The McGill University Mastercard Scholarship in Canada offers fully funded educational opportunities to talented African students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a strong commitment to contributing to their communities.
Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, McGill University provides financial support to eligible students pursuing selected graduate programmes. The scholarship aims to remove financial barriers for academically outstanding young leaders and prepare them to create meaningful social impact in their home countries.
The McGill University Mastercard Scholarship covers eligible study costs and supports scholars throughout their academic journey at one of Canada’s leading universities.
About The McGill University Mastercard Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is designed for students from African countries who require financial assistance to access graduate education.
The programme seeks applicants with exceptional academic records, leadership experience and a demonstrated commitment to community development. Successful candidates become part of a global network of Mastercard Foundation Scholars working to drive positive change across different sectors.
Applicants must first apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program before they can proceed with a McGill University admission application. Only candidates who successfully pass the initial screening process will receive further instructions for admission.
Scholarship Benefits
The McGill University Mastercard Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to selected scholars.
Benefits may include:
- Full financial support for eligible study expenses
- Tuition and academic fee coverage
- Support towards living costs
- Access to leadership development opportunities
- Participation in a global scholars network
- Academic and professional development support
The scholarship is intended to allow talented students to focus on their studies without financial limitations.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the McGill University Mastercard Scholarship in Canada, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be eligible for admission into an approved programme at McGill University
- Be a citizen of and currently living in an African country
- Hold a valid passport and qualify as an international student for Canada
- Have never registered for or completed a master’s degree
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership, community service and academic achievement
- Show financial challenges that have affected educational opportunities
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application
- Demonstrate a commitment to returning and contributing to their home community
Applicants must also satisfy McGill University’s graduate admission requirements for their selected programme.
Priority Consideration
Preference may be given to applicants who demonstrate additional circumstances or achievements, including:
- Women applicants
- Individuals affected by forced displacement, including refugees and internally displaced persons
- Applicants living with disabilities
- Candidates with First Class Honours or equivalent academic qualifications
Eligible Programmes
The McGill University Mastercard Scholarship supports selected graduate programmes at McGill University.
Eligible non-thesis programmes include:
- Animal Science: Sustainable Agriculture
- Bioresource Engineering – Environmental Engineering
- Bioresource Engineering – Integrated Food & Bioprocessing
- Bioresource Engineering – Integrated Water Resource Management
- Biostatistics
- Biotechnology
- Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry – Food Science
- Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry – Food Safety
- Human Nutrition: Project
- Public Health
- Public Policy
Eligible thesis programmes include:
- Animal Science
- Bioresource Engineering
Applicants should confirm programme-specific requirements before applying.
Eligible Countries
The scholarship is open to citizens and residents of African countries.
Eligible countries include:
Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Tanzania, Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and other African countries.
How To Apply
Interested applicants must follow the official application process.
First, candidates must:
- Confirm their eligibility for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Register for and attend an information session to receive access to the scholarship application form
- Complete and submit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application
- Provide additional documents if requested after initial screening
Applicants who are successfully pre-screened will receive a fee waiver and instructions on applying for admission to McGill University.
Candidates should not submit applications outside the official process, as applications completed through other channels will not be considered.
Application Deadline
August 21, 2026
APPLY HERE
McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Portal