Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University 2026/2027 – Fully Funded Master’s in Canada
Last updated: August 5, 2026
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is a prestigious fully funded opportunity for talented young Africans to pursue a master’s degree in Canada. The programme is designed to develop the next generation of transformative leaders who will drive positive change in their communities and across the African continent.
McGill University, one of Canada’s leading research institutions, partners with the Mastercard Foundation to offer a comprehensive scholarship package that removes financial barriers and provides strong academic and leadership support.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full international student tuition fees
- On-campus accommodation
- Monthly personal stipend for living expenses
- Pre-arrival and immigration support
- Academic resources and tools
- Leadership development programming
- Mentorship and community support
The scholarship is designed to cover the full cost of attendance so that scholars can focus on their studies and personal growth.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill, applicants must generally meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of an African country and currently residing in Africa
- Be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application
- Have never registered for or completed a master’s degree
- Be academically admissible to one of the eligible master’s programmes at McGill University
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to giving back to their community
- Priority is given to women, refugees and internally displaced persons, and people living with disabilities
Applicants with dual citizenship or permanent residency in Canada, the United States, the UK or the EU are typically not eligible.
Application Process Overview
The application process usually involves several stages:
- Attend a mandatory information session (this is required to receive the application link).
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application when invited.
- Successful candidates at the pre-screening stage are then invited to apply for admission to McGill University.
- Final selection is made by the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Committee.
Because the process is competitive and involves multiple steps, it is important to start early and carefully follow all instructions on the official website.
Tips for Applicants
- Highlight your leadership experience and community impact clearly.
- Show a strong connection between your proposed field of study and the development needs of your home country or community.
- Prepare a strong academic record and choose referees who know your work well.
- Pay close attention to the information session requirement — missing it can disqualify you from applying.
Official website: https://www.mcgill.ca/mastercardfdn-scholars/
Disclaimer: Always verify the latest eligibility criteria, deadlines, eligible programmes, and application procedures on the official McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website.
About The Author
