Are you a driven African changemaker passionate about improving lives through public health, sustainable agriculture, or public policy? The McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 is now accepting applications for fully funded master’s degree scholarships in Canada.With 35 scholarships available annually across 11 graduate programs, this prestigious opportunity supports outstanding students from Africa to gain world-class education and return home empowered to create meaningful change.
What is the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is part of a global initiative to develop transformative leaders from Africa. It offers comprehensive financial, academic, and social support to students who demonstrate:
- Leadership potential
- A record of service in their community
- Academic excellence
- Financial need
- The program focuses on fields like public health, nutrition, public policy, and sustainable agriculture disciplines critical to Africa’s development.
Scholarship Benefits This fully funded scholarship covers all aspects of your study at McGill, including:
✅ Full international tuition
✅ Monthly personal stipend
✅ On-campus housing
✅ Academic materials and tools
✅ Pre-arrival and immigration support
✅ Travel expenses (to and from Canada)
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026, applicants must:
- Be a citizen and resident of an African country
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (First Class Honors or equivalent preferred)
- Have never registered for or completed a master’s degree
- Be admissible to Canada and require a Study Permit
- Have demonstrated leadership and commitment to service
- Show that financial constraints have limited educational opportunities
- Be academically qualified for one of the eligible programs listed below
- Note: Dual citizens or residents of the US, Canada, UK, or EU are not eligible.
Eligible Graduate Programs at McGill
🔬 Non-Thesis Programs:
- Public Health
- Biostatistics
- Public Policy
- Human Nutrition (Project)
- Biotechnology
- Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry – Food Science
- Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry – Food Safety
- Animal Science – Sustainable Agriculture
- Bioresource Engineering – Environmental Engineering
- Bioresource Engineering – Integrated Food & Bioprocessing
- Bioresource Engineering – Integrated Water Resource Management
Thesis Programs:
- Animal Science
- Bioresource Engineering
Applicants for thesis-based programs must not contact supervisors directly. McGill’s team will guide shortlisted candidates during the supervisor matching phase.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
- Check Eligibility
Confirm you meet all criteria listed above. - Register for an Information Session
Attend one of five mandatory virtual info sessions to access the application link. - Complete the Scholars Program Application Form
This is the first step. Do not apply to McGill directly until instructed. - Pre-screening and Document Submission
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to provide additional documents. - Apply to McGill University
Selected candidates receive a fee waiver and instructions to formally apply to McGill. - Final Scholarship Selection
Admission decisions are followed by the selection of scholarship recipients.
Application Timeline for 2026 Intake
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| August 4, 2025 | Applications open (9:00 a.m. EST) |
| August 31, 2025 | Applications close (4:00 p.m. EST) |
| Sept 1 – Dec 10, 2025 | Pre-screening and McGill application phase |
| Dec 1, 2025 | Deadline for Public Health & Biostatistics programs |
| Jan 15, 2026 | Deadline for all other programs |
| Feb 2026 | Admission notifications sent |
| Feb – Mar 2026 | Final scholarship recipients announced |
Why Apply?
- Access to world-class education at one of Canada’s top universities
- A chance to network with other changemakers across Africa
- Tools and support to return and make a difference in your home country
- A strong focus on leadership, equity, and impact
Ready to Begin?
👉 Visit the official website to register for an information session and get started on your application for the 2026 McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
This scholarship isn’t just about funding it’s about empowering Africa’s next generation of leaders. If you’re passionate about creating lasting impact and transforming lives through innovation and service, this opportunity is for you.
