Get a fully funded master's degree from a top Canadian university to unlock your full potential

The McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for 2026 is a great chance for African students to study for free at one of Canada's top colleges

This well-known scholarship program finds and supports bright young leaders in Africa who show academic brilliance leadership potential and a desire to make their communities better

This complete handbook has all the information you need to help qualified candidates get ready for the application deadline on August 31 2025

Mission and Overview of the Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is the biggest scholarship and leadership program of its kind in Africa Its goal is to improve higher education systems by encouraging innovation in teaching and learning research collaboration across important sectors and making education more accessible and inclusive

The program at McGill University will bring together talented leaders and changemakers from all around Sub-Saharan Africa who want to enhance and change nutrition public health public policy and sustainable agriculture across the continent This will happen between 2024 and 2034

Since 2013 McGill University has worked with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to help and empower 132 scholars from more than 20 African nations

The 2024–2034 phase keeps this promise to welcome outstanding African students who have the potential to make a real difference in their home nations and communities

Full Financial Benefits

Selected students get an immersive experience that has been carefully planned to give them the tools they need to succeed in school

The scholarship pays for almost all of the costs of graduate school including

This all-encompassing support structure makes sure that scholars may concentrate solely on their academic and leadership growth without worrying about money

Requirements & Eligibility Criteria

Citizenship and living in the country

• Must be a citizen of and presently living in a Sub-Saharan African country
• Must have a valid passport and be able to enter Canada as an international student (which requires a study permit)
• Not eligible those who are citizens of more than one country asylum seekers refugees or permanent residents of the US Canada the UK or the EU

Qualifications for School

• Must be able to get into one of McGill University's eligible programs
• Must not have ever registered for or completed a master's degree
• Must have a bachelor's degree (or something similar that McGill recognizes) in a subject closely related to the chosen graduate program
• Preferred Applicants with First Class Honors or something similar have a better chance of getting in

Personal Traits

• Must be 35 years old or younger when applying
• Must have a great record of service leadership and activity in school and/or the community
• Must show a desire to give back to the community
• Must show that financial problems have kept them from getting or limited their educational opportunities

Countries that can apply

• People from all African countries including Nigeria Ghana Kenya South Africa Rwanda and all other African nations can take part in the program

Deadlines and Dates for Applications

There is a set schedule for the application procedure that all applicants must follow

Academic Programs That Are Eligible

The scholarship pays for study in 11 graduate programs that focus on important areas of development for Africa

Thesis Programs (Based on Research)

• Bioresource Engineering (MSc)
• Human Nutrition (MSc)
• Public Health (MSc) with options in Epidemiology Global Health or Health Promotion

Programs Without a Thesis (Based on Courses)

• Agricultural Economics (MSc)
• Biostatistics (MSc)
• Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry (MSc)
• Public Policy (Master of Public Policy)
• Social Work (Master of Social Work) - International Community Development stream

Each program has its own set of standards and focuses on areas that are very important for Africa's growth such as nutrition public health public policy and sustainable agriculture

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Check Your Eligibility Before you start the application process make sure you meet all the requirements
• Go to an information session (required) You must sign up for and attend one of five virtual information sessions between July 3 and 28 2025
• Only people who attend will get the link to the application form
• Fill out the scholarship application Send in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form by August 31 2025
• Give all the information and documents that are needed
• Pre-Screening Stage Applications are looked at based on basic requirements
• People who meet the requirements are asked to send in more paperwork
• Applying to McGill University Only applicants who have been pre-screened get tuition waivers and application instructions
• Send in a comprehensive application to the graduate program of your choice before the deadline
• Final Selection The McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Committee picks the winners They will be told in March 2026