2025 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University | Fully Funded Graduate Scholarships for African Students
- Application Period: August 4 – August 31, 2025
- Program Location: McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Program Type: Fully Funded Master’s Degree
- Target Audience: High-achieving African students facing educational barriers
Are you an academically driven African student with a passion for leadership and community service? The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is offering a fully funded opportunity to pursue a graduate degree in Canada. This prestigious program supports talented students from Sub-Saharan Africa who have overcome significant challenges to access education.
Program Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University aims to develop a new generation of ethical leaders dedicated to driving sustainable development and inclusive growth across Africa. Selected scholars will receive a fully funded master’s education, along with leadership development, mentorship, and community engagement opportunities.
This initiative equips students with the tools and resources needed to become changemakers in their home countries. Scholars are expected to return to their communities after graduation and contribute to transformative projects in sectors such as public health, agriculture, education, and technology.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full tuition fees
- Travel costs to and from Canada
- Living expenses
- Books and study materials
- Healthcare coverage
- Academic and leadership support
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Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the 2025 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
- Demonstrate academic excellence and meet McGill’s graduate admission criteria
- Show a strong record of leadership and community service
- Have faced significant barriers to education (financial, social, personal, or health-related)
- Not currently hold or have completed a graduate degree
Note: Only applicants who pass the pre-screening stage will be invited to apply to McGill. Applications sent directly to McGill without this process will not be considered.
Application Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| July 3 – 28, 2025 | Attend a mandatory virtual information session |
| August 4, 2025 | Applications open |
| August 31, 2025 (4:00 p.m. EST) | Application deadline |
| September – December 2025 | Shortlisted candidates apply to McGill |
| December 1, 2025 | Deadline for Public Health and Biostatistics programs |
| January 15, 2026 | Deadline for all other McGill graduate programs |
| February – March 2026 | Scholarship recipients are notified |
How to Apply
- Register and attend a mandatory information session (held between July 3–28, 2025).
- After attending, complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars application form.
- If shortlisted, you’ll receive a fee waiver and instructions to apply to McGill.
- Submit your application to your chosen McGill graduate program.
- Await final decisions from the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Committee.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
- Academic qualifications and fit for McGill’s graduate programs
- Evidence of leadership, initiative, and community impact
- Commitment to using education for positive social change
- Experience overcoming educational barriers
Why Apply?
This is more than just a scholarship—it’s an opportunity to be part of a global network of young African leaders who are shaping the future of their communities. The program is tailored for students who are committed to returning home and making a measurable impact in Africa.
Important Note
Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding body. Please visit the official McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website to apply and get more information. Do not send your application to GSO, as we cannot process or forward submissions.
