Program Description

Mastercard Foundation is a private foundation based in Toronto, Canada with a vision to create the opportunity for all to learn and prosper. In collaboration with a global network of educational institutions and non-governmental organizations, the Foundation promotes financial inclusion and prosperity for people living in poverty. The Foundation believes the future of Africa will be shaped by its young people, including those with academic talent and a commitment to giving back to their countries. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto (U of T) is a fully funded scholarship program for graduate studies at Canada’s leading institution of learning, discovery, and knowledge creation. U of T is proud to be one of the world’s top research-intensive universities, driven to invent and innovate. Prospective Mastercard Foundation Scholars will develop their capacity and networks to engage in diverse healthcare professions and healthcare ecosystems in Africa. Upon completion of the program, it’s expected that Mastercard Foundation Scholars will return to their home countries and engage in self-employment or work in a range of health-related professions to advance the health outcomes within their countries upon completion.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS

Scholars in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at U of T are provided with full financial assistance for tuition, travel expenses to Canada (including obtaining a passport, visa application fees), housing, course materials, health insurance, laptop, food, books, and other expenses for the duration of their graduate degrees.

APPLY

The application deadline for the 2024-2025 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto was on November 15, 2023, therefore we are no longer accepting applications. Recruitment for the 2025-2026 academic year will commence in September, 2024.

AREAS OF STUDY

For the 2024-2025 academic year, we accepted scholarship applications for one of the following programs:

• Master of Health Informatics(opens in a new tab)
• Master of Health Administration(opens in a new tab)
• Master of Occupational and Environmental Health(opens in a new tab)
• Master of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences(opens in a new tab)
• Master of Health Administration(opens in a new tab)
• Master of Financial Insurance(opens in a new tab)
• Master of Engineering (Biomedical)(opens in a new tab)
• Master of Biotechnology(opens in a new tab)

• To apply for the Doctorate in Public Health program, please find the application form here.

The University of Toronto (U of T) is collaborating with eight leading African universities to support their efforts to train and prepare young professionals for the meaningful work of growing African health sectors, with an emphasis on employment opportunities for women. The African Higher Education Health Collaborative partners include:

• Addis Ababa University(opens in a new tab)
• Ashesi University(opens in a new tab)
• African Institute for Mathematical Sciences(opens in a new tab)
• African Leadership University (opens in a new tab)
• Amref International University/Amref Health Africa(opens in a new tab)
• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(opens in a new tab)
• Moi University(opens in a new tab)
• University of Cape Town

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

Established in 1827, the University of Toronto has one of the strongest research and teaching faculties in North America and consistently ranks among the top universities in the world.(opens in a new tab) U of T attracts top faculty and students, providing an intellectual environment that is unmatched in depth and breadth by any other Canadian campus. To learn more about U of T, visit the Future U of T website(opens in a new tab).

MENTORING, ORIENTATION, AND TRANSITION PROGRAMS

Mastercard Foundation Scholars are provided with a variety of mentoring and transition assistance programs. This includes an extended orientation prior to, and, upon arrival to become familiar with the University’s academic requirements and practices and will also introduce students to various social, co-curricular and professional opportunities.

ADVISORS AND ADMINISTRATORS

Advisors and administrators within the departments, faculties, and Centre for International Experience, regularly interact with Mastercard Foundation Scholars and help students navigate through university life. Student mentors also provide peer support. These resources will help with transitioning to U of T and to support academic and personal success

STUDENT STORIES

FAMOUS GHANYO TAY | GHANA

My name is Famous Ghanyo Tay, and I come from Ghana. With a strong background in Electrical Engineering and experience in circuit design, I aspire to become a leading neurotech engineer driving health advancements in Africa through technology. Currently, I am pursuing an M.Eng. in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on medical devices. My research interests lie in Neuromodulation, Brain-Machine Interface, and Artificial Intelligence. The journey as a Mastercard Foundation scholar has been truly transformative for me. Joining this program has provided me with a supportive community that offers invaluable academic guidance, career mentorship, and financial assistance. I consider the Mastercard Foundation scholarship at the University of Toronto to be a perfect opportunity to be one of the young Africans who will drive a positive change in Africa. My current academic endeavor involves an exciting research project within the Neural Engineering Lab, where I am collaborating with Professor Paul Yoo. Our project aims to minimize the burning sensation associated with surface electrodes during electrical stimulation. This research holds deep significance for me, as I am passionate about enhancing medical procedures and improving patient comfort. My ultimate goal is to develop innovative solutions that make medical interventions more effective and affordable.

JESSICA KUMAH | GHANA

My name is Jessica Kumah, and I am from Ghana. I discovered a strong academic interest and sense of purpose after completing my final year undergraduate thesis at Kwame Nkrumah University of Sci. and Tech. (KNUST) in Ghana. However, at that time, I was unsure about how to pursue and fund further studies in this newfound area of interest. Thankfully, a colleague introduced me to the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship program at the University of Toronto, which surprisingly aligned perfectly with my newfound passion for environmental health. Thanks to the Mastercard Foundation, my purpose became a reality, and the MPH Environmental Health program at the University of Toronto has exceeded all my expectations. The comprehensive training I am currently receiving at UofT has not only enhanced my knowledge but has also provided me with a broader perspective on how to address environmental health challenges. Equipped with this invaluable education, I am now prepared to positively contribute to communities in Africa and the world at large by tackling pressing issues related to environmental health and its global implications facing our world today.

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Source: Opportunity Desk