McGill University in Montreal, Canada, has teamed up with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MFSP) to fund a new cohort of master’s students from Sub-Saharan Africa for the 2026/2027 academic year. This is a fully funded postgraduate opportunity built for academically strong young leaders who want to drive change back home.
The award goes well beyond paying tuition. It covers housing, a living stipend, flights, books, a laptop, and a structured leadership and professional development programme, the kind of wraparound support that lets you focus on your studies instead of worrying about money or logistics.
For an African applicant, the appeal is twofold: you study at a globally respected university while staying connected to Africa’s development needs. The programme deliberately targets sectors such as nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture, and it asks scholars to commit to giving back to their home communities after graduation.
Scholarship benefits
- Full tuition coverage
- On-campus housing
- Monthly stipend for food, transport, and personal expenses
- Books, a laptop, and academic resources
- Pre-arrival and immigration support
- Leadership and professional development programme
- Post-graduation transition support, including return flight and convocation regalia
- Covers the duration of the master’s programme (about two years)
Eligibility checklist
✔ You are a citizen and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country
✔ You are under 35 years old at the time of application
✔ You have never registered for or completed a master’s degree
✔ You hold a valid passport and are admissible to Canada (a study permit is required)
✔ You can demonstrate exceptional academic performance (first-class honours or equivalent preferred)
✔ You have a strong record of service, leadership, and community engagement
✔ You are admissible to an eligible McGill programme in Public Health, Nutrition, Public Policy, Sustainable Agriculture, or a related development-focused discipline
✔ You commit to giving back to your home community after graduation
Application tips for African students
- Start your admission file early. Pre-screening leads to a fee waiver and instructions to apply to McGill, so have your transcripts and program-specific materials ready before the August window opens.
- Get transcripts certified and, where needed, translated. Official, sealed university transcripts can take weeks to obtain in many African universities; request them now rather than days before the deadline.
- Line up your recommenders well ahead of time. Choose referees who can speak concretely to both your academic ability and your leadership and community work, and give them your CV and the programme goals so their letters are specific.
- Write a focused statement that ties your goals to Africa’s development. The selectors look for alignment with programme goals, showing clearly how your chosen field will let you serve your community.
- Attend an information session. The source lists sessions between 23 June and 15 July 2026; registering and attending shows commitment and gives you accurate, first-hand guidance.
- Prepare your passport and study permit documents. A valid passport is required, and you must be admissible to Canada, so check passport validity and gather supporting documents early.
- Document your leadership story with evidence. Volunteer roles, projects, and measurable community impact carry real weight here gather references, dates, and outcomes before you write.
How to apply
The process runs in stages. First, confirm you meet the eligibility criteria. Then register for and attend a Mastercard Foundation information session (held between 23 June and 15 July 2026). Next, complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme Application Form during the application window of 3–21 August 2026. If you are pre-screened, you will be asked to submit additional documentation such as transcripts, references, and writing samples. Successful pre-screened applicants receive a fee waiver along with detailed instructions to apply for admission to McGill University. Final selection is based on academic merit, leadership, and alignment with the programme’s goals. Apply and find full details on the official page: https://www.mcgill.ca/mastercardfdn-scholars/apply
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Citizens and residents of Sub-Saharan African countries who are under 35, have never registered for or completed a master’s degree, hold a valid passport, and can show strong academic results plus a record of leadership and community service.
What does the scholarship cover?
It is fully funded. It covers, tuition, on-campus housing, a monthly living stipend, books, a laptop, pre-arrival and immigration support, a leadership and professional development programme, and post-graduation transition support, including a return flight.
Which fields of study are supported?
Applicants must be admissible to eligible McGill programmes in Public Health, Nutrition, Public Policy, Sustainable Agriculture, or related disciplines aligned with Africa’s development needs.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 21 August 2026, with the application form open from 3 to 21 August 2026 and information sessions held between 23 June and 15 July 2026.
How long does the programme last?
It covers the duration of the master’s programme, which is approximately two years.
Where will I study?
At McGill University in Montreal, Canada.