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Applications are now open for the Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Doctor of Public Health Scholarships 2026-2027 for Recent Alumni of Africa Health Collaborative Partner Universities
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative committed to developing the next generation of transformative leaders.
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To learn more about how to win a fully-funded scholarship, the Foundation partners with leading academic institutions to provide comprehensive scholarships for talented, service-oriented young people, primarily from Africa, to pursue higher education and cultivate their leadership potential.
This document provides a general overview of the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) scholarship opportunity and how to apply for scholarships successfully.
Program at a Glance
- Institutions: A network of global academic partners, including the University of Toronto, University of Global Health Equity, and others.
- Program of Study: Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), with specific areas of focus varying by university.
- Targeted Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
- Award: Complete financial support
- Language Requirement: No IELTS score required for some partner institutions.
About the Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, in collaboration with the Africa Health Collaborative, is recruiting the next cohort of graduate scholars for the 2026-2027 academic year. This prestigious opportunity is open to recent graduates of partner universities within the Africa Health Collaborative. The scholarship is designed for individuals who have a history of academic excellence in health-related fields and a strong dedication to returning to their home countries to drive economic and social progress in Africa. To understand the qualities of scholarship winners, it’s important to know the reasons to study your masters abroad.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for consideration for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must generally meet the following criteria, though specific requirements may vary by institution:
- Hold citizenship and currently reside in a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Be a graduate of an Africa Health Collaborative partner institution and not yet enrolled in a doctoral program.
- Possess a record of outstanding academic performance and leadership during both their undergraduate and master’s studies. If you have a low GPA, you can address this in your application.
- Meet the specific academic admission standards for the DrPH program at their target university.
- Show a clear commitment to returning home to contribute to development and growth in Africa for the final two years of the program. Your personal statement can explain why you deserve this scholarship.
Scholarship Benefits
Beyond covering all financial costs, the scholarship provides a robust support system to ensure the academic and personal success of each scholar. This includes:
- Full Financial Support: Comprehensive coverage of all costs, including tuition, travel, housing, meals, books, and other living expenses.
- Networking Opportunities: Access to an extensive global network of peers, mentors, and professionals.
- Comprehensive Support System: Academic and personal support to help scholars thrive in their graduate studies. Learn about helpful tips for student accommodation when moving abroad.
- Mandatory Orientation: Sessions designed to ease the transition into graduate school and the academic environment.
- Leadership Development: Opportunities to cultivate and strengthen collaborative leadership qualities.
Application Procedure
The application for this scholarship is a multi-stage process that is managed individually by each partner university. Please note that the process and deadlines for one university may differ from another. As an example of a potential timeline and required materials, the University of Toronto’s process is listed below:
- Stage 1: Thoroughly review the admission requirements for the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program at your chosen institution and gather the following common application materials:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Academic Transcripts from all previous university studies
- Two letters of academic recommendation. Learn how to ask for a recommendation letter for a scholarship.
- Personal statement outlining your career goals and commitment to public health in Africa. This guide can help you write a scholarship essay that wins.
- Learn how to apply for scholarships successfully.
- Stage 2: Register for and attend one of the mandatory virtual information sessions.
- Stage 3: Submit the official Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship application through the online portal.
- Stage 4: Shortlisted candidates will receive an invitation to submit a formal program application to their chosen university.
Important Note
Each partner institution manages its own application process, deadlines, and admissions. You must apply directly through the specific university you wish to attend. You can find a complete list of partner universities on the Mastercard Foundation’s website and should check their individual websites for detailed application instructions.
Application Deadline: check your preferred university deadline
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a GRE required to study abroad? It depends on the university and program requirements. Many graduate programs, especially in the US, require the GRE, while others do not. You should check the specific admission requirements for your target university.
2. How do I apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)? A PGWP allows international graduates to work in Canada after completing their studies. You can apply for one after you receive a written notification of your program completion from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
3. What are the best universities in Australia for international students? Australia has many top-ranked universities, including the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, and the Australian National University, which are popular choices for international students.
4. What are some key differences between the Global Korean Scholarship (GKS) Embassy Track and University Track? The GKS Embassy Track allows you to apply for multiple universities through the Korean embassy in your home country. The University Track requires you to apply directly to a single university.
5. What is the Pomodoro Technique? The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that uses a timer to break down work into intervals, typically 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.
6. What are some top affordable universities in the US for masters programs? Many public universities offer affordable masters programs for international students, such as the City University of New York (CUNY) and California State University (CSU) campuses.
7. How can I write a winning Chevening Scholarship essay? A winning Chevening essay should directly address the scholarship’s four core themes: leadership and influence, networking, relationship building, and your career plan after the scholarship.
8. What are some tips for studying effectively? Effective study tips include creating a consistent study schedule, finding a suitable environment, taking regular breaks, and reviewing material frequently.
9. What is the Cornell Note-Taking Method? The Cornell Method is a system of taking notes that involves dividing a page into three sections: a main note-taking column, a cue or keywords column, and a summary section at the bottom.
10. Do student loans for international students exist? Yes, there are a number of options for international students seeking loans, including private loans from banks and financial institutions, as well as loans that can be co-signed by a US citizen or permanent resident.
