Application Opens: August 3, 2026 (9:00 a.m. EST); Deadline: August 21, 2026 (4:00 p.m. EST)
LOCATION: Canada
Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University. The scholarship program aims to bring together gifted leaders and changemakers from across Africa at the master’s level who aspire to improve and transform nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture across the African continent.
ELIGIBILITY:
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 an 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.
Demonstrate that financial constraints have prevented or restricted your educational opportunities.
Be 35 years or younger at the time of application.
Priority will be given to:
Women;
People affected by forced displacement (asylum seekers, internally displaced people, refugees and returnees, etc.);
People living with a disability;
Applicants with First Class Honors or an equivalent have a stronger chance of admission to McGill University.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University will be hosting multiple virtual information sessions ahead of the start of the application cycle. Attending one of these sessions is a mandatory step in the application process. Only eligible candidates who attend an information session will receive access to the application form link.
Open application from all regions:
| Regions | Date | Time | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Africa & West Africa | June 23, 2026 | 9 -10:30 AM (EST) | The session registration has reached maximum capacity. |
| North Africa & West Africa | June 25, 2026 | 12 – 1:30 PM (EST) | The session registration has reached maximum capacity. |
| East Africa & South Africa | June 30, 2026 | 9 – 10:30 AM (EST) | Registration will be available a week before the session. |
| East Africa & South Africa | July 2, 2026 | 12 – 1:30 PM (EST) | Registration will be available a week before the session. |
| Central Africa | July 7, 2026 | 9 -10:30 AM (EST) | Registration will be available a week before the session. |
| Central Africa | July 9, 2026 | 12 – 1:30 PM (EST) | Registration will be available a week before the session. |
| All Regions | July 15, 2026 | 12 – 1:30 PM (EST) | Registration will be available a week before the session. |
BENEFIT:
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is comprehensive and it covers not only full tuition but all costs related to attending McGill University. That includes:
Pre-arrival and immigration support
Full international student tuition
On-campus housing
Personal monthly stipend
Academic tools and resources
There are 35 scholarships available every year across 13 graduate programs.
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