McGill University has opened applications for the 2026/2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, inviting talented young leaders from across Africa to apply for fully funded master’s degree scholarships.

The program is designed to support gifted changemakers who are committed to advancing nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture across the African continent. Each year, the initiative awards 35 scholarships across 13 eligible graduate programs.

Applications officially opened on August 3, 2026, and interested candidates have until August 21, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. EST to complete the first stage of the application and eligibility assessment.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants seeking admission must first meet McGill University’s graduate admission requirements and satisfy the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program criteria.

Eligible candidates must:

• Be admissible to one of the eligible graduate programs at McGill University.
• Have never enrolled in or completed a master’s degree.
• Be citizens of and currently reside in an African country.
• Hold a valid passport and qualify for admission to Canada as an international student requiring a study permit.
• Not hold dual citizenship or have asylee, refugee, or permanent resident status in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the European Union.
• Demonstrate an outstanding record of leadership, community service, and extracurricular involvement.
• Show a strong commitment to giving back to their home communities.
• Prove that financial challenges have limited their educational opportunities.
• Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.

The program will prioritize:

• Women.
• Individuals affected by forced displacement, including asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, refugees, and returnees.
• People living with disabilities.

Applicants holding First Class Honors or an equivalent qualification are considered to have a stronger chance of gaining admission to McGill University.

Eligible Academic Programs

Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent qualification recognized by McGill University, in a discipline closely related to their intended graduate program.

Candidates are also expected to ensure their undergraduate qualifications satisfy McGill University’s equivalency requirements.

Meeting the university’s minimum graduate admission requirements does not automatically guarantee admission to either McGill University or the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, as individual graduate programs may have additional requirements.

Scholarship Benefits

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive financial support covering the full cost of studying at McGill University.

Successful scholars will receive:

• Pre-arrival and immigration assistance.
• Full international student tuition.
• On-campus accommodation.
• A personal monthly stipend.
• Academic tools and learning resources.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on several factors, including:

• Academic excellence sufficient for admission to McGill University.
• A demonstrated record of transformative leadership and community service.
• The overall quality of the application and alignment with the values and mission of the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
• The applicant’s potential contribution to the development of their home country.
• Evidence of significant educational barriers, including social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related challenges.

Application Timeline

Applicants are required to follow the official application schedule:

• June 23 – July 15, 2026: Mandatory information sessions for prospective applicants covering eligibility requirements and the application process.
• August 3, 2026 (9:00 a.m. EST): Applications open.
• August 21, 2026 (4:00 p.m. EST): Deadline to complete the first stage of the application and eligibility assessment. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.
• September – November 2026: Successful pre-screened candidates will be invited to proceed to McGill University’s admission application stage.
• December 1, 2026: Admission application deadline for candidates who receive a fee waiver.
• Early to mid-February 2027: Applicants will receive admission decisions from McGill University.
• Mid-February – beginning of March 2027: The McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Committee will select scholarship recipients.

Prospective applicants can obtain additional information by visiting the official webpage of the McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Source: Opportunities for Africans