If you are seeking a master’s level opportunity that’s fully funded and geared toward making a meaningful impact — especially if you’re based in Sub-Saharan Africa — then this post is for you. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at University of Toronto: what it covers, how to qualify, what programs are included, the application process, and smart tips to stand out. I’ll keep things conversational, clear and practical, just as I’d explain to a friend next to me.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at U of T?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of Toronto (U of T) is a fully-funded graduate scholarship for selected students from Sub-Saharan Africa.
It’s designed for master’s programmes in health-related, engineering or applied disciplines, with the aim that you return home and contribute to development in your country.
The scholarship is not just money — it also includes a support programme: orientation upon arrival at U of T, mentoring, and a network of scholars.
In simple terms: you’re being invited to one of the world-class universities (U of T) and given the means (tuition, living costs, travel) to go and study without major financial worry, provided you meet the conditions.
Note: It is not open to everyone in the world — there are specific eligibility criteria (which we’ll cover). So this is an opportunity to plan for.
What does “fully funded” mean for this Scholarship?
When they say fully funded, this is what it includes (for this specific programme):
Tuition fees: You don’t pay the master’s programme tuition at U of T.
Living costs: Housing, food/stipend, health insurance, study materials, laptop, other daily needs.
Travel / relocation: Travel to Canada (visa/passport costs) included.
Support services: Orientation, mentoring, transition support to life at U of T.
This means you can focus on your studies and research rather than worrying about how to pay rent or food in Toronto. That’s a massive relief.
Which programmes are covered by the Scholarship?
For the most recent intake (2026-2027) the approved graduate programmes include:
Master of Engineering (Biomedical).
Master of Financial Insurance.
MHSc: Master of Health Administration
MHSc: Master of Health Informatics.
MPH: Health Promotion.
MPH: Occupational and Environmental Health.
When applying, you must choose one of the eligible programmes and meet its admission requirements and apply for the scholarship. It’s important to check that your chosen field aligns.
Who is eligible to apply?
Here are the main eligibility criteria:
Must be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country and be currently residing there.
Must have graduated from or be about to graduate from one of the partner institutions of U of T’s Africa Health Collaborative (for some intakes); or otherwise meet the specific criteria set for that year.
Must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership qualities.
Must be admitted (or eligible to be admitted) into one of the approved graduate programmes at U of T.
Must show a strong, convincing commitment to return to their home country after graduation and contribute to its development.
Note: Age limits or other details may apply depending on the intake — you must check the current Announcement when applying.
Application timeline & key dates
For example, for the 2025-2026 intake, the deadline was Monday, November 4, 2024 at 12 noon (Toronto time).
For 2026-2027, the application opens around October and the deadline is early November (e.g., November 3, 2025) according to the PDF announcement.
There are virtual information sessions you should attend to learn details and get any questions answered.
So: mark your calendar early, prepare well ahead because you’ll have to apply to the scholarship and to the graduate programme.
How to apply step by step
Here’s a simplified version of the application process:
Check programme admission requirements: Ensure you meet the entrance requirements for your chosen U of T graduate programme (e.g., transcripts, GPA, IELTS/TOEFL if required).
Register for an information session: Attend the virtual info session for this scholarship so you understand what they expect.
Complete the scholarship application: Submit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme application with all required documents (references, personal statement, CV, etc.).
Scholarship pre-selection: If your scholarship application is successful you’ll be notified to proceed.
Submit your U of T graduate programme application: After you receive the scholarship pre-selection or as per instructions, apply through U of T School of Graduate Studies (SGS) portal. Follow department deadlines.
If admitted & selected, prepare for relocation: With funding confirmed, work on visa, travel, accommodation, orientation.
Upon arrival: Attend orientation, meet your mentor/supervisor, get settled and start your programme.
What makes this scholarship special?
You’re attending one of Canada’s top research universities — University of Toronto. That means high quality education, strong faculty, global networks.
You’re getting genuine full support: tuition + living + travel + orientation. So you can focus on learning and research, not side jobs.
The focus on returning home and making impact means you’ll be among peers motivated to drive change — nice for building networks and purposeful career.
For students from Sub-Saharan Africa: this is a rare chance to access top global education and resources with minimal personal financial burden.
Because you’ll be studying fields tied to health, environment, engineering, social sciences — you’re in a domain where you can make real difference.
In a nutshell: This isn’t just a “free ride” scholarship, it's a launch-pad for your future career and impact.
Things you must consider (and some potential limitations)
Because it’s highly competitive, meeting the minimum eligibility does not guarantee selection. You must stand out.
