The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is open to talented leaders and changemakers at the graduate (master’s) level, from across Sub-Sharan Africa who aspire to improve and transform nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture sectors across Africa.
How to Apply
- Determine your eligibility.
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form*.
- Once your application is pre-screened, provide additional documentation as requested by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team.
- Successful pre-screened applicants will be invited to apply to McGill University. Successful applicants will receive a fee waiver and detailed instructions on how to apply for admission to McGill.
*You must apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program first. Only once you have been successfully pre-screened will you be invited to apply to your chosen program of study through the McGill admissions process.
The Program will not accept applications submitted outside the set application process.
Applications for 2024-25 are closed. Applications for 2025-26 will open in September 2024.
Next Steps
Application Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| September 16 – 20, 2024 | Prospective applicants should attend a virtual info session to learn more about the eligibility requirements and application process. |
|
September 23, 2024 (9:00 a.m. EST) |
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program applications open. |
|
October 25, 2024 (5:00 p.m. EST) |
Applications close. All applicants must have completed the first stage of the application and eligibility assessment. Applications will not be accepted beyond this date. |
| October 28 – November 15, 2024 | Only successful pre-screened applicants will be invited to move on to the McGill University application for admission stage. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified. |
| December 1, 2024 | Application deadline for programs in Public Health and Biostatics. |
| January 15, 2025 | Application deadline for all other programs. |
| Early to mid-February 2025 | Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of their admission decision to McGill. |
| Mid-February – mid March 2025 | The McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Committee will select scholarship recipients. |
| Mid-March – early April 2025 | Successful and unsuccessful scholarship applicants will be notified. |
| April – August 2025 | Support is provided by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team through the immigration processes. |
| August 2025 | Orientation and academic programs begin. |
Selection Process
The selection process for applications is based on the following criteria:
- Academic merit of the candidate that qualifies for admissions to McGill University.
- Track record as a transformative leader and person of service within their community.
- Quality of application in line with the Mastercard Foundation ethos and values of the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill.
- Potential impact on the development of the applicant’s home country.
- Applicants who have faced significant barriers to education (social, financial, personal, practical or health related).
Questions?
Please consult our FAQs or contact us at mcfapplications.iss [at] mcgill.ca.
This is the official website of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University. Any application information housed on a non- mcgill.ca website may be fraudulent.
