The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University 2026

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is more than just a scholarship that covers tuition and basic living expenses. It is an immersive experience meticulously designed to empower Mastercard Foundation Scholars on their journey. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars’ education is complemented with tailored programming that includes mentorship, leadership training, tutoring, experiential learning opportunities, professional development, and career support. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to equip the Mastercard Foundation Scholars with the tools and guidance they need to flourish academically. It engages them as active members of the McGill ecosystem and propels them professionally as leaders geared for impact.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: August 31, 2025
2. Study Level: Master’s
3. Sponsor: McGill University (in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation)
4. Eligible Fields of Study: Agricultural Science, Animal Sciences, Biotechnology, Environmental Engineering, Human Nutrition, Public Health, Public Policy, Bioresource Engineering, Biostatistics, Food Science & Agricultural Chemistry

Eligibility Criteria for The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University 2026

Prospective applicants must qualify academically for admission to McGill University and meet the following minimum criteria:

1. Be admissible to one of the eligible programs at McGill University.
2. Have NEVER registered for, nor completed a master’s degree.
3. Be a citizen of and live in an African country (view eligible countries).
4. Have a valid passport and be admissible to Canada as an International Student (requiring a Study Permit). Those with dual citizenship, asylee, refugee, or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK or EU are not eligible.
5. Have an exceptional record of service, leadership, and activity in your school and/or community.
6. Demonstrate a desire to give back to your home community.
7. Demonstrate that financial constraints have prevented or restricted your educational opportunities.
8. Be 35 years or younger at the time of application.

Applicants with First Class Honors or equivalent have a stronger chance of being admitted.

All applicants, regardless of country of origin or educational background, must:

1. Hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent as recognized by McGill University) in a subject closely related to the program selected for graduate studies.
2. Ensure your bachelor’s degree meets equivalency requirements. Applicants with First Class Honors or equivalent have a stronger chance of being admitted.

Meeting the minimum graduate admissions requirements does not guarantee eligibility for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program or admission to McGill University. Consult each program page for any additional requirements.

To apply to a thesis program, the applicant must first apply to the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. Prospective applicants must NOT reach out to supervisors or professors directly. Applicants selected for a fee waiver and applying to a thesis program will be contacted by our team with instructions on how to secure a supervisor.

Selection Process

The selection process for applications is based on the following criteria:

1. Academic merit of the candidate that qualifies for admission to McGill University.
2. Track record as a transformative leader and person of service within their community.
3. Quality of application in line with the Mastercard Foundation ethos and values of the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill.
4. Potential impact on the development of the applicant’s home country.
5. Applicants who have faced significant barriers to education (social, financial, personal, practical or health-related)

Benefits of The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University 2026

The scholarship Includes:

1. Pre-arrival and immigration support
2. Full international student tuition
3. On-campus housing
4. Personal monthly stipend (food, personal expenses, transportation, etc.)
5. Academic tools and resources (book allowance, laptop, tutoring, etc.)
6. A tailored leadership and professional development program
7. Post-graduation transition expenses (ex. convocation regalia, return flight, etc.)

How to Apply

1. Determine your eligibility.
2. Register and attend one of the five information sessions to receive the link to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form.
3. Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form*.
4. Once your application is pre-screened, provide additional documentation as requested by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team.
5. Successful pre-screened applicants will be invited to apply to McGill University. Successful applicants will receive a fee waiver and detailed instructions on how to apply for admission to McGill.

*You must apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program first. Only once you have been successfully pre-screened will you be invited to apply to your chosen program of study through the McGill admissions process.

The Program will not accept applications submitted outside the set application process. Applicants who have previously applied to McGill University and deferred their offer of admission will have to reapply to the scholarship to be considered.

For more details, visit McGill Scholarship webpage

Application Deadline

August 31, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University 2026