Mastercard Foundation DrPH Scholarship 2026-2027, Canada (Fully Funded)

The Mastercard Foundation-funded DrPH scholarship is designed to cultivate the next generation of public health leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to support individuals who have shown academic excellence in health-related fields and who are deeply committed to returning to their home countries to contribute to health systems, policy, research, or community health practice. The idea is not just personal growth, but community and systemic transformation.

Program Overview:

Graduate Program

• Degree: Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
• Institution: University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health
• Number of Scholarships: Up to three awards for the 2026-2027 academic year
• Support includes: Full tuition, travel, housing, food, books, and other living expenses. Scholars also benefit from orientation sessions and a support network to ease the transition into graduate life, especially in Toronto, and to prepare for impact when they return home.

Eligibility

To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following:

• Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country, and currently living there.
• Have graduated (or be graduating) from a partner institution of the Africa Health Collaborative, and not yet started doctoral level studies elsewhere.
• Demonstrate strong academic excellence and leadership during both undergraduate and master’s studies.
• Be admissible academically to the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program at the University of Toronto.
• Show a clear and genuine commitment to return to their home country for the final two years of the program and contribute to economic growth and social development.

Benefits

Being awarded this scholarship means getting more than just financial support. Here’s what you’ll get:

• Full coverage of tuition fees.
• Travel costs (to/from study country).
• Housing, meals, and basic living expenses.
• Books and academic resources.
• A support network including orientation sessions so you’re ready for graduate life in Toronto.
• Structuring and mentoring aimed at maximizing your impact back home.

Key Deadlines

• Info Sessions (virtual; you need to attend at least one):
  1. September 3, 2025 – 10-11 AM EST
  2. September 11, 2025 – 8-9:30 AM EST
  3. September 25, 2025 – 9-10:30 AM EST
• Optional Q&A Session: October 1, 2025
• Scholarship Application Deadline: October 10, 2025, 11:59 PM EST (Toronto time)
• Notifications to successful applicants for this phase: By November 1, 2025
• DrPH Program Application Deadline: For those shortlisted, the DrPH program application at University of Toronto must be submitted by November 22, 2025

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Application Process

Here’s how to apply, step by step:

1. Review Program Requirements
   Make sure you meet the admission requirements for the DrPH program at University of Toronto. This includes academic transcripts, master’s degree, etc.
2. Attend an Information Session
   You must attend at least one virtual information session. There are three scheduled, and one optional Q&A session. These sessions will cover how the scholarship works, program expectations, and tips for a strong application.
3. Submit the Scholarship Application
   After attending an info session, you’ll receive a link to the scholarship application form. Complete it by the deadline: October 10, 2025, 11:59 PM EST.
4. Shortlisting and Notification
   If your scholarship application is approved, expect a notification by November 1, 2025 that you’re shortlisted.
5. Apply to the Doctor of Public Health Program
   Once shortlisted, you’ll be invited to formally apply to the DrPH program at Dalla Lana School of Public Health. This includes submitting additional documents and meeting the specific department requirements. The deadline for this is November 22, 2025.

Fields of Study

This scholarship is for the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program. Topics in this field are broad but focused on public health leadership, health systems strengthening, policy, community health, epidemiology, health equity—those kinds of areas. If your passion is in any of these, and you want to lead change (not just study it), this program is meant for you.

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Who Should Apply

You should apply if:

• You have strong academic records in public health, medicine, health policy, epidemiology, or a related field.
• You believe in using your skills to affect change in your home country—not only through research but through leadership, policy, program implementation, or health system reform.
• You want to pursue a rigorous doctoral degree and can commit to being away (for studies) and then returning home for at least two years to apply what you’ve learned.
• You are affiliated (graduated from) one of the partner institutions with Africa Health Collaborative.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate leadership: show what you’ve done beyond grades—community involvement, public health work, initiatives.
• Be clear on goals and impact: what you want to do with this degree, how you will contribute to your country.
• Showcase academic excellence: good transcripts, research experience (if any), solid recommendations.
• Attend the info session—they often give insights not obvious from the announcement.

What Happens After the Scholarship

If selected, you’ll begin with orientation so you settle in well at Toronto, understand expectations, connect with faculty and peers. Throughout the program you’ll engage academically, socially, and receive support. After obtaining your DrPH, you’ll be expected to and supported in returning to your home country for the last two years of the program to use your training for public health improvements locally.

Final Thoughts

This is a rare and powerful opportunity. Doing a Doctor of Public Health with full funding at a top university, supported by mentorship and with a clear path to making real change at home—that’s everything many public health students strive for. If you meet the eligibility, it’s absolutely worth applying.

I sincerely hope you go for it. If you need help with a draft statement of purpose, preparing documents, or anything for your application, just say the word—happy to assist.

Official Program Website: https://africahealthcollaborative.org/2025/09/03/2026-2027-doctor-of-public-health-scholarships-open/