Program Overview for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University 2025
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University offers fully funded master ‘s-level level education to exceptional students from Sub-Saharan Africa. The program is committed to developing transformative leaders who will contribute to sustainable development and inclusive growth in their communities and countries.
Application Period: August 4–31, 2025
Location: McGill University, Montreal, Canada
Program Type: Fully funded graduate study
Target Group: Academically strong, socially committed African students who have faced significant educational barriers
Eligibility Criteria for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University 2025
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and meet McGill’s graduate program admission standards.
- Show a proven track record of leadership and community service.
- Have faced significant barriers to education, whether financial, social, personal, or health-related.
- Have not already started or completed a graduate degree.
- Attend one of the mandatory virtual information sessions held between July 3 and July 28, 2025.
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form (available after attending an info session).
- If shortlisted, submit additional documentation and receive instructions to apply to McGill University with a fee waiver.
- Apply to the relevant graduate program at McGill University.
- Wait for final selection decisions from the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Committee.
Selection Criteria
- Academic merit and eligibility for McGill graduate programs
- Evidence of leadership and service in the community.
- Demonstrated alignment with Mastercard Foundation values
- Potential for positive social impact in the applicant’s country or region
- Experience overcoming significant barriers to education
Additional Information
For more details and to register for an information session, visit McGill Mastercard Scholars official webpage.