Applications are currently being accepted for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University for the 2026/2027 academic year. This fully funded opportunity is designed for outstanding African leaders and innovators aiming to pursue a master's degree in Canada. The program focuses on empowering students who are dedicated to driving transformative change across Africa in fields such as public policy, public health, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture.
Each year, the program awards 35 scholarships across 13 eligible graduate disciplines.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Academic Standing: Must be eligible for admission into one of McGill’s participating graduate programs. (Candidates with a First-Class Honors degree or equivalent have a competitive advantage).
- Educational Background: Must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree that meets McGill's equivalency standards. Applicants must never have enrolled in or completed a master’s degree previously.
- Nationality & Residency: Must be a citizen of and currently residing in an eligible African country.
- Immigration Status: Must possess a valid passport and be eligible for a Canadian Study Permit. Note: Those holding dual citizenship, permanent residency, or refugee/asylee status in the US, UK, Canada, or the EU do not qualify.
- Age Limit: Must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Financial Need: Must provide evidence that financial limitations have actively hindered educational advancement.
- Leadership & Impact: Must demonstrate a distinguished track record of community service and leadership, along with a clear commitment to reinvesting skills back into their home communities.
Priority Consideration: Special preference is given to women, individuals with disabilities, and those impacted by forced displacement (such as refugees, returnees, and internally displaced persons).
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a comprehensive, fully funded initiative. It removes all financial barriers by covering:
- Full international tuition fees.
- On-campus accommodation.
- A regular monthly living allowance.
- Required academic materials and resources.
- Comprehensive pre-arrival and immigration assistance.
How Candidates Are Selected
The selection committee evaluates applicants based on a holistic review process, focusing on:
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- Academic Excellence: Meeting the rigorous admission standards of McGill University.
- Leadership Track Record: Proven history of service and transformative leadership within the applicant's community.
- Value Alignment: A strong connection to the core values and mission of both the Mastercard Foundation and the specific McGill program.
- Future Impact: The candidate's potential to positively influence the development of their home nation.
- Overcoming Adversity: Consideration of the significant personal, health, financial, or social barriers the applicant has faced in their educational journey.
Program Phase & Date
- Mandatory Information Sessions: June 23 – July 15, 2026
- Application Portal Opens: August 3, 2026 (9:00 a.m. EST)
- Application Deadline: August 21, 2026 (4:00 p.m. EST)
- Pre-Screening & University Admissions Stage: September – November 2026
- Fee Waiver Application Deadline: December 1, 2026
- McGill Admission Decisions Released: Early to Mid-February 2027
- Final Scholarship Recipients Selected: Mid-February – Early March 2027
How to Apply & Deadline
Application Deadline: 21 August 2026
Apply Here:Review the complete list of eligible programs, read through the detailed admission guidelines, and submit your application directly through the official portal below:
https://www.mcgill.ca/mastercardfdn-scholars/
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
