Hey Bursaries Room Fam! Ready to level up your education and become a changemaker? If you’re an ambitious African student dreaming of master’s studies abroad, then the McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Bursary 2026 might just be your golden ticket! This isn’t just any bursary; it’s a fully-funded opportunity to study in Canada and bring your leadership back home to make a real difference. Let’s dive in!
The McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed to empower talented African graduate students who are passionate about improving areas like nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture across our continent. This incredible program brings together future leaders at McGill University in Canada, equipping them with top-tier education and skills. Each year, 35 master’s scholarships are available across 11 key graduate programs, all aimed at nurturing leaders who will drive positive change back in Africa.
Who Can Apply?
So, who’s got what it takes to snag this amazing opportunity? Here’s the lowdown on the minimum criteria:
- You must be academically eligible for admission to one of the eligible graduate programs at McGill University.
- You must NOT have previously registered for, nor completed, a master’s degree.
- You need to be a citizen of and currently live in an African country (yes, including South Africa!).
- You must hold a valid passport and be admissible to Canada as an International Student (meaning you’ll need a Study Permit). If you have dual citizenship, asylee, refugee, or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK, or EU, unfortunately, you are not eligible.
- Show an exceptional record of service, leadership, and community involvement.
- Demonstrate a genuine desire to give back to your home community in Africa.
- Prove that financial constraints have prevented or limited your educational opportunities.
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
Heads up: Applicants with First Class Honors or equivalent generally have a stronger chance of being admitted! Also, you need a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent recognized by McGill) in a subject closely related to your chosen graduate program, and it must meet equivalency requirements.
What Does It Cover?
Alright, let’s talk about the best part: what this bursary actually pays for! The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at McGill is truly comprehensive. We’re talking full funding, which means you won’t have to worry about tuition or most living costs. Here’s a quick look at what’s covered:
- Pre-arrival and immigration support (super important for international study!)
- Full international student tuition fees
- On-campus housing
- A personal monthly stipend
- Access to academic tools and resources
How to Apply?
Ready to take the leap? Applying for the McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Bursary has a few steps, so pay close attention. Remember, you apply to the scholarship first, THEN to McGill University!
- Determine your eligibility: Make sure you meet all the criteria listed above. You can find more details on their eligibility page.
- Attend an information session: Register and attend one of the five information sessions to receive the crucial link to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form. (You can find info on these sessions via the eligibility link above).
- Complete the Scholarship Application: Fill out the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form first. This is crucial!
- Provide Additional Documentation: If your application is pre-screened successfully, the Scholars Program team will contact you for more documents.
- Apply to McGill University: ONLY after you’ve been successfully pre-screened for the scholarship will you be invited to apply to McGill University. You’ll even receive a fee waiver and detailed instructions for this stage!
Key Application Dates to Remember:
- August 4, 2025: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program applications open.
- August 31, 2025 (4:00 p.m. EST): Applications for the Scholars Program close. Make sure your first-stage application and eligibility assessment are completed by this date!
- December 1, 2025: Application deadline for McGill programs in Public Health and Biostatistics (if invited to apply).
- January 15, 2026: Application deadline for all other McGill programs (if invited to apply).
- Early to mid-February 2026: Notification of your admission decision from McGill (if you applied).
- Mid-February – end of March 2026: The McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Committee selects the final scholarship recipients.
For more detailed information and to kickstart your application, be sure to Visit the Official Webpage of the McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program!
This is truly an incredible chance to make a global impact and boost your career! If the McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Bursary sounds like your next big adventure, don’t hesitate. Head over to the official page, check all the details, and get your application ready NOW. Your future of leading change in Africa starts here! Plus, keep exploring more amazing opportunities right here on Bursaries Room.