Dreaming of a world-class graduate degree in Canada without the financial barriers? The University of Toronto’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers a rare, fully funded pathway for emerging leaders from Sub‑Saharan Africa to study at one of the world’s most respected universities.
For the 2026–27 academic year, applications are open and highly competitive this is a comprehensive scholarship that prioritizes access, leadership, and community impact in health-related disciplines. As of Thursday, October 23, 2025 (UTC), you can begin preparing a standout application and you should, because the deadline is firm.
Overview:
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto (U of T) is a fully funded graduate opportunity designed to enable talented citizens of Sub‑Saharan Africa to access high‑quality university education in Canada, with a focus on health-related disciplines. The scholarship is purpose-built to remove financial barriers and support your academic and professional growth from admission through to post‑graduation transition.
- University Name: University of Toronto (U of T)
- Country: Canada
- Degree Level: Graduate (Master’s level programs)
- Program Focus: Health-related graduate fields; limited to specified degree programs each year
- Funding Type: Fully funded, comprehensive financial aid package
- Program Duration: Varies by the length of the eligible graduate program you are admitted to (check each program’s timeline).
- 2026–27 Cycle Status: Recruitment for the 2026–27 intake has begun.
Notably, for the upcoming academic year, scholarships are available for six specific graduate programs. Applicants should verify eligibility against the current list before applying.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you should meet the following core criteria:
- Citizenship: Be a citizen of a Sub‑Saharan African country.
- Academic Level: Applying for an eligible graduate program at U of T (Master’s level).
- Field Alignment: Interest and eligibility in health‑related disciplines (the program focuses on health fields with clearly listed programs each cycle).
- Availability of Programs: Scholarships are offered in a defined set of programs each year (for 2026–27, six specific graduate programs).
- Financial Barriers: The scholarship is designed to remove financial barriers for talented individuals; applicants typically demonstrate significant financial need.
- Commitment to Impact: The initiative emphasizes leadership and community uplift in Africa, aligning education with meaningful social impact in the region.
Important: Always confirm the current year’s eligible programs, admission prerequisites, and any additional Scholar‑specific requirements on the official University of Toronto page before submitting.
Coverage / Benefits: What the Funding Includes
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at U of T is fully funded and comprehensive, removing the primary cost barriers to a graduate education in Canada.
Benefits include:
- Full scholarship coverage, including tuition (fully funded status) and a comprehensive support package.
- Travel support to Canada, including visa fees.
- Health insurance for the duration of studies.
- Funding for essential learning materials.
- Access to student services, mentorship, and a supportive academic environment designed to help scholars thrive.
This holistic funding model ensures scholars can focus on learning, research, and professional growth rather than financial stress.
Host Country & University Info
- Host Country: Canada your graduate studies will be based in Toronto, Ontario, with a global research environment and multicultural city life.
- Host University: University of Toronto (U of T), a research‑intensive institution hosting the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for graduate study in health-related disciplines.
U of T’s extensive faculty network, labs, and health ecosystem make it a strong launchpad for scholars who aim to drive change in African health systems and communities.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Confirm Eligibility
- Verify you are a citizen of a Sub‑Saharan African country and meet the focus on health-related graduate programs.
- Check that one of the currently eligible programs (six this cycle) matches your academic background and goals.
- Explore Eligible Programs and Requirements
- Review the 2026–27 Mastercard Foundation Scholars page and the individual U of T program pages for prerequisites (GPA, background, references, etc.).
- Prepare Core Documents
- Typical graduate applications require transcripts, CV/resume, statement of purpose, and referee contacts. Align these with your health impact goals and leadership potential consistent with the Scholars Program’s mission.
- Apply to the Graduate Program(s)
- Submit your application to the eligible U of T graduate program(s) per departmental instructions and timelines. Departmental deadlines may differ, so apply early.
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Application
- Submit the supplementary Scholars application as directed by the University of Toronto Centre for International Experience (CIE) program page.
- Attend Information Sessions (Optional but Recommended)
- Register for virtual information sessions to understand requirements, timelines, and selection expectations for 2026–27.
- Meet the Deadline
- The application deadline for the 2026–27 Scholars Program is November 3, 2025 at 12 noon (Toronto time).
- Monitor Communications
- After submission, monitor email for any requests for additional documents or interviews from U of T or the Scholars team. Then await selection decisions per the program timeline.
Tip: Because eligible programs are limited each cycle, prioritize early review and submission to avoid missing faculty or departmental cutoffs.
Important Deadlines
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (2026–27) deadline: November 3, 2025 at 12 noon Toronto time.
- Graduate program deadlines: Department‑specific; confirm dates on the relevant faculty/program site and apply well in advance.
Given today’s date (October 23, 2025), do not wait assemble materials and register for info sessions now.
Tips for Applicants (How to Stand Out)
- Align to Impact: Clearly connect your past work to health challenges in Sub‑Saharan Africa and outline how your U of T training amplifies community impact.
- Show Fit with Eligible Programs: Reference specific courses, labs, supervisors, and program outcomes within the approved list (six programs this cycle).
- Evidence of Leadership: Highlight initiatives you’ve led community health campaigns, startups, research projects, or policy advocacy with measurable outcomes.
- Be Concrete About Need: Explain the financial barriers you face and how comprehensive support enables your studies and post‑graduation plans.
- Secure Strong References: Choose referees who can attest to academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to health outcomes in your community.
- Prepare Early: Departmental requirements vary start months ahead to secure transcripts, tests (if any), and polished statements customized to program goals.
- Attend Info Sessions: Ask informed questions about eligible programs, timelines, and expectations so your application is precisely aligned.
Conclusion
The University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is more than financial aid it’s a launchpad for impact. If you are a citizen of a Sub‑Saharan African country with a clear vision to transform health outcomes across the continent, this is your moment. The 2026–27 cycle is underway, the deadline is set, and the opportunity is fully funded and focused. Start preparing now, tell your story with clarity, and submit a meticulous application that shows how your graduate training at U of T will drive lasting change. Share this with someone who should apply your encouragement could change a life.
Keep going – your goals are closer than you think.
Quick Answers
Q1: Who can apply?
Citizens of Sub‑Saharan African countries applying to eligible U of T graduate programs in health‑related disciplines for 2026–27 can apply.
Q2: Is it fully funded?
Yes, It is a fully funded, comprehensive scholarship package that removes financial barriers to graduate study at the University of Toronto.
Q3: What costs are covered?
Coverage includes full scholarship funding plus travel to Canada, visa fees, health insurance, and learning materials for scholars.
Q4: What’s the 2026–27 deadline?
Submit by November 3, 2025 at 12 noon Toronto time; late or incomplete applications are typically not considered.
Q5: Which programs are eligible?
Scholarships are available for a defined set of health-related graduate programs; six specific programs are offered this cycle.
Q6: Are info sessions available?
Yes, Applicants can register for virtual information sessions during the recruitment period to learn requirements and timelines.
