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.
Which nationalities can apply
Only citizens of African countries can apply.
See all 54
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
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).