The University of Toronto, through the Africa Health Collaborative and with support from the Mastercard Foundation, has opened applications for the 2027–2028 Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Scholarship. The opportunity is designed to support talented African scholars who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries. At least seven fully funded doctoral scholarships will be awarded for the 2027–2028 academic year. The scholarship is targeted at recent alumni and graduating students from universities that are part of the Africa Health Collaborative’s partner network. About the Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship The scholarship provides comprehensive financial and academic support to successful scholars throughout the professional doctoral programme. The funding package covers major study and living expenses, including: Full tuition fees Travel expenses Housing Food and living expenses Books and study materials Other approved programme-related costs Beyond financial assistance, scholars will receive a broader support package designed to help them transition successfully into graduate studies in Toronto. This includes orientation sessions and access to a support network intended to promote academic success and student wellbeing. The programme also places significant emphasis on scholars’ long-term contribution to Africa. Successful candidates are expected to develop the knowledge and leadership capacity required to make a meaningful contribution to health systems and socioeconomic development in their home countries. Doctor of Public Health Programme The scholarship will support studies in the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) programme at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health. The DrPH is designed for professionals who want to develop advanced expertise in public health practice, leadership, research, policy and health systems. For African professionals and graduates interested in addressing major public health challenges on the continent, the programme can provide an opportunity to strengthen their technical and leadership capabilities. Applicants should carefully review the academic and programme requirements before beginning the scholarship application process. Admission to the doctoral programme is a separate requirement from being selected for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. Who Can Apply? Applicants must meet five key eligibility requirements. First, candidates must be citizens and current residents of a Sub-Saharan African country. Second, applicants must have graduated from one of the Africa Health Collaborative partner institutions and must not have already started doctoral-level graduate studies. Third, candidates are expected to demonstrate academic excellence and leadership qualities during their undergraduate and master’s studies. Applicants should therefore be prepared to demonstrate their academic achievements as well as examples of leadership, community engagement or other forms of positive impact. Fourth, candidates must be academically admissible to the Doctor of Public Health programme supported by the scholarship. Finally, applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to returning home for the final two years of the programme and contributing to Africa’s economic growth and social development. This final requirement highlights one of the central objectives of the scholarship: developing highly skilled African professionals who will use their education to strengthen institutions, communities and health systems across the continent. Mandatory Information Session Prospective applicants should pay particular attention to the scholarship’s information-session requirement. Attendance at at least one information session is mandatory for an applicant to be eligible for consideration for the Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship. Three information sessions have been scheduled: Information Session 1:August 25, 2026, from 9:00–10:00 a.m. EDT, corresponding to 1:00–2:00 p.m. GMT, 3:00–4:00 p.m. CAT and 4:00–5:00 p.m. EAT. Information Session 2:August 31, 2026, at the same times. Information Session 3:September 4, 2026, at the same times. Applicants should register for and attend at least one of these sessions. A separate optional question-and-answer session will take place on September 16, 2026, from 9:00–10:00 a.m. EDT. The information sessions are particularly important because the scholarship application form will be shared during the upcoming sessions. How to Apply The application process consists of several stages. Step 1: Check the DrPH Admission Requirements Applicants should first review the admission requirements for the University of Toronto’s Doctor of Public Health programme. Candidates should only proceed if they meet the academic requirements for the doctoral programme. Step 2: Attend an Information Session Applicants must register for and attend at least one of the three scheduled information sessions. Attendance is a mandatory part of the scholarship process. Step 3: Complete the Scholarship Application After attending an information session, eligible candidates can complete the Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholarship application. The application form will be provided during the information sessions. The deadline for submitting the completed scholarship application is October 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST (Toronto time). Applicants whose scholarship applications meet the eligibility requirements and receive approval from the Scholarship Admission Committee will be notified by late October 2026 and invited to proceed to the next stage. Step 4: Apply to the University of Toronto DrPH Programme Shortlisted scholarship candidates will subsequently be invited to complete the formal Doctor of Public Health programme application through the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health. The programme application deadline is November 20, 2026. Applicants will receive further instructions regarding departmental requirements and supplementary documentation. The programme application will be completed online and will require candidates to upload the necessary supporting documents. Why This Opportunity Matters The scholarship represents a significant opportunity for emerging African public health leaders to pursue doctoral-level professional training at a leading Canadian university without carrying the substantial financial burden normally associated with international doctoral study. More importantly, the programme is structured around a clear development objective. Successful scholars are expected to take the knowledge, skills and experience gained during their studies and apply them to challenges facing their communities and countries. Candidates should therefore ensure that their applications clearly communicate not only their academic achievements but also their leadership experience, career goals, motivation for studying public health and commitment to Africa’s future. Those interested in applying should begin preparing early by reviewing the DrPH admission requirements, confirming their eligibility, identifying their Africa Health Collaborative partner institution and registering for a mandatory information session. Application deadline: October 1, 2026University of Toronto DrPH programme deadline: November 20, 2026Scholarships available: At least 7Funding: Fully fundedStudy location: Toronto, CanadaProgramme: Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) This opportunity could provide a transformative pathway for qualified African graduates and professionals seeking to develop advanced public health leadership skills and contribute to stronger health systems and sustainable development across the continent. VISIT HERE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. 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