Applications are now open for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University 2026, a fully funded scholarship opportunity for academically outstanding and socially committed students from across Africa. The scholarship enables successful applicants to pursue a fully funded master’s degree at McGill University in Canada while developing leadership skills, professional experience, and the capacity to create positive change in their communities.
Funded by the Mastercard Foundation, the program aims to educate the next generation of African leaders by removing financial barriers to higher education and providing scholars with mentorship, leadership training, and career development opportunities.
If you are passionate about making an impact in your community and dream of studying in Canada, this scholarship is an opportunity you should not miss.
Scholarship Overview
- Host University: McGill University
- Scholarship Provider: Mastercard Foundation
- Study Level: Master’s Degree
- Location: Montreal, Canada
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Applicants: Citizens and residents of African countries
- Application Mode: Online
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive scholarship package that includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Round-trip airfare
- Accommodation support
- Monthly living allowance
- Health insurance
- Books and academic materials
- Immigration and visa support
- Leadership and professional development training
- Academic mentoring
- Career guidance
- Networking opportunities
- Community engagement and internship opportunities
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of Africa’s most prestigious scholarship initiatives. It supports talented young leaders who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving their communities.
At McGill University, scholars receive far more than financial support. They participate in leadership development activities, mentorship programs, networking events, and career readiness training that prepare them to become changemakers in Africa and beyond.
Eligible Master’s Programs
The scholarship supports selected eligible master’s degree programs at McGill University. Applicants should carefully review the list of eligible graduate programs on the university’s official website before beginning their application.
Available fields include:
- Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
- Engineering
- Education
- Public Health
- Science
- Arts
- Social Sciences
- Management
- Other eligible graduate programs
Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements of their chosen graduate program.
Who Can Apply?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is open to citizens and residents of all African countries.
Eligible countries include:
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cabo Verde
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- Republic of the Congo
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should:
- Be citizens and residents of an African country.
- Apply for admission to an eligible master’s program at McGill University.
- Demonstrate excellent academic achievement.
- Show leadership potential.
- Have a strong record of community service or social impact.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Meet the admission requirements for their chosen graduate program.
- Be committed to contributing to the development of their home country after graduation.
Mandatory Information Sessions
Before submitting an application, all eligible applicants must attend one of McGill University’s virtual information sessions.
Attendance is mandatory. Only applicants who participate in an official information session will receive access to the scholarship application form.
Register to attend a Sessions Open to All Applicants
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Completed online application
- Academic transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose
- Recommendation letters
- English language proficiency results (if required)
- Passport or national identification
- Any additional documents requested by the selected graduate program
How to Apply
To apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University:
- Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Register for and attend the mandatory virtual information session for your region.
- After attending the session, receive the official scholarship application link.
- Apply for admission to an eligible master’s program at McGill University.
- Submit all required scholarship and admission documents before the deadline.
VISIT OFFICIAL MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP WEBSITE
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University 2026 offers exceptional African students the opportunity to earn a fully funded master’s degree in Canada while developing leadership skills that can transform communities across the continent.
One important requirement applicants should not overlook is the mandatory virtual information session. Without attending one of these sessions, you will not receive access to the scholarship application form. Be sure to register for the session assigned to your region and begin preparing your application documents early to maximize your chances of selection.
