McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship in Canada 2027

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University aims to bring together gifted leaders and changemakers from across Africa at the master’s level who aspire to improve and transform nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture across the African continent.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineAugust 21, 2026
• ValueFully Funded
• Study LevelMasters
• SponsorMastercard Foundation

Benefits

• Pre-arrival and immigration support
• Full international student tuition
• On-campus housing
• Personal monthly stipend
• Academic tools and resources

Requirements

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

• Be admissible to one of the eligible programs at McGill University. 
• Have NEVER registered for, nor completed a master’s degree. 
• Be a citizen of and live in an African country (view eligible countries). 
• 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. 
• Have an exceptional record of service, leadership, and activity in your school and/or community. 
• Demonstrate a desire to give back to your home community.
• Demonstrate that financial constraints have prevented or restricted your educational opportunities.
• Be 35 years or younger at the time of application.
• Priority will given to: 
  • Women;
  • People affected by forced displacement (asylum seekers, internally displaced people, refugees and returnees, etc.); 
  • People living with a disability; 

Applicants with First Class Honors or an equivalent have a stronger chance of admission to McGill University. 

Selection Process

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

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

Timeline

Application Deadline

How To Apply

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University will be hosting multiple virtual information sessions ahead of the start of the application cycle. Attending one of these sessions is a mandatory step in the application process. Only eligible candidates who attend an information session will receive access to the application form link.

There will be two weekly regional information sessions, organized according to your country of residence. Please be sure to register for the session that corresponds to your region.

For more Information, visit McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program webpage