Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University offers fully funded master’s degrees to emerging leaders from Sub‑Saharan Africa, empowering them to drive change in nutrition, public health, sustainable agriculture, and public policy across the continent. This transformative initiative supports talented individuals in reaching academic and leadership milestones in Canada.

About the Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative designed to nurture transformative leaders by delivering inclusive education and leadership development to youth facing social and economic barriers (official site). At McGill, its branch aims to enroll gifted graduate‑level changemakers from Sub‑Saharan Africa who are passionate about improving sectors like public health, nutrition, public policy, and sustainable agriculture.

Since 2013, McGill has hosted 132 scholars from over 20 Sub‑Saharan African countries. Between 2024 and 2034, the program will continue bringing leaders for graduate studies in these critical domains.

Program Benefits

• Full tuition coverage for the duration of the program
• On-campus housing
• Monthly living stipend
• Book and laptop allowance
• Leadership development and professional training
• Academic support and tutoring
• Return flight and convocation regalia support

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 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.

Applicants with First Class Honors or equivalent have a stronger chance of being admitted.

Eligible Programs

All applicants, regardless of country of origin or educational background, must:

1. Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent as recognized by McGill University) in a subject closely related to the program selected for graduate studies.
2. Ensure your bachelor’s degree meets equivalency requirements. Applicants with First Class Honors or equivalent have a stronger chance of being admitted.

Meeting the minimum graduate admissions requirements does not guarantee eligibility for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program or admission to McGill University. Consult each program page for any additional requirements. 

To apply to a thesis program, the applicant must first apply to the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. Prospective applicants must NOT reach out to supervisors or professors directly. Applicants selected for a fee waiver and applying to a thesis program will be contacted by our team with instructions on how to secure a supervisor.

Non-Thesis Programs

• 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

Thesis Programs

• Animal Science
• Bioresource Engineering 

Eligible Countries

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is open to citizens and residents of all countries on the African continent.

Application Process & Timeline

1. Attend an information session to get the application link.
2. Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
3. If pre-screened, receive a fee waiver and invitation to apply for admission to McGill.
4. Apply to McGill within specified deadlines.

Key Dates (2025–2026 Intake):

• July 3–28, 2025 – Information sessions
• August 4, 2025 – Scholarship application opens
• August 31, 2025 – Scholarship application closes
• December 1, 2025 – Public Health & Biostatistics program deadline
• January 15, 2026 – All other program deadlines
• Feb–Mar 2026 – Selection of scholarship recipients

Selection Criteria

• Academic merit meeting McGill’s graduate admission standards
• Demonstrated leadership and community engagement
• Alignment with Mastercard Foundation’s mission
• Potential to create positive change in home country
• Overcoming significant barriers to education

Eligible Master’s Programs

• Animal Science: Sustainable Agriculture
• Bioresource Engineering (various specializations)
• Biostatistics
• Biotechnology
• Food Science & Agricultural Chemistry
• Human Nutrition
• Public Health
• Public Policy

For more scholarships like this, explore our Fully Funded Scholarships and Graduate Scholarships sections.

Scholar Support & Experience

Scholars benefit from a holistic support system that includes:

• Mentorship and leadership development
• Experiential learning opportunities
• Professional and academic training
• Career counseling and guidance
• Networking with global peers

FAQ

Question: How do I apply?

First, attend an information session to receive the scholarship application link. After pre-screening, you’ll be invited to apply to McGill with a fee waiver.

Question: Does it cover only tuition?

No. The scholarship covers tuition, housing, stipend, resources, leadership training, and more.

Question: Who can apply?

Graduate applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa under 35, not holding a master’s, with leadership qualities and financial need.

Conclusion

Apply now to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University for a fully funded graduate education, leadership development, and the chance to make lasting impact in Africa. Attend the information session, prepare your documents, and take the first step toward transformative change.