McGill University Mastercard Scholarship 2026 offers a life-changing, fully funded opportunity for exceptional students from Sub-Saharan Africa to study in Canada. This prestigious scholarship supports both undergraduate and graduate programs at McGill University, one of the world’s leading institutions. Covering tuition, accommodation, travel, and living expenses, the program is designed for students with outstanding academic records and strong leadership potential. In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the initiative focuses on empowering future leaders committed to driving positive change across the African continent.
The McGill Mastercard Scholarship 2026 specifically targets students from under-resourced communities who are dedicated to making a lasting impact in their home countries. Beyond financial support, the program provides mentoring, leadership development, and internship opportunities to prepare scholars for real-world challenges. With access to top-tier education and a global network, recipients are equipped to become agents of social transformation. This scholarship is more than just funding; it’s a launchpad for ambitious students to gain world-class education and lead Africa into a brighter future.
Scholarship Summary
- Country: Canada
- Host: McGill University and Mastercard Foundation
- Study Level: Masters
- Eligibility: Citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries
- Deadline: Varies
Benefits of McGill University Mastercard Scholarship 2026
- Full tuition coverage
- Funding for accommodation, meals, and living expenses
- Travel costs covered to and from Canada
- Comprehensive health insurance provided
- Support for textbooks and supplies
- Leadership training and mentorship opportunities
- Access to a global network of Mastercard Foundation Scholars
Eligibility Criteria for the McGill University MasterCard Scholarship 2026
- Must be admissible to one of the eligible programs at McGill University.
- Must have never registered for or completed a master’s degree.
- Must be a citizen of and live in a Sub-Saharan African country (view eligible countries).
- Must 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.
- Must have an exceptional record of service, leadership, and activity in school and/or community.
- Must demonstrate a desire to give back to the home community.
- Must be less than 35 years old at the time of application.
Required Documents
- Completed scholarship application form
- Valid passport for proof of citizenship
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Application Timeline
- August 4, 2025: Applications open (9:00 a.m. EST)
- August 31, 2025: Application deadline (4:00 p.m. EST)
- Sept 1 – Dec 10, 2025: Pre-screened applicants apply to McGill
- Public Health & Biostatistics applicants notified by Nov 15
- Dec 1, 2025: McGill deadline for Public Health/Biostatistics programs
- Jan 15, 2026: McGill deadline for all other programs
- Early–Mid Feb 2026: Admission decisions released
- Mid Feb – End of March 2026: Final scholarship selection by McGill Committee
How to Apply for the McGill University Mastercard Scholarship 2026
- Prepare Your Documents: Collect all necessary materials, including academic transcripts, a CV, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- Complete the Scholarship Form: Fill out the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application through the official McGill University platform.
- Submit Your Application: Ensure all documents are submitted before the stated deadline for scholarship consideration.
- University Pre-Screening: If shortlisted, proceed to submit your formal McGill University admission application.
- Wait for Notification: Monitor communications for updates regarding both the admission and scholarship decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The McGill University Mastercard Scholarship 2026 offers 35 fully funded graduate scholarships to Sub-Saharan African leaders committed to driving change in nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is a fully funded graduate scholarship for talented leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to support individuals committed to improving nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture across Africa.
Who is eligible to apply for the 2026 scholarship?
Applicants must be citizens and residents of African countries, aged 35 or younger, with a bachelor’s degree relevant to the chosen program. They should demonstrate financial need, leadership potential, and a commitment to giving back to their communities.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers full tuition, on-campus housing, a monthly stipend, academic resources, and pre-arrival support. It ensures that scholars can focus entirely on their studies and leadership development without financial burdens.
How many scholarships are available for 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, 35 scholarships are available across 11 graduate programs. These programs are designed to equip scholars with the skills needed to drive transformative change in their home countries.
Is attending an information session mandatory?
Yes, attending one of the five scheduled information sessions is a mandatory step in the application process. Only attendees will receive the link to the application form, ensuring they are well-informed about the program’s requirements.
What is the application timeline for 2026?
Information sessions occur between July 3 and July 28, 2025. Applications open on August 4 and close on August 31, 2025. Pre-screening results are communicated by December 10, 2025, with final scholarship decisions announced by late March 2026.
Can I apply if I have already started or completed a master’s degree?
No, applicants must not have started or completed a master’s degree prior to applying. This ensures the program supports individuals at the beginning of their graduate education journey.
What are the eligible programs for the scholarship?
Eligible programs include Public Health, Public Policy, Human Nutrition, Biostatistics, Biotechnology, and various Bioresource Engineering specializations. These programs align with the scholarship’s focus on addressing critical challenges in Africa.
What happens after the pre-screening phase?
Successful pre-screened applicants receive a fee waiver and instructions to apply for admission to McGill University. Only those who follow this process will be considered for the scholarship, ensuring a streamlined and fair selection.
When will applicants be notified of their admission and scholarship status?
Admission decisions are issued between February and March 2026. Scholarship recipients are notified by late March 2026, allowing them ample time to prepare for their studies at McGill University.
⚠️ Disclaimer
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Listings may come from public sources or user submissions. We do not guarantee their accuracy, completeness, or availability.
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