The scholarship is tied to specific programmes, if your interest is outside those fields (e.g., arts, pure humanities) then you may not be eligible.
The commitment to return home and contribute means you should really be serious about that, don’t just take it as a free ticket.
Living in Toronto (and Canada in general) has costs and cultural differences. Although the scholarship covers many costs, adaptation and budgeting still matters.
Visa/immigration processes may add time and stress — make sure you account for that in your planning.
Smart tips to boost your chances
Show leadership & impact: In your statements or interviews, highlight how you’ve already made a difference (in your community, university, country) and how your graduate study will amplify that.
Align your goals with the programme: If you apply for Biomedical Engineering, show clear interest, maybe a prior project, and how your future plan ties into health in Africa.
Get strong references: Supervisors or academics who know you well and can vouch for your research potential, leadership, and motivation.
Prepare your personal statement carefully: Be genuine, specific, show why U of T + this scholarship + your background all fit together.
Attend the info sessions: You’ll pick up “inside” tips about what the scholarship panel likes, what pitfalls to avoid.
Research your target field and U of T department: Mention supervisors you might like to work with, resources you wish to use. That shows you’re serious.
Prepare for interview (if any): While not always publicised, you should be ready to talk about your plan, past experience, future impact.
Budget & plan for relocation: Even though many costs are covered, plan for the transition (flight, accommodations search, health adjustments) so you hit the ground running.
Use storytelling: Use your background: e.g., from Nigeria (or Kenya, Ghana, etc), your challenges, what motivates you, how you plan to use your degree back home. That gives your application heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it only for African students?
Yes — for this particular programme the eligibility is citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries.
Does it cover PhD?
No — it is a master’s-level scholarship, covering specific graduate programmes (MEng, MHSc, MPH etc). So if you’re looking for a PhD you might need to explore other funding options.
How many scholarships are offered?
For example, for 2026-27 they mention up to 20 scholarships.
Can I apply if I graduated more than five years ago?
Some intakes say you must have graduated within the last 5 years or be about to graduate. Always check the current announcement.
Do I need to also apply to U of T separately?
Yes — after scholarship pre-selection, you will apply to your chosen U of T graduate programme via the School of Graduate Studies.
What if I want to study something completely different (eg. Humanities)?
If your target programme is not listed as eligible, then unfortunately this scholarship may not accommodate that. You’ll need to look at other funding opportunities.
What is this scholarship worth?
While the exact dollar value isn’t always publicly posted, you can infer the high value since:
Tuition in master’s programmes in Canada can range from CAD $20,000-40,000 per year (rough estimate for international students)
Living costs in Toronto (housing, food, transport) might run CAD $15,000-25,000+ per year depending on lifestyle
Add travel/visa costs, orientation costs, laptop/study materials, health insurance
So, realistically the award value could well be in the USD $40,000-60,000+ (or more) over 1–2 years (if converted). That’s a serious investment in you.
From an SEO/Adsense perspective, phrases like “fully funded master’s scholarship Canada”, “tuition waiver for African students Canada”, “graduate scholarship Toronto living costs covered” are high value keywords. You’ll want to weave them naturally.
Next-steps if you’re interested
Here’s what I suggest you do right away:
Visit the official U of T Mastercard Foundation Scholars page and download the “Announcement PDF” for the current year.
Check if you meet all eligibility criteria (citizenship, institution, programme, graduation timeline).
Shortlist which graduate programme at U of T you want to pursue (from the list of eligible ones).
Collect all required documents: undergraduate transcripts, proof of leadership/impact, CV, personal statement, references.
Register for the upcoming virtual information session.
Prepare your application timeline: Set internal deadlines (1) scholarship application, (2) U of T programme application.
Think about your future plan: What you’ll do after graduation, how you’ll return to your country and apply your skills. Write this out—it helps your personal statement.
Start budgeting for relocation and get familiar with living in Toronto: housing, culture, cost of living.
And finally, start the application with plenty of time to spare. The selection process is competitive; you want your application to shine and be error-free.
Conclusion
Securing the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at U of T is a major win: high calibre education, full funding, network and opportunity to contribute meaningfully after you finish. If you’re based in Sub-Saharan Africa and aiming at one of the eligible programmes, this is one of the top scholarships you could target.
Treat it not just as “let me go study abroad”, but as: “Let me build skills, connections and experience so that when I return home I can help transform my community or country”. That mindset will make a difference in your application and outcome.
If you like, I can pull together a checklist + timeline tailored for this scholarship (with Nigerian/West-African examples) or help you draft a personal statement. Would that be helpful?