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Applications are now open for the Fully Funded University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2026 for Motivated Masters International Students
The University of Toronto Mastercard Scholarships is a fully funded scholarship program for graduate studies at Canada’s leading institution of learning, discovery, and knowledge creation. This opportunity is highly competitive; for general advice on securing such awards, be sure to check out our guide on How to Apply for Scholarships Successfully.
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The program is a collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, a private foundation based in Toronto, Canada, dedicated to creating opportunities for young people to learn and prosper, with a focus on Africa’s future leaders. Scholars will develop their capacity and networks to engage in diverse healthcare professions and ecosystems in Africa. Focusing on key personal characteristics is essential for success in these programs; read about the 10 Top Qualities of Scholarship Winners.
Upon completion of the program, Scholars are expected to return to their home countries to engage in self-employment or work in a range of health-related professions to advance health outcomes. If you are preparing for your move to Toronto, review these Best Student Accommodation Tips Moving Abroad for a smooth transition.
Program Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Study Abroad: Study in Canada
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Sub-Sahara African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Monthly Stipends | Accommodation | Airfare Ticket | Laptop
- Language Requirement: No Required (English requirements dependent on country)
- Application Deadline: November
Scholarship Benefits
Prospective scholars receive comprehensive, full funding designed to eliminate financial barriers and allow them to focus entirely on their studies and leadership development. The U of T Mastercard Scholars Program provides:
- Full Financial Assistance: Covers the costs of tuition for the duration of the graduate degree. This level of support is exceptional; read about How to Win a Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarship for context on fully-funded awards.
- Living Expenses: Includes accommodation, meals, monthly stipends, and course materials.
- Logistical Support: Covers travel expenses to Canada (including obtaining a passport and visa application fees), health insurance, a laptop, and books. Considering this extensive funding, you might want to compare it to the challenges discussed in the Ultimate Guide to Student Loans for International Students.
- Development: Access to training, networking, and support for their transition back to Africa. The commitment required for a long-term academic path is significant; review the Best Top 10 Reasons to Study Your Masters Abroad to ensure your goals align.
Eligibility Requirements for University of Toronto (U of T) Mastercard Scholarships
To be considered for the U of T Mastercard Scholarship, candidates must strictly adhere to the following criteria:
- Residency: Must be a resident and a graduating high school student of a country within Sub-Saharan Africa (note: the provided text implies undergraduate/high school graduation, but the program summary lists Masters/Postgraduate).
- Financial Need: Demonstrate financial need correspondent to that of the lowest two quintiles of your country. To compellingly convey your circumstances, read our guide on Why I Deserve This Scholarship Essay: A-Z Guide.
- Academics: Have very strong academic results within your school system. If you had a lower GPA during your undergraduate studies, learn the Best Way to Explain Low GPA in Personal Statements.
- Leadership: Have a record of leadership and extracurricular involvement.
- Commitment to Return: Maintain a strong desire to return to Africa to assist and work towards enhanced regional socioeconomic development.
- Graduation Status: Be graduating from a recognized secondary school, or have completed the necessary academic requirements.
- English Proficiency: Fulfill the necessary English requirements (dependent on country). Requesting strong academic references is key; find out How to Ask for Recommendation Letter for Scholarship.
Areas of Study
The University of Toronto is accepting applications for specific Master’s programs focused on growing African health sectors, often with an emphasis on employment opportunities for women.
In , applications are accepted for the following areas:
- Master of Health Informatics
- Master of Health Administration
- Master of Occupational and Environmental Health
- Master of Financial Insurance
- Master of Engineering (Biomedical)
- Master of Biotechnology
Candidates interested in the Doctorate in Public Health program must use the dedicated application form provided on the official website.
How to Apply for University of Toronto (U of T) Mastercard Scholarships
The application process requires careful attention to detail and adherence to the deadlines:
- Visit the Portal: To apply, visit the Mastercard Foundation Scholarships portal through the link provided below
- Ensure Requirements are Met: Confirm that you have satisfied all the eligibility requirements and have prepared all your application documents. Writing an impactful essay is vital for selection; learn How to Write a Scholarship Essay that Wins.
- Attend Information Session: Interested applicants must attend one of the virtual information sessions detailed on the official Announcement. A link to the Scholarship Application will be provided only to attendees following these sessions. This unique application step is similar to the requirements of the Do you require the GRE to study abroad section that mentions specific entry tests.
- Submission: The application deadline for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto will be on November at 12 noon (Toronto time). The program’s focus on returning to Africa makes it different from planning for a post-graduation work visa, but understanding the steps can be useful; see How to Apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Application Deadline: November
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which countries are eligible for this scholarship?
The University of Toronto Mastercard Scholarships are exclusively open to residents and graduating students from countries within Sub-Saharan Africa.
2. Is this scholarship for undergraduate or graduate studies?
While the provided text mentions “graduating high school student,” the program summary and detailed benefits clearly indicate it is for postgraduate/Master’s degrees (and a specific Doctorate in Public Health program).
3. What does “fully funded” cover?
The full financial assistance covers tuition, travel expenses (including passport and visa fees), housing, course materials, health insurance, a laptop, food, books, and other essential expenses for the duration of the degree.
4. What is the required financial commitment after the program?
Scholars are expected to maintain a strong desire to return to Africa upon completion of their studies to engage in work or self-employment to advance regional socioeconomic development, particularly in the health sector.
5. Are there specific or academic requirements?
Yes, candidates must demonstrate very strong academic results within their school system. While a specific numerical is not listed, competitive results are mandatory.
6. Is an or score required to apply?
No, the scholarship summary explicitly states “No Required.” However, candidates must fulfill the necessary English requirements which are dependent on their country of residence.
7. What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the cycle is November , at 12 noon (Toronto time).
8. How do I get the link to the actual application form?
A crucial step is that the link to the scholarship application will only be provided to candidates who attend one of the virtual information sessions detailed on the official announcement.
9. What specific fields of study are eligible for this scholarship?
The program focuses on health-related fields, including Master of Health Informatics, Master of Health Administration, Master of Occupational and Environmental Health, Master of Financial Insurance, Master of Engineering (Biomedical), and Master of Biotechnology.
10. Does the University of Toronto collaborate with African universities through this program?
Yes, U of T collaborates with eight leading African universities (including and ) to support their efforts in training young professionals for the African health sectors.
