Young Africans with big dreams and leadership potential now have a life-changing opportunity to study in Canada through the 2026 McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Fully funded and open to citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries, this prestigious scholarship supports postgraduate studies at McGill University—one of Canada’s most respected institutions.
Through this program, academically strong and socially committed students receive comprehensive support: tuition fees, accommodation, meals, living expenses, books, health insurance, and travel costs are all covered. More than just funding, the scholarship provides leadership training, professional development, and mentorship, ensuring that recipients return to Africa equipped to create meaningful change.
This opportunity is ideal for Nigerian and other African students who not only excel academically but also have a proven track record of community involvement and a clear desire to contribute to the development of the continent.
McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University in Canada, 2026
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: Canada
- Host Institution: McGill University
- Funded by: Mastercard Foundation
- Study Level: Master’s Degree
- Eligibility: Citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries
- Deadline: August 31, 2025 (by 4:00 PM EST)
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full tuition for the duration of your master’s program
- Accommodation, meals, and daily living expenses
- Round-trip travel to and from Canada
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Textbooks and study materials
- Access to mentorship, leadership workshops, and career support
- Connection to a powerful global network of Mastercard Foundation Scholars
Fields of Study
Eligible programs vary each year. Applicants must apply to an eligible master’s program at McGill University. These often include courses in Public Health, Education, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, and more.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must:
- 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.
Required Documents
- Completed Mastercard Foundation scholarship application form
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Valid passport biodata page
Application Timeline
| Date | Action |
| July 3 – July 28, 2025, | Prospective applicants should attend a virtual info session to learn more about the eligibility requirements and application process. |
| August 4, 2025 (9:00 a.m. EST) | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program applications open. |
| August 31, 2025 (4:00 p.m. EST) | Applications close. All applicants must have completed the first stage of the application and eligibility assessment. Applications will not be accepted beyond this date. |
| September 1 – *December 10, 2025 | Only successful pre-screened applicants will be invited to move on to the McGill University application for admission stage. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified. *Public Health and Biostatistics applicants will be notified by November 15th |
| December 1, 2025 | Application deadline for programs in Public Health and Biostatistics. |
| January 15, 2025 | Application deadline for all other programs. |
| Early to mid-February 2025 | Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of their admission decision to McGill. |
| Mid-February – end of March 2025 | The McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Committee will select scholarship recipients. |
University of Western Australia RTP Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded)
How to Apply
- Determine your eligibility.
- Register and attend one of the five information sessions to receive the link to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form.
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form. You must apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program first. Only once you have been successfully pre-screened will you be invited to apply to your chosen program of study through the McGill admissions process.
- Once your application is pre-screened, provide additional documentation as requested by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team.
- Successful pre-screened applicants will be invited to apply to McGill University. Successful applicants will receive a fee waiver and detailed instructions on how to apply for admission to McGill.
If you’re a young Nigerian changemaker with a vision for your community, don’t miss this opportunity to study in Canada and join a powerful network of future African leaders.
Learn more and apply: https://www.mcgill.ca/mastercardfdn-scholars/apply
