Applications are now open for the McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027, offering one of Canada’s most prestigious fully funded master’s scholarship opportunities for talented young African leaders.
The program is designed to empower the next generation of changemakers committed to advancing nutrition, public health, sustainable agriculture, and public policy across Africa. Each year, 35 outstanding African students are selected to pursue graduate studies at McGill University while developing leadership skills and building networks that will help transform their communities.
If you are passionate about creating lasting impact and have demonstrated leadership despite financial barriers, this scholarship could be your pathway to a world-class education in Canada.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- University: McGill University
- Scholarship Provider: Mastercard Foundation
- Study Level: Master’s Degree
- Number of Scholarships: 35 annually
- Eligible Programs: 13 Graduate Programs
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Applicants: African Students
- Application Opens: August 3, 2026
- Application Deadline: August 21, 2026 (4:00 p.m. EST)
About the McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program seeks exceptional young African leaders who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to serving their communities.
The scholarship aims to remove financial barriers that prevent talented students from accessing quality graduate education while equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to sustainable development across Africa.
Successful scholars will study at one of Canada’s leading universities and become part of a global network of Mastercard Foundation Scholars dedicated to driving social and economic transformation.
Eligible Graduate Programs
The scholarship supports admission into 13 eligible master’s degree programs at McGill University.
Applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent qualification recognized by McGill University).
- Have studied a field closely related to their intended graduate program.
- Meet the admission requirements for their selected program.
- Understand that meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission or scholarship selection.
Applicants with First Class Honours or an equivalent academic achievement generally have a stronger chance of admission.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must:
- Be academically qualified for admission into one of the eligible McGill graduate programs.
- Never have completed or registered for a master’s degree.
- Be a citizen and resident of an eligible African country.
- Possess a valid passport.
- Be eligible to obtain a Canadian Study Permit.
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership and community service.
- Show a strong commitment to giving back to their home community.
- Demonstrate that financial hardship has limited their educational opportunities.
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
Applicants Not Eligible
The following individuals are not eligible:
- Dual citizens of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, or the European Union.
- Permanent residents of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, or the European Union.
- Refugees, asylum seekers, or protected persons residing in those regions.
Priority Applicants
Priority consideration will be given to:
- Women.
- Persons living with disabilities.
- Refugees, internally displaced persons, asylum seekers, returnees, and individuals affected by forced displacement.
- Applicants with First Class Honours or an equivalent qualification.
Scholarship Benefits
The McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is fully funded and covers nearly every cost associated with studying in Canada.
Successful scholars will receive:
- Full international tuition fees.
- On-campus accommodation.
- Monthly living stipend.
- Academic materials and learning resources.
- Pre-arrival guidance.
- Immigration and study permit support.
- Comprehensive student support services throughout the program.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Academic excellence and admission eligibility.
- Demonstrated leadership potential.
- Community service and volunteer experience.
- Commitment to Africa’s development.
- Alignment with the values of the Mastercard Foundation.
- Potential for long-term social impact.
- Evidence of overcoming financial, educational, or personal barriers.
Application Timeline
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| June 23 – July 15, 2026 | Mandatory information sessions |
| August 3, 2026 | Scholarship application opens |
| August 21, 2026 (4:00 p.m. EST) | Application deadline |
| September – November 2026 | Pre-screened candidates invited to apply for admission |
| December 1, 2026 | Admission application deadline (fee waiver recipients) |
| Early–Mid February 2027 | Admission decisions released |
| Mid-February – Early March 2027 | Scholarship recipients selected |
How to Apply
Interested candidates should:
- Attend one of the mandatory information sessions before submitting an application.
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program eligibility assessment.
- Submit the first-stage scholarship application before August 21, 2026 (4:00 p.m. EST).
- If shortlisted, complete the McGill University graduate admission application.
- Await the final scholarship selection results.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Why You Should Apply
The McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers much more than financial support. It provides access to:
- A globally respected Canadian university.
- Leadership development opportunities.
- Professional mentorship.
- International networking opportunities.
- A lifelong community of African changemakers.
- Resources to help create lasting impact across the continent after graduation.
For ambitious young Africans committed to solving challenges in health, agriculture, nutrition, and public policy, this scholarship represents an exceptional opportunity to gain world-class education without financial burden.
Apply Now
Interested applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements, attend the mandatory information session, and submit their applications before the deadline.
Application Deadline: August 21, 2026 (4:00 p.m. EST)
Visit the official McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program webpage to begin your application and access complete program details.
