Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University for International Student 2025/2026
Now accepting applications for F2025/2026 Application Deadline: October 25, 2024 (4.p.m. EST)
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program stands as the largest scholarship and leadership initiative of its kind in Africa. It strives to strengthen the higher education ecosystem by encouraging inclusion and accessibility, innovation in teaching and learning, research, and collaboration across critical sectors and stakeholders.
Between 2024 – 2034 the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University will bring together gifted leaders and changemakers from across Sub-Saharan Africa at the master’s level who aspire to improve and transform nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture across Africa
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is open to talented leaders and changemakers at the graduate (master’s) level, from across Sub-Sharan Africa who aspire to improve and transform nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture sectors across Africa.
How to Apply
Eligibility Criteria
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 a Sub-Saharan 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.
- Must be less than 35 years old at the time of application.
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Applicants with First Class Honors or equivalent have a stronger chance of being admitted.
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form*.
- 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.
*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.
The Program will not accept applications submitted outside the set application process.
Next Steps
Application Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| September 16 – 20, 2024 | Prospective applicants should attend a virtual info session to learn more about the eligibility requirements and application process. |
| September 23, 2024Â (9:00 a.m. EST) | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program applications open. |
| October 25, 2024 (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. |
| October 28 – November 15, 2024 | Only successful pre-screened applicants will be invited to move on to the McGill University application for admission stage. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified. |
| December 1, 2024 | Application deadline for programs in Public Health and Biostatics. |
| 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 – mid March 2025 | The McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Committee will select scholarship recipients. |
| Mid-March – early April 2025 | Successful and unsuccessful scholarship applicants will be notified. |
| April – August 2025 | Support is provided by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team through the immigration processes. |
| August 2025 | Orientation and academic programs begin. |
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).
Click Here To Apply For The Scholarship
