Applications are open for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University 2025/2026. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is open to talented leaders and changemakers at the graduate (master's) level, from across Sub-Saharan Africa who aspire t o improve and transform nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture sectors across Africa.
About Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is more than just a scholarship that covers tuition and basic living expenses. It is an immersive experience meticulously designed to empower Mastercard Foundation Scholars on their journey. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars' education is complemented with tailored programming that includes mentorship, leadership training, tutoring, experiential learning opportunities, professional development, and career support. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to equip the Mastercard Foundation Scholars with the tools and guidance they need to flourish academically. It engages them as active members of the McGill ecosystem and propels them professionally as leaders geared for impact.
Benefits of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University
The scholarship Includes:
- Pre-arrival and immigration support
- Full international student tuition
- On-campus housing
- Personal monthly stipend (food, personal expenses, transportation, etc.)
- Academic tools and resources (book allowance, laptop, tutoring, etc.)
- A tailored leadership and professional development program
- Post-graduation transition expenses (ex.convocation regalia, return flight, etc.)
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University Requirments
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 a Sub-Saharan 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.
- Must be less than 35 years old 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 backgrounds, must:
- Hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent as recognized by McGill University) in a subject closely related to the program selected for graduate studies.
- 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.
Eligible Countries
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Republic of the Congo
- Rwanda
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Togo
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Selection Process
The selection process for applications is based on the following criteria:
- Academic merit of the candidate that qualifies for admission to McGill University.
- Track record as a transformative leader and person of service within their community.
- Quality of application in line with the Mastercard Foundation ethos and values of the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill.
- Potential impact on the development of the applicant’s home country.
- Applicants who have faced significant barriers to education (social, financial, personal, practical or health related).
Application Date and Process
- Determine your eligibility.
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form*.
- Once your application is pre-screened, provide additional documentation as requested by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team.
- Successful pre-screened applicants will be invited to apply to McGill University. Successful applicants will receive a fee waiver and detailed instructions on how to apply for admission to McGill.
*You must apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program first. Only once you have been successfully pre-screened will you be invited to apply to your chosen program of study through the McGill admissions process.
The Program will not accept applications submitted outside the set application process.
Questions?
Please consult their FAQs or contact them at [email protected].
Application Deadline
25 October, 2024
Scholarship Application Portal
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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University
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