Canada offers a wide range of Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year, including prestigious opportunities at top universities like the University of Toronto through the Mastercard Foundation and other merit-based funding schemes. The Doctor of Public Health Scholarships are designed for international students dedicated to leadership in public health and offer robust financial and academic support. Below, find a comprehensive guide to securing Doctor of Public Health scholarships in Canada, with essential details on universities, program areas, benefits, requirements, and more.
Basic Information: Scholarship Overview
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) scholarships in Canada offer full or partial funding to talented international students looking to pursue advanced studies and leadership roles in public health. The application deadline is October 10, 2025. These scholarships target recent graduates and professionals committed to making an impact in public health systems globally.
- Up to 3 Doctoral scholarships (2026–2027).
- Program: Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), University of Toronto.
- Focus: Commitment to Africa’s future.
University/Institution Details
Top institutions offering DrPH scholarships in Canada include:
- University of Toronto (Dalla Lana School of Public Health): Mastercard Foundation Doctor of Public Health Scholarships.
- University of Alberta: Graduate Entrance Scholarships and international student aid for public health doctoral candidates.
- University of Saskatchewan: Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health with partial funding options.
These universities are known for their rigorous public health training, global research partnerships, and strong faculty in epidemiology, health systems, biostatistics, and policy.
Study Areas and Program Names
Doctor of Public Health programs in Canada typically cover:
- Public Health Sciences
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Environmental Health
- Health Policy and Management
- Global Health
- Social and Behavioral Health
- Health Promotion
- Indigenous Health Initiatives
At the University of Toronto, the DrPH is a professional doctorate designed for advanced practice and leadership, combining coursework, applied research, policy analysis, and a final project.
Doctor of Public Health Scholarships 2026-2027 Benefits
Key benefits of top DrPH scholarships in Canada include:
- Full coverage of tuition fees for the entire doctoral program
- Monthly living stipend for housing, food, transportation, and health insurance (typically ranging $1,500–$2,000 USD per month for Toronto; $1,200–$1,800 for other cities)
- Support for travel expenses, books, and research materials
- Academic and social support network provided.
- Orientation sessions for smooth transition and preparation for return home.
- Networking and mentoring opportunities with global public health leaders
- Dedicated support office for international scholars
Benefits Not Included
Most DrPH scholarships DO NOT cover:
- Visa application fees
- Personal travel outside the academic year
- Dependent/family member support
- Costs associated with elective rotations outside Canada
Eligibility Criteria for the Doctor of Public Health Scholarships 2026-2027
Applicants for DrPH scholarships must:
Be a citizen and resident of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Have graduated from an Africa Health Collaborative partner institution.
Not yet started doctoral studies.
Show academic excellence & leadership.
Be admissible to the DrPH program.
Commit to returning home for final 2 years to contribute to Africa’s growth.
- Completed online application form
- Academic transcripts (undergraduate and postgraduate studies)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume
- Statement of Purpose/Letter of Intent
- Letters of reference (usually 2–3 academic/professional)
- Research proposal or relevant writing sample
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Supervisor support letter (for some universities)
Doctor of Public Health Scholarships 2026-2027 Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Check DrPH admission requirements.
- Register & attend one mandatory info session (Q&A optional).
- Submit Mastercard Foundation Scholarship application (deadline: Oct 10, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EST).
- Successful applicants notified by Nov 1, 2025.
- If shortlisted, apply to DrPH program (deadline: Nov 21, 2025).
- Upload required documents online as instructed.
- Contact
- Email: globalhealth.dlsph@utoronto.ca
Tips for a Successful Application
- Tailor your statement of purpose to public health leadership and impact
- Highlight international experience, community service, and research achievements
- Choose referees who know your academic and professional ability
- Double-check documents and submit well before the deadline
- Contact faculty early about supervision if required
- Prepare for interviews by researching global health topics and Canada’s public health landscape
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
- Toronto: $1,900–$2,200/month
- Edmonton: $1,400–$1,800/month
- Saskatoon: $1,200–$1,600/month
Typical costs include accommodation ($600–$1,200/month), food ($250–$400/month), utilities ($100–$150/month), transport ($80–$130/month), and miscellaneous personal expenses.
Why Choose This Scholarship? (5 Reasons)
- Top-Ranked Universities: Canada’s public health doctorate programs are globally recognized.
- Fully Funded Option: Generous support covers tuition and living costs for top candidates.
- Leadership Focus: Programs emphasize policy, research, and applied practice for future public health leaders.
- Support Networks: Scholars benefit from orientation, mentoring, and support throughout their studies.
- Career Impact: Graduates go on to influential roles, advancing health equity and systems worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I apply for DrPH scholarships in Canada?
A: Apply via university-specific sites like the University of Toronto or centralized PhD scholarship portals.
Q: Is the scholarship fully funded?
A: Yes, top awards (like Mastercard Foundation) cover all key expenses—tuition, living costs, research, travel, and more.
Q: What is the main deadline for 2026–2027?
A: Deadlines range from November 21, 2025 (Toronto) to early February 2026 (Saskatchewan, Alberta).
Q: Who is eligible for the scholarship?
A: Eligibility varies: most require a public health master’s and a strong academic record; some prioritize applicants from Africa or low-resource countries.
Q: What are the main study areas?
A: Epidemiology, health systems, policy analysis, biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral health, and global health.
Q: What are common monthly living costs in Canada for international students?
A: Expect $1,200–$2,200 USD/month depending on location and lifestyle.
Q: How do I secure a supervisor?
A: For programs like Saskatchewan, email faculty and discuss interests before applying; Toronto DrPH does not require a supervisor pre-application.
Q: Are scholarships renewable?
A: Most full scholarships cover all years of the doctorate but require satisfactory progress and ongoing eligibility.
Official Link:
Physically and professionally, a Doctor of Public Health scholarship in Canada is a significant investment in public health leadership, research, and global equity. Aspiring applicants should start early, prepare thoroughly, and leverage available scholarships and resources for their studies.