The McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity for bright, young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue a master’s degree at one of Canada’s top universities. Covering tuition, accommodation, travel, and living expenses, this scholarship goes beyond funding by offering leadership training, career support, and a chance to drive change across the continent. With the deadline approaching on August 31, 2025, this is a high-impact opportunity for those ready to transform their future—and their communities.
Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Host University: McGill University
- Eligible Country: Sub-Saharan African Country
- Category: Master’s Scholarship
- Benefits: Fully Funded + living expenses, etc.
- Deadline: 31st August, 2025
Scholarship Benefits of McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
The Scholarship covers nearly every cost associated with studying abroad. Benefits include:
- Full tuition for international students
- On-campus housing
- Monthly stipend (covers food, personal expenses, transportation)
- Book allowance
- Laptop
- Tutoring and academic resources
- Pre-arrival and immigration support
- Leadership and professional development training
- Coverage of post-graduation transition expenses (e.g., convocation regalia, return flight)
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Be admissible to an eligible graduate program at McGill
- Never have registered for or completed a master’s degree
- Be a citizen of and currently residing in a Sub-Saharan African country
- Have a valid passport and be admissible to Canada on a study permit
- Not hold dual citizenship, asylum, refugee, or permanent residency status in the US, Canada, UK, or EU
- Show strong leadership, service, and community engagement
- Be under 35 years old at the time of application
- Have First Class Honors or equivalent (strongly preferred)
Documents Required for Scholarship Benefits of McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
Applicants must prepare the following:
- Official university transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Any additional documents required by the specific program you’re applying to
Scholarship Deadline
August 31, 2025
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How to Apply for McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
- Confirm Your Eligibility
Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria: Sub-Saharan African citizenship, under 35 years old, first-time master’s applicant, strong academic record, and leadership experience. - Choose a Program
Review eligible graduate programs at McGill University that align with your goals. - Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form
Submit the preliminary application to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (not McGill’s regular admission portal). - Wait for Pre-screening Results
If selected, you’ll be contacted by the McGill Mastercard team with further instructions. - Provide Additional Documents
Pre-screened applicants will be asked to submit transcripts, recommendation letters, and other required materials. - Receive Fee Waiver and Admission Instructions
If your pre-screening is successful, you’ll be invited to apply to McGill University directly with an application fee waiver. - Submit Official McGill Application
Complete and submit your full application to McGill as instructed, including all program-specific documents. - Wait for Final Admission and Scholarship Results
Final decisions will be communicated once McGill reviews your application and confirms your admission.
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10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
1. Who can apply for the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
Sub-Saharan African citizens under 35 years old who have not completed a master’s degree and demonstrate leadership and academic excellence.
2. What programs are eligible under this scholarship?
Only specific master’s programs at McGill related to public health, public policy, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture are eligible.
3. What costs does the scholarship cover?
It covers full tuition, housing, monthly stipend, books, laptop, travel, and other study-related expenses.
4. Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?
No. Only those who have never registered for or completed a master’s degree are eligible.
5. Do I apply directly to McGill University?
No. First, you must apply through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. If pre-selected, you’ll be invited to apply to McGill.
6. What documents are required?
Transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any documents required by the chosen graduate program.
7. Is there an application fee?
No. If you’re pre-screened and invited to apply to McGill, you will receive a fee waiver.
8. What is the deadline for the 2026 intake?
The application deadline is August 31, 2025.
9. Are French-language skills required?
No. McGill offers graduate programs in English, and French is not a requirement.
10. Can refugees or permanent residents in Canada or other countries apply?
No. Applicants must reside in Sub-Saharan Africa and must not hold permanent residency or asylum/refugee status in Canada, the US, the UK, or the EU.