Deadline: October 25, 2024
Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University. This program is available to aspiring leaders and change-makers from Sub-Saharan Africa at the graduate (master’s) level, with a focus on improving sectors like nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture across Africa.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program goes beyond offering financial support for tuition and living expenses. It is an immersive experience designed to empower scholars with mentorship, leadership training, tutoring, hands-on learning opportunities, professional development, and career guidance. Scholars will not only succeed academically but also become key members of the McGill community and influential leaders prepared to make an impact.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship provides:
- Pre-arrival and immigration assistance
- Full international student tuition coverage
- On-campus accommodation
- Monthly living stipend (covering food, personal expenses, transportation, etc.)
- Academic resources (book allowance, laptop, tutoring, etc.)
- Customized leadership and professional development programs
- Post-graduation transition support (such as convocation costs, return flight, etc.)
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Meet the academic admission requirements for eligible programs at McGill University
- Have never registered for or completed a master’s degree
- Be a citizen and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country (see eligible countries list)
- Hold a valid passport and meet the requirements for a Canadian Study Permit. Those with dual citizenship, refugee status, or permanent residency in the U.S., Canada, UK, or EU are ineligible
- Demonstrate a strong record of service, leadership, and engagement in their school or community
- Show a commitment to giving back to their home community
- Be under 35 years old at the time of application
- Applicants with First Class Honors or equivalent are more likely to be accepted
Selection Criteria
The selection process is based on:
- The applicant’s academic qualifications for admission to McGill
- Proven leadership and service to the community
- Alignment with the values of the Mastercard Foundation and the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Potential impact on the applicant’s home country
- Applicants who have faced significant barriers to education (social, financial, personal, health-related, etc.)
Application Process
Submit your application and all required documents by Friday, October 25, 2024, by 4 P.M. EST.
For further details, visit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
