Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University 2025/2026 

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University 2025: Overview

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is a prestigious, fully funded graduate scholarship designed to empower talented and transformative leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa. The program supports students pursuing Master’s degrees in fields like Public Health, Nutrition, Sustainable Agriculture, and Public Policy, with a goal of developing homegrown solutions for Africa’s challenges.

Application Timeline

✅ July 3 – July 28, 2025 – Attend a virtual info session
✅ August 4, 2025 – Applications open
✅ August 31, 2025 – Applications close
✅ September – December 2025 – Shortlisted applicants invited to apply to McGill
✅ December 1, 2025 – Deadline for Public Health and Biostatistics programs
✅ January 15, 2026 – Deadline for all other programs
✅ Feb – March 2026 – Final decisions and scholarship offers

Scholarship Categories

• Master’s Degree (Coursework and Thesis programs)

• Focused on Public Health, Nutrition, Agriculture, and Policy

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University 2025: Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of and reside in a Sub-Saharan African country

• Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in a field related to the program of interest

• Have never registered for or completed a Master’s degree before

• Demonstrate outstanding academic performance (First Class Honours preferred)

• Show strong leadership potential and a proven track record of community service

• Face financial barriers to education

• Be admissible to McGill University and eligible for a Canadian Study Permit

• Not holding citizenship or permanent residency in the US, UK, Canada, or EU

Documents Required

• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form

• Valid passport

• Proof of academic records and transcript equivalency

• Additional documents as requested after pre-screening (e.g., letters of recommendation, essays, etc.)

Important Notes

• You must apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program first

• Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to apply to McGill University with a fee waiver

• Those applying for thesis programs should not contact supervisors directly; instructions will be provided if selected

• You must attend a virtual information session between July 3 – July 28, 2025, to receive the application link

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic merit and eligibility for McGill admission

• Demonstrated leadership, service, and commitment to community

• Financial need and potential for long-term impact

• Quality and completeness of the application

• Preference is given to applicants who’ve faced significant barriers to education