The McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is currently accepting applications for the 2026 intake. This fully funded scholarship offers academically talented and community-driven young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa the opportunity to pursue graduate studies in Canada.
The McGill Mastercard Scholarship 2026 covers full tuition, accommodation, airfare, living expenses, feeding, laptop, books, and all other study-related costs for selected candidates to study at McGill University, Canada.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: McGill University, Canada
- Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan African Countries
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Country: African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Monthly Stipend | Accommodation | Laptop
- Deadline: August 31, 2025
Scholarship Details
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is an initiative that aims to equip a new generation of transformative leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with the skills and knowledge to address pressing social and economic challenges in their communities. The scholarship supports students committed to improving sectors such as public health, nutrition, public policy, and sustainable agriculture across the continent.
The program offers full sponsorship and support systems to help students thrive during their academic journey and after graduation. McGill University, known for its world-class research and inclusive academic environment, partners with the Mastercard Foundation to ensure successful integration, professional development, and community impact for its scholars.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the McGill Mastercard Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be admissible to one of the eligible master’s programs at McGill University.
- Have never registered for or completed a master’s degree.
- Be a citizen of and reside in a Sub-Saharan African country (see full list of eligible countries).
- Hold a valid passport and be admissible to Canada as an international student (must require a study permit).
- Not hold dual citizenship, asylum, refugee or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK, or EU.
- Show a strong record of service, leadership, and community engagement.
- Demonstrate a desire to return and give back to their home country.
- Be under the age of 35 at the time of application.
- Have First Class Honours or equivalent, which strengthens their chance of admission.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will receive:
- Pre-arrival and immigration support
- Full international student tuition
- On-campus housing
- Monthly stipend (to cover food, personal expenses, and transportation)
- Academic resources such as a book allowance, laptop, tutoring, etc.
- Leadership and professional development training
- Post-graduation support including return flight and convocation regalia
Required Documents
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- University transcripts
- Letters of recommendation/reference
- Program-specific requirements (varies depending on course)
How to Apply
To apply for the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholarship:
- Visit the scholarship application webpage
- Determine your eligibility and check your program of interest
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form
- Wait for pre-screening and, if successful, submit additional required documents
- Qualified applicants will receive a fee waiver and further instructions to apply directly to McGill University
*Note: Only applicants who pass the initial pre-screening will be invited to apply for admission to McGill University.
To begin the scholarship application process, click HERE
To receive more scholarship updates, click HERE
To join the EDUSPUR WhatsApp Channel, click HERE
