The 2026 McGill University Mastercard Scholarship, funded by the Mastercard Foundation, provides academically talented young leaders worldwide with a world-class university education, covering tuition, accommodation, flights, living expenses, and other study-related expenses.
When is the deadline for applications?
📅 August 31, 2025 (by 4:00 p.m. EST)**
Applicants must complete Stage 1 (pre-screening) by this date.
🏆 Describe the award to me:
The McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a fully funded graduate scholarship for academically talented and community-driven young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa. It offers full financial, academic, and leadership support to study a Master’s degree at McGill University, Canada.
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🎓 Which fields qualify?
Programs related to:
- Public Health
- Nutrition
- Public Policy
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Biostatistics
(Program-specific requirements apply.)
📘 The type:
- Postgraduate Scholarship (Master’s level)
- Fully Funded
👥 Who is eligible to apply?
Prospective applicants must qualify academically for admission to McGill University and meet the following minimum criteria:
- Be admissible to one of the eligible programs at McGill University.
- Have NEVER registered for, nor completed a master’s degree.
- Be a citizen of and live in an African country (view eligible countries).
- Have a valid passport and be admissible to Canada as an International Student (requiring a Study Permit). Those with dual citizenship, asylee, refugee, or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK or EU are not eligible.
- Have an exceptional record of service, leadership, and activity in your school and/or community.
- Demonstrate a desire to give back to your home community.
- Demonstrate that financial constraints have prevented or restricted your educational opportunities.
- Be 35 years or younger at the time of application.
Applicants with First Class Honors or equivalent have a stronger chance of being admitted.
🧠 How Do They Choose Applicants?
Selection is based on:
- Academic merit (meeting McGill’s graduate admissions criteria)
- Proven leadership and community service
- Potential to drive change in Africa
- Alignment with the values of the Mastercard Foundation
- Candidates who have overcome educational barriers are prioritized
🌍 Which nations are qualified?
All countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
📍 Where will the prize be accepted?
At McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
🏅 How Many Honors?
The program does not specify an exact number, but it is highly competitive and seeks top-tier changemakers from Africa.
🎁 What Advantage Does the Award Offer?
The scholarship includes:
- Full tuition coverage
- On-campus housing
- Monthly stipend (for food, transport, etc.)
- Books and laptop allowance
- Pre-arrival and immigration support
- Leadership & career development programs
- Travel (flights to and from Canada)
- Graduation/transition expenses
⏳ What’s the Duration of the Award?
Covers the entire duration of your Master’s program (typically 1–2 years).
📝 How do I Apply?
- Attend a mandatory virtual info session between July 3 – July 28, 2025
- Receive the application link during the info session
- Submit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application (opens August 4, 2025)
- If shortlisted, submit further documents
- If pre-screened successfully, you’ll receive a McGill application fee waiver and be guided to apply to the university
❌ Do not apply directly to McGill without first going through this process.
Frequently Asked Questions About the McGill University Mastercard Scholarship
- What is the purpose of this scholarship?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University aims to bring together gifted leaders and changemakers from across Africa at the master’s level who aspire to improve and transform nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture across the African continent.
- What are the benefits of the scholarship?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is comprehensive, covering not only full tuition but also all costs related to attending McGill University. That includes:- Pre-arrival and immigration support
- Full international student tuition
- On-campus housing
- Personal monthly stipend
- Academic tools and resources
- How many scholarships are available?
There are 35 scholarships available every year across 11 graduate programs.
- Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
The scholarship is intended for citizen and residents of the African continent. Priority will be given to women, people living with disabilities, refugees and internally displaced people.
- Is attending an information session mandatory?
Yes. The McGill Mastercard Foundation Application Form will be shared with applicants who register for and attend one of the five information sessions.
- Is the scholarship available at the undergraduate level?
No. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University offers scholarships at the graduate level.
- Can I apply for other scholarships at McGill University even if I am not selected for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
Yes. Each scholarship has its own application process and requirements.
