The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto provides a unique opportunity for students from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue graduate studies with a fully funded scholarship. This program is designed for students who aspire to gain advanced education in healthcare-related fields at one of Canada’s most prestigious universities, recognized globally for its commitment to research, learning, and innovation. Through this scholarship, students receive extensive financial support and benefit from a nurturing academic environment, allowing them to develop professionally, connect with experts, and prepare for impactful careers in healthcare across Africa.
Program Focus and Support for Careers in Healthcare
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto focuses on enabling students to pursue meaningful careers in various healthcare sectors. Fields include public health, health management, biomedical engineering, and other areas critical to addressing healthcare challenges. Scholars are encouraged to bring the knowledge and skills they gain back to their home countries, where they can directly contribute to improving healthcare. This program not only empowers scholars to pursue higher education but also aims to create a network of leaders who will drive advancements in health services, research, and policy development in Africa.
Scholarship Coverage
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to ensure scholars can fully focus on their studies without financial barriers. Coverage includes:
- Tuition Fees: Full tuition costs for the duration of the graduate program.
- Travel Expenses: Airfare to Canada and other travel expenses, including passport and visa fees.
- Housing and Living Costs: Funding for accommodation and daily living expenses, ensuring a comfortable stay in Canada.
- Health Insurance: Complete health coverage to ensure scholars can access necessary medical services.
- Educational Materials: A laptop, books, and other course-related materials to support academic success.
- Food and Incidentals: Financial support for meals and additional daily expenses.
By covering these expenses, the scholarship allows scholars to focus fully on their studies and professional growth without the worry of financial burdens.
Application Process
Applying for this prestigious scholarship involves several steps to ensure the program is a good fit for the applicant’s career goals and academic background. To apply:
- Complete the Online Application: Applicants must provide personal information, financial details, and responses to essay questions about their goals and experiences.
- Upload Financial Documents and Transcripts: Applicants must submit evidence of financial need and academic records from their previous studies.
- Submit References: Two referees (such as former teachers or employers) need to provide reference letters supporting the applicant’s suitability for the scholarship.
Graduate Programs Offered
The scholarship supports up to 25 scholars each year in a range of graduate programs aligned with healthcare, including:
- Master of Health Administration
- Master of Occupational and Environmental Health
- Master of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences
- Master of Financial Insurance
- Master of Engineering (Biomedical)
- Master of Biotechnology (available starting in 2026)
These programs are tailored to provide students with specialized knowledge and practical skills, empowering them to tackle healthcare challenges in their home countries.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a Citizen and Resident of a Sub-Saharan African Country: This includes individuals currently residing and intending to return to a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Have Graduated Recently: Applicants should have completed their undergraduate degree within the last five years from a partner institution of the Africa Health Collaborative.
- Show Academic Excellence and Leadership: Strong academic records and demonstrated leadership qualities during undergraduate years are essential.
- Meet Program Admission Requirements: Applicants should be academically admissible to one of the eligible graduate programs.
- Have a Commitment to Return to Africa: Scholars are expected to use their knowledge and skills to contribute to their home countries’ social and economic development, particularly in healthcare.
Application Steps
The application process consists of the following steps:
- Check Admission Requirements: Applicants should review the academic requirements for their chosen program of study at the University of Toronto.
- Attend an Information Session: Applicants are encouraged to attend a scholarship information session to understand the application process fully.
- Submit the Scholarship Application: Complete and submit the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship application by the November 4, 2024, deadline (Toronto time).
- If Approved, Complete the Graduate Application: After scholarship approval, applicants proceed with the formal application to the University of Toronto’s graduate studies program.
For questions, applicants can contact the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for the scholarship?
Applicants must be citizens and residents of a Sub-Saharan African country, have graduated from a partner institution within the last five years, and meet academic and leadership criteria.
2. What expenses does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers tuition, travel, housing, health insurance, a laptop, food, and all necessary living expenses throughout the program.
3. Can I apply for any graduate program at the University of Toronto?
No, the scholarship is limited to specific healthcare-related graduate programs, such as those listed above.
4. When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by November 4, 2024, at noon (Toronto time).
5. Do I need to return to my home country after my studies?
Yes, scholars are encouraged to return to their home countries to apply their skills and contribute to healthcare improvements and economic growth.
6. How will I know if my application is successful?
Applicants will receive notification by email if their application is approved, typically by early December.
For more details and updates, visit the University of Toronto’s official website.