What the funding covers
- Full funding for a McGill master's degree, including tuition and living costs.
- Leadership development and support for transition into work.
- A cohort of Scholars and access to the wider Mastercard Foundation network.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Full international tuition | The scholarship |
| On-campus housing and a personal monthly stipend | The scholarship |
| Academic tools, plus pre-arrival and immigration support | The scholarship |
| McGill application fee | Waived for applicants who pass the scholarship's pre-screening |
Who can apply
- Citizens of an African country who are resident in an African country.
- Applicants who have never registered for a master's degree.
- Dual citizens and permanent residents of the USA, Canada, the UK or the EU are not eligible.
Documents you will need
- Attend a programme information session to receive the application link — the scholarship application comes first, before any McGill application
- Proof that you are a citizen of, and live in, an African country, and a valid passport
- A bachelor's degree closely related to your chosen programme — First Class Honours or equivalent strengthens your case
- Evidence of leadership and service, and of how financial constraints have limited your education
- Pre-screening documents when asked. If you pass, you receive a fee waiver and instructions to apply to McGill
How to apply
- Check the programme page for the eligible master's programmes and the current recruitment cycle.
- The autumn 2027 cohort has closed; the next recruitment cycle is expected to be announced in spring 2027.
- Apply to your McGill programme and the Scholars Program as the call instructs.
Before you apply: things to know
- The residence and citizenship rules are strict — check them before you start.
- Recruitment runs in cycles and may not open every year.
- Montreal is French-speaking; many programmes are in English, but daily life is easier with some French.
Common questions
Is there an age limit?
Yes. You must be 35 or younger when you apply.
I have already started a master's degree. Can I apply?
No. Applicants must never have registered for, or completed, a master's degree.
When is the next chance to apply?
The fall 2027 cohort has closed; McGill says to check back in spring 2027 for the next cycle. The programme runs from 2024 to 2034 across 13 master's programmes (11 non-thesis, 2 thesis).
A working timeline
Counting back from the next typical deadline (≈ Apr 1, 2027). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Jan 7, 2027Research the route in depth — confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Jan 21, 2027Ask your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Feb 4, 2027Write the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Feb 18, 2027Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Mar 4, 2027Second draft — get feedback from someone who reads critically
Mar 18, 2027Finalise every document and complete the online form
Mar 25, 2027Submit — never on the last day
Apr 1, 2027Typical deadline
Related routes
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Rolling · open year-roundDetails →
University of British Columbia — International Scholars
Due in 51 daysDetails →
University of Toronto — Pearson Scholarship
Due in 14 daysDetails →
Mastercard Foundation Scholars — Cambridge
Due in 54 daysDetails →
Sources
- McGill University — Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — Apply
- McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — Eligibility
- McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — FAQ
Page reviewed Sep 25, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official source.