Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of Toronto 2027/2028

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027/2028 at the University of Toronto is a fully funded graduate opportunity for eligible scholars from Sub-Saharan Africa. This guide covers eligibility, supported programmes, funding, documents, deadlines, and the application process.

The programme works with the Africa Health Collaborative and supports graduate study in health-related fields. Its goal is to help talented young Africans gain advanced skills and later contribute to health and development in their home countries. citeturn0search0turn0search1

If you are also comparing major international scholarships, our Australia Awards Scholarship 2028 guide is useful, although its eligibility rules and application route are different.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Overview

• Host country: Canada
• University: University of Toronto
• Study level: Graduate study, including supported master’s programmes
• Eligible region: Sub-Saharan Africa
• Focus: Health-related graduate education and impact in Africa
• Funding: Mastercard Foundation and University of Toronto

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet the scholarship rules as well as the academic requirements for your chosen University of Toronto programme.

Who is eligible?

• You must be a citizen and current resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
• You must be graduating from, or have graduated from, an Africa Health Collaborative partner university.
• You must not have already started graduate studies.
• You must normally be under 35 years of age.
• You must show academic excellence and leadership.
• You must qualify for one of the sponsored graduate programmes.
• You must intend to return home after graduation and contribute to development in Africa.

The current University of Toronto guidance names partner institutions such as Addis Ababa University, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, African Leadership University, Amref International University/Amref Health Africa, Ashesi University, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Moi University, and the University of Cape Town. citeturn0search1

Supported Graduate Programmes

The supported programme list can change from one academic year to another. For 2026–2027, the University of Toronto listed Biomedical Engineering, Financial Insurance, Health Administration, Health Informatics, Health Promotion, and Occupational and Environmental Health. Check the official page for the 2027/2028 list before applying. citeturn0search0

What the Scholarship Covers

The award provides comprehensive financial support. The University of Toronto says this includes travel to Canada, passport and visa costs, tuition, housing, food and grocery support, health insurance, learning materials, and other study-related expenses. citeturn0search0

2027/2028 Deadline

The University of Toronto has not yet published the 2027/2028 application deadline on its current official programme page. The most recent published cycle closed on November 3, 2025 at 12 noon Toronto time. That date belongs to the 2026–2027 cycle and should not be presented as the 2027/2028 deadline. citeturn0search0turn0search1

When the new call opens, check the University of Toronto Centre for International Experience for the official deadline, information sessions, supported programmes, and application instructions.

Required Documents

Requirements can differ between the scholarship application and the graduate admission process. Prepare your records early and follow the instructions for the specific programme.

• Academic transcripts
• Proof of citizenship and residence when requested
• Evidence of academic achievement and leadership
• Information about your proposed graduate programme
• References or supporting statements where required
• Any additional documents listed in the 2027/2028 call

How to Apply

1. Check the official University of Toronto scholarship page when the new call is published.
2. Confirm that you meet the citizenship, residence, age, academic, and partner-university requirements.
3. Review the supported graduate programmes and their admission requirements.
4. Attend an official information session if one is offered.
5. Complete the scholarship application before the published deadline.
6. Submit transcripts and other documents exactly as instructed.
7. If selected to continue, complete the separate University of Toronto graduate application for your chosen programme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming that every African university graduate qualifies.
• Ignoring the partner-university requirement.
• Applying for a programme outside the supported fields.
• Using the 2026–2027 deadline for the 2027/2028 cycle.
• Forgetting that scholarship selection and graduate admission are separate steps.
• Paying an unofficial agent who promises a guaranteed award.

Official Application Information

For the latest requirements, supported programmes, deadline, and application instructions, use the University of Toronto’s official Mastercard Foundation Scholars page rather than an unofficial application website.

View the official University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program information

Official Scholarship Information