Applications are now open for the 2027 McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for qualified and outstanding students from Sub-Saharan Africa.
The McGill University Mastercard Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity that covers tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, travel costs, academic resources, leadership development, and other study-related expenses for selected scholars pursuing a master’s degree in Canada.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Monthly Stipends | Accommodation | Laptop | Airfare | Academic Support
- Deadline: August 21, 2026
Scholarship Details
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is designed to support talented young leaders and changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa who are committed to driving positive transformation in their communities. The program focuses on developing future leaders in key sectors such as nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture across Africa.
Through this initiative, McGill University provides exceptional students with access to a world-class graduate education while equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and leadership capacity needed to create meaningful impact on the continent. The scholarship offers comprehensive financial and academic support, ensuring that scholars can fully concentrate on their studies and professional development throughout their time in Canada.
McGill University remains committed to attracting high-achieving students by offering substantial financial assistance, and when combined with the relatively affordable cost of living in Montreal, the scholarship creates an excellent opportunity for students seeking quality postgraduate education.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be eligible for admission into one of the approved programs at McGill University.
- Have never enrolled in or completed a master’s degree program.
- Be a citizen and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Possess a valid passport and be eligible to study in Canada with an international student study permit.
- Not hold dual citizenship, refugee, asylee, or permanent resident status in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, or the European Union.
- Demonstrate an outstanding record of leadership, community service, and extracurricular involvement.
- Show a strong commitment to contributing to the development of their home community.
- Be under 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Have an excellent academic background, with First Class Honours or its equivalent considered highly competitive.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship will receive:
- Pre-arrival and immigration support.
- Full international student tuition coverage.
- On-campus accommodation.
- Monthly living stipend for food, transportation, and personal expenses.
- Academic resources and study tools, including:
- Book allowance.
- Laptop.
- Tutoring support.
- Tailored leadership and professional development training.
- Post-graduation transition support, including:
- Convocation expenses.
- Return flight ticket.
Required Documents
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Academic transcripts.
- Letters of recommendation or reference.
- Program-specific supporting documents as required by the chosen course.
How to Apply
To apply for the McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship:
- Visit the official scholarship application portal.
- Review the available academic programs and confirm your eligibility.
- Attend a mandatory information session between June 23 and July 15, 2026, to learn more about the scholarship requirements and application process.
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form between August 3 and August 21, 2026.
- Submit all required information and supporting documents.
- If pre-screened successfully, provide any additional documents requested by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team.
- Successful pre-screened candidates will receive an invitation to apply for admission to McGill University.
- Eligible applicants will also receive an application fee waiver and detailed admission instructions.
Important Note:
- Applicants must first apply through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
- Only candidates who successfully pass the pre-screening stage will be invited to submit an admission application to McGill University.
- Applications submitted outside the official application process will not be considered.
To begin the scholarship application process, click HERE
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