insurance: This program equips scholars with advanced knowledge in financial risk management, focusing on insurance, pensions, and financial stability in African economies.
• Master of Engineering (Biomedical): Scholars will develop technical expertise in the field of biomedical engineering, contributing to the innovation of medical technologies that can address health challenges in Africa.
• Master of Biotechnology: Beginning in May 2026, this program will focus on applying biotechnological advancements to solve global health challenges, with an emphasis on sustainable agriculture, food security, and public health.

Africa Health Collaborative

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto has also established the Africa Health Collaborative, a network of partnerships between the University of Toronto and eight leading African universities. The aim of this collaborative is to train and prepare young professionals for leadership roles in African health sectors, with a particular focus on providing employment opportunities for women in the fields of public health, agriculture, and policy.

The Africa Health Collaborative partners include:

• Addis Ababa University: Located in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa University is known for its programs in health, education, and sustainable development, and plays a key role in the collaborative.
• Ashesi University: Based in Ghana, Ashesi University is renowned for its focus on ethical leadership and innovative learning models. Its graduates are well-prepared to lead transformative initiatives in Africa’s health sector.
• African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS): AIMS provides world-class training in mathematical sciences and has a strong emphasis on solving pressing challenges in Africa, including public health, climate change, and financial systems.
• African Leadership University (ALU): Located in Mauritius and Rwanda, ALU focuses on developing the next generation of African leaders. The university offers programs in leadership, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, making it an ideal partner for the Mastercard Foundation’s mission.
• Amref International University/Amref Health Africa: This institution specializes in health sciences and has a long-standing commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes across Africa, especially in underserved communities.
• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST): Based in Ghana, KNUST is a leader in science and technology education, with a strong focus on research that addresses Africa’s development needs, including health and agriculture.
• Moi University: Located in Kenya, Moi University has a growing reputation for its medical school and research in public health, making it a key player in the collaborative.
• University of Cape Town: One of Africa’s leading universities, the University of Cape Town in South Africa offers cutting-edge programs in health sciences, public policy, and environmental sustainability.

Through this collaborative, scholars gain access to a wider range of academic resources and opportunities, including exchange programs, internships, and collaborative research projects across African institutions.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country and currently residing in Africa. Applicants with dual citizenship, permanent residency, or refugee status in countries like Canada, the US, UK, or EU are not eligible.
• Age: Applicants must be under 35 years of age at the time of application.
• Academic Qualifications: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution in Africa. A strong academic record is required, with preference given to applicants with First-Class Honors or equivalent academic achievements.
• Leadership and Service: Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to giving back to their communities and exhibit strong leadership potential. This could be demonstrated through previous work in community service, leadership roles, or involvement in development initiatives.
• English Proficiency: Since the program is conducted in English, applicants must meet the University of Toronto’s language proficiency requirements. Those whose primary language is not English must submit official test scores from recognized exams like TOEFL or IELTS.

How to Apply

The application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto consists of several key steps:

• Determine Your Eligibility: Before applying, ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria listed above, including citizenship, academic qualifications, and age requirements.
• Attend Virtual Information Sessions: As part of the application process, prospective applicants must attend one of the virtual information sessions hosted by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. These sessions provide detailed guidance on the application process and scholarship benefits. A link to the application form will be provided at the end of the session.
• Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form: Once you have attended an information session, you will be given access to the online scholarship application form. This form will require you to submit detailed information about your academic background, leadership experience, and future goals.
• Submit Additional Documents: After the initial application, pre-screened candidates will be required to submit additional documents, including academic transcripts, proof of citizenship, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining their leadership goals and commitment to community service.
• University Admission Application: Candidates who pass the pre-screening phase will be invited to apply for admission to their chosen graduate program at the University of Toronto. Successful applicants will receive a fee waiver for their application.
• Selection and Notification: Final selection is based on academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to Africa’s sustainable development. Scholarship offers will be made in March 2025.

To learn more and apply, visit University of Toronto  Official Application Page.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto offers a life-changing opportunity for talented young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa. Through comprehensive financial support, leadership training, and mentorship, the program enables scholars to pursue world-class education while contributing to the development and prosperity of their home countries. If you are passionate about creating sustainable change in Africa, this program could be the next step on your journey to becoming a transformative leader. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to apply for the 2025-2026 academic year—attend a virtual information session and start your application today!

Click here to visit University of Toronto official application page.