Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University 2026

If you’re an African changemaker passionate about improving your community and eager to pursue a fully funded graduate degree in Canada, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is now open! This prestigious scholarship offers emerging leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in key fields—paired with transformative leadership training and comprehensive support—starting Winter 2026.

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🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

• Host institution: McGill University (McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program)

• Study level: Master’s degree (cannot have begun or completed any prior master’s)

• Target group: African citizens living in Africa (Sub‑Saharan) aged ≤35 with demonstrated leadership and financial need

• Fields of study:

  • Non-thesis: Animal Science (Sustainable Agriculture), Bioresource Engineering (various streams), Biostatistics, Biotechnology, Food Science/Food Safety, Human Nutrition, Public Health, Public Policy

  • Thesis: Animal Science, Bioresource Engineering

• Award value & coverage: Full tuition, on‑campus housing, monthly stipend, academic resources (books, laptop, tutoring), immigration support, airfare home, career support

• Award duration: Duration of the master’s program (typically 1–2 years)

• Application deadline:

  • Info sessions attendance: July 3–28, 2025 (virtual)

  • Scholarship application opens: Aug 4, 2025 (9:00 a.m. EST)

  • Closing: Aug 31, 2025 (4:00 p.m. EST)

  • McGill program deadline:

    • Dec 1, 2025 for Public Health & Biostats

    • Jan 15, 2026 for all other programs

• Program start date: Typically Fall 2026 (subject to confirmation from department and admission timelines)

• Eligible to: Citizens of eligible African countries (full list includes Algeria, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe, etc.)

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✨ Scholarship Overview

Between 2024–2034, McGill will welcome a new cohort of scholars from Sub‑Saharan Africa to pursue transformative master’s degrees focusing on nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture. The program includes not only academic instruction, but also:

• Mentorship and leadership development

• Tutoring and professional skills workshops

• Experiential learning (field visits, social venture challenges, entrepreneurial incubation)

• Academic support (advising, writing, study skills)

• Networking with alumni and global changemakers

Past scholars have excelled in initiatives like McGill’s Dobson Centre Social Impact Cup and startups supported by the Foundation’s social venture funds.

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🎁Benefits

• Full coverage: International tuition, fees, housing, stipend, books, laptop, health insurance, and return airfare

• Immigration & pre-arrival support

• Leadership & career development, through structured mentoring and workshops

• Transition assistance: funding for graduation regalia and travel

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✅ Eligibility Criteria

1. Citizen & resident of an African country (full list provided here)

2. Aged 35 or younger at application deadline

3. Bachelor’s degree relevant to chosen program; First Class honors preferred

4. Never started/completed any master’s program

5. Admission-ready for selected McGill master’s program (GPA ≥ 3.0/4.0 or equivalent; English proficiency)

6. Demonstrated leadership, community service, and commitment to returning home

7. Proven financial barriers to education

8. Valid passport, admissible to study in Canada; dual citizens of Canada/US/UK/EU ineligible

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Application Procedure & Documents

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm you meet program, age, nationality, academic, and English proficiency criteria. Full eligibility requirements here

2. Attend an Info Session: Required step to receive the application link (virtual sessions: July 3–28, 2025). If access is technically restricted, submit an Expression of Interest form for alternative arrangements . Info session registration here

3. Complete Mastercard Foundation Application: Provide academic transcripts, CV, essays on leadership & impact, references, passport copy, and evidence of financial need.

4. Pre-screening: Evaluated by McGill team; notification typically within 4–6 weeks of submission

5. McGill Admission Application: If pre-screened, receive waiver and apply to desired program by program deadlines.

6. Final Decisions: Admissions decisions Feb–Mar 2026; scholarship awarded by late March/early April 2026

🔎 Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated based on:

• Academic excellence

• Leadership & service record

• Alignment with Mastercard Foundation values

• Potential for impact in home country

• Overcoming significant educational barriers

✨ Final Tips & Additional Info

• Participate early in info sessions – they often fill up fast.

• Essays matter: Highlight community impact, leadership growth, and future contributions.

• Academic prep: Ensure transcripts are strong (cGPA ≥ 3.0) and take English tests early.

• Cost coverage: Guaranteed full support for academic and living essentials.

• Stay updated: Always refer to McGill’s official site for deadlines & procedural changes.

🔗 OFFICIAL LINK

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University 2026

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