The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto (U of T) is a prestigious initiative that offers fully funded scholarships for graduate studies at one of Canada’s leading and most renowned institutions of learning, research, and knowledge creation. U of T stands proudly as a world-class research-intensive university, committed to pioneering innovations and driving advancements in various fields of study.
This program is specially designed to empower prospective scholars by enhancing their capabilities and expanding their professional networks, with a particular focus on preparing them for careers in diverse healthcare professions and healthcare ecosystems across the African continent. By providing access to quality education and fostering an environment of academic excellence, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at U of T aims to equip these scholars with the knowledge and skills needed to make significant contributions to the healthcare sector.
Upon successful completion of their studies, it is anticipated that the Scholars will return to their home countries, bringing with them the wealth of knowledge and expertise they have gained during their time at U of T. These highly skilled individuals are expected to play pivotal roles in their countries, either by engaging in self-employment ventures or by working in various health-related professions. Their mission is to drive positive change and promote improved health outcomes, ultimately contributing to the betterment of their communities and countries. This program exemplifies the transformative power of education and its potential to create a lasting impact on the African healthcare landscape.
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.
Benefits
- Scholars in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at U of T are provided with full financial assistance for tuition, travel expenses to Canada (including obtaining a passport, visa application fees), housing, course materials, health insurance, laptop, food, books, and other expenses for the duration of their graduate degrees.
Method of Application
A completed application includes the following components:
- A completed online application – all applicable sections must be filled out, including contact information, financial information, personal details and responses to essay questions.
- Financial documents – upload a scanned copy of financial documentation.
- Transcript – upload a scanned copy of your secondary school transcript and any other academic information.
- Two references – provide the names and contact details of two individuals who will serve as your referees. We will contact your referees directly and ask them to submit their letter oThe 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.
- Graduate Programs
- Up to 25 Mastercard Foundation scholarships will be awarded for the 2025-2026 academic year split across the following graduate programs:
- Master of Health Administration
- Master of Occupational and Environmental Health
- Master of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences
- Master of Financial Insurance • Master of Engineering (Biomedical)
- Master of Biotechnology (for 2026 start)
Eligibility Requirements For The University of Toronto (U of T) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Applicants MUST meet the following six eligibility criteria:
- Be a citizen and currently residing in a Sub-Saharan African country
- Be graduating or have graduated within the last 5 years from a partner institution of the Africa Health Collaborative (listed on page one) and have not yet started studies at the graduate level
- Have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership qualities during his/her undergraduate years
- Be academically admissible to one of the sponsored graduate programs listed above
- Demonstrate a desire and commitment to return home following graduation to contribute to the ongoing economic growth and social development in Africa
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.
Method of Application
Step One
Prospective applicants must first consult the admission requirements for their chosen program of study. The links above will guide you in exploring these different programs. If you meet the academic requirements of your program of interest, please follow through to step two.
Step Two
Sign up to attend a scholarship information session and complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship application. Deadline for submission of the completed application and receipt of all required attachments is Monday, November 4, 2024 at 12 noon (Toronto time).
If your application for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship meets all criteria and is approved by the Scholarship Admission Committee, you will receive an email to move forward to step three. These notifications to successful applicants will be made in early December.
Step Three
Begin your graduate application to the department/program of your interest from the University of Toronto, School of Graduate Studies website.
The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) is the central location for graduate applications at the university.
Each department and program area will inform you as to the specific requirements of their department and provide you with subsequent dates for the submission of supplementary information.
This is an online process that will require you to upload documents to your application.
Please direct any questions to the University of Toronto’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program [Email: mcf.cie@utoronto.ca].
Application Deadline: November 4, 2024 at 12 noon (Toronto time).
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