The Mastercard Foundation DrPH Scholarship is a fully funded doctoral scholarship to support Sub-Saharan African graduates to pursue a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree, with leadership training, and with a strong emphasis on returning to contribute to public health in their home countries. It is offered in partnership with the Africa Health Collaborative and the Mastercard Foundation. The program aims to develop senior public health professionals who can influence policy, strengthen health systems, lead applied public health research, etc.
Location (country/city)
- The degree is at University of Toronto, Canada, specifically the Dalla Lana School of Public Health in Toronto, Ontario.
- Applicants must be citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries and resident there.
Funding
The scholarship is fully funded and provides broad financial coverage. This includes:
- Tuition fees
- Travel expenses
- Housing / accommodation
- Living expenses (meals, etc.)
- Books, other program-related materials
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country and currently residing there.
- Graduated (or about to graduate) from a partner institution of the Africa Health Collaborative.
- Not yet started doctoral studies (i.e. this must be your first doctoral program).
- Demonstrated academic excellence (in both undergraduate and master’s degrees), plus leadership.
- Be admissible to the Doctor of Public Health program at University of Toronto (i.e. meet the general academic entrance requirements etc.)
- Must commit to returning to their home country for a portion of the program (final two years) to apply their learning / contribute to their country’s development.
There is also attendance required at one of the info sessions (virtual) as part of the application process.
Application Date
- The scholarship application is currently open; info sessions are in September 2025.
- One info session: September 3, 2025; another on September 11, 2025, another on September 25, 2025. Q&A on October 1, 2025.
Application Deadline
- The completed scholarship application must be submitted by October 10, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST (Toronto time).
- If applicants are shortlisted, they then submit the formal DrPH programme application by November 22, 2025.
Duration of Program or Opportunity
- The DrPH program is full-time and typically lasts 4 years at University of Toronto.
- Part of that duration includes the requirement to spend the final two years working / residing in the home country to apply the training.
Application Process
Here are the steps:
- Check eligibility: confirm that you are a citizen/resident of Sub-Saharan Africa, from a partner institution, have required academic credentials.
- Attend one info session (virtual) among the scheduled ones. This is mandatory.
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship application (link provided in info sessions). Submit by the deadline.
- If shortlisted, apply formally to the DrPH programme at University of Toronto (Dalla Lana School) by the DrPH program application deadline.
- Upload all required supporting documents: academic transcripts, CV, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, etc. (while exact list is detailed in the programme DrPH requirements)
Application Website
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