Mastercard Foundation Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Scholarships 2026–2027: South African Applicants’ Guide

Applications are open for up to three fully funded Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) scholarships at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health for the 2026–2027 academic year. The awards are run by the Africa Health Collaborative in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and are exclusively for citizens living in Sub-Saharan Africa who are recent alumni or graduating students of the Collaborative’s partner universities. The deadline is 10 October 2025 (23:59 EST).

Introduction

The DrPH is a professional doctorate that prepares experienced public-health practitioners for senior leadership in government, NGOs, academia and health systems. Scholars receive full financial support (tuition, travel, housing, meals, books and living expenses) plus structured academic and social support in Toronto. A distinctive feature is the expectation that scholars spend their final two years back in their home country, applying what they have learned to African public-health priorities.

Why it matters / Opportunities

• Fully funded pathway: comprehensive funding removes financial barriers for a top-tier doctorate.
• Practice-focused training: the DrPH emphasises leadership, policy, governance, systems thinking and implementation—ideal for health directors, programme leads and policy advisors.
• Network effects: embed with the University of Toronto ecosystem and a continental network of Africa Health Collaborative partners.
• Impact at home: the “return and give back” component ensures direct benefits to South Africa and the region.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Citizen of—and currently residing in—a Sub-Saharan African country (South Africans are eligible).
• Graduate or graduating student of an Africa Health Collaborative partner university.
• Strong academic record and leadership during undergraduate and master’s studies.
• Meets the academic admission requirements of the University of Toronto DrPH programme.
• Commitment to return to the home country for (at least) the last two years of the programme.

How to apply / What to expect

Key dates (2025)

• Mandatory Info Sessions: 3 Sept; 11 Sept; 25 Sept (attend any one session).
• Optional Q&A: 1 Oct.
• Scholarship application deadline: 10 Oct (23:59 EST) — the form link is provided in the info sessions.
• If shortlisted: submit the formal University of Toronto DrPH application by 22 Nov (instructions follow by email).

Application pack (scholarship stage)

• Online scholarship form (link shared during info sessions).
• Project/impact motivation, CV, transcripts and proof you meet DrPH admission standards.
• Evidence of partner-university status and your commitment to return to your home country.

What the award covers

• Tuition and compulsory fees for the DrPH.
• Travel, housing, meals, books and living expenses.
• Orientation, research/academic support and a Toronto scholar community.

Common challenges

• Partner-university rule: applicants must come from Africa Health Collaborative partner institutions—confirm your university is on the list before you begin.
• Info session is mandatory: you must attend at least one session to receive the application link and be considered.
• Programme readiness: the DrPH is designed for professionals; ensure your experience matches the leadership and systems-level focus.
• Timeline discipline: there are two deadlines (scholarship, then U of T application if shortlisted). Prepare documents early.

Tips for success

• Lead with impact: show how your work addresses priority South African or regional health challenges (e.g., primary health care, health financing, surveillance, NCDs, HIV/TB, digital health).
• Systems-level outcomes: propose deliverables such as policy toolkits, implementation frameworks, monitoring dashboards or workforce development plans—not just academic publications.
• Evidence of leadership: quantify team size, budgets, programmes managed and results achieved.
• Plan for re-entry: outline how you’ll use the final two years back home (hosting policy dialogues, piloting interventions, mentoring provincial teams).
• Credential fit: check DrPH prerequisites and align your CV (years of practice, postgraduate training, methods/leadership competencies).

Useful resources (official)

• Scholarship call & dates: Africa Health Collaborative – DrPH Scholarships 2026–2027
• About the DrPH & programme fit: DrPH overview (Africa Health Collaborative)
• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (background): Mastercard Foundation – Scholars Program
• University of Toronto (faculty site): Dalla Lana School of Public Health
• Canada study permit guidance: IRCC – Study in Canada

South Africa career & support links

• Public-health jobs & careers: PNet, Careers24, Indeed ZA, LinkedIn Jobs
• Sector policy & contacts: National Department of Health (South Africa)

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Conclusion

The Mastercard Foundation DrPH Scholarship at the University of Toronto is a high-impact route into senior public-health leadership—fully funded and purpose-built for experienced practitioners from Africa. If you meet the partner-university and eligibility criteria, attend an info session, prepare a clear, outcomes-focused proposal, and submit by 10 October 2025.