Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University (Fall 2027 Intake) – Funded Master’s in Canada

Last reviewed: September 28, 2026, against the official scholarship sources listed below.

Current status: The application period for the Fall 2027 cohort is now closed. Applicants had to attend an information session (held in June and July 2026) to receive the application form, which was open in August 2026. McGill says to check its website in spring 2027 for details of the next recruitment cycle, so use this guide to prepare in advance.

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. McGill awards 35 scholarships each year across 13 graduate programmes, with a focus on fields such as public health, nutrition, public policy and sustainable agriculture. 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

The scholarship is designed to cover the cost of attending McGill, not only tuition. McGill and the Mastercard Foundation describe support that typically includes:

Full international student tuition fees
Accommodation
A monthly personal stipend for living expenses
Pre-arrival and immigration support
Academic resources, leadership development and mentorship

Check the official benefits page for the exact package in the cycle you plan to apply for.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must qualify academically for admission to McGill and, according to the programme, must:

Be admissible to one of the eligible master’s programmes at McGill
Have never registered for, or completed, a master’s degree
Be a citizen of, and live in, an African country
Have a valid passport and be admissible to Canada as an international student (which requires a study permit)
Meet the programme’s age requirement. Recent guidance has been that applicants must be under 35, so confirm this on the official page
Show leadership potential and a commitment to giving back to their community

Priority is given to women, people living with disabilities, refugees and internally displaced people. Applicants with dual citizenship, or asylee, refugee or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, the UK or the EU, are not eligible. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee eligibility or admission.

How the Application Process Works

Confirm that you are eligible.
Register for and attend a mandatory information session. Only people who attend receive the link to the application form.
Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form by the stated deadline. Late applications are not considered.
If your application passes pre-screening, provide the additional documents the programme requests.
Successfully pre-screened applicants receive an application fee waiver and instructions for applying for admission to McGill. Applicants to thesis programmes are guided by the team on securing a supervisor and should not contact professors directly.

Because the process has several stages, start early and follow the official instructions carefully.

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.