McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

McGill University and the Mastercard Foundation

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Citizens of and residents in an African country who have never registered for or completed a master's degree, are admissible to an eligible McGill graduate programme and to Canada as an international student, are 35 or younger, and show leadership, service and financial need. Dual citizens and people with refugee, asylee or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK or EU are not eligible. Women, people affected by forced displacement and people with disabilities are priority groups.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

A Mastercard Foundation scholarship at McGill University for African graduate students with leadership potential and financial need. Thesis-programme applicants must apply to the scholarship first and secure a supervisor only after being selected.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Citizens of and residents in an African country who have never registered for or completed a master's degree, are admissible to an eligible McGill graduate programme and to Canada as an international student, are 35 or younger, and show leadership, service and financial need. Dual citizens and people with refugee, asylee or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK or EU are not eligible. Women, people affected by forced displacement and people with disabilities are priority groups.
2. Note the deadline. Spring (annual; the round for Fall 2027 entry is closed - the page says to check the website in Spring 2027 for the next recruitment cycle) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Proof of family income or financial situation (if requested); Refugee or asylum-seeker certificate; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
3. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
4. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
5. Support your financial-need statement with clear documents and keep the numbers consistent across forms.
6. Explain the impact you want to make for women in your field, not only your own career.

Quick answers

Who can apply for McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Citizens of and residents in an African country who have never registered for or completed a master's degree, are admissible to an eligible McGill graduate programme and to Canada as an international student, are 35 or younger, and show leadership, service and financial need. Dual citizens and people with refugee, asylee or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK or EU are not eligible. Women, people affected by forced displacement and people with disabilities are priority groups.

What does McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program cover?

Scholarship from the Mastercard Foundation for graduate study at McGill; the McGill page does not itemise what is covered. Some applicants are selected for an application-fee waiver.

When is the deadline for McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Spring (annual; the round for Fall 2027 entry is closed - the page says to check the website in Spring 2027 for the next recruitment cycle) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Host countries: Canada.

What documents do I need for McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Proof of family income or financial situation (if requested); Refugee or asylum-seeker certificate; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application?

High: McGill graduate application + scholarship application + selection process