The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is a prestigious initiative designed to empower the next generation of leaders from Africa. This transformative program provides talented students with access to world-class education, mentorship, and a supportive community.
As part of this program, scholars receive financial support that covers tuition, living expenses, and other essential costs, enabling them to focus on their studies and personal development. The program also emphasizes leadership training and community engagement, encouraging scholars to give back to their communities and drive positive change.
ALSO READ: UNSW Undergraduate Scholarships Applications Open 2026.
By fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill not only enhances academic excellence but also promotes a global network of young leaders committed to creating impactful solutions for the challenges facing their communities and the world.
Join us in shaping a brighter future through education, innovation, and collaboration.
Selection Process
The selection process for applications is based on the following criteria:
- Academic merit of the candidate that qualifies for admission 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)
Eligibility Criteria
Prospective applicants must qualify academically for admission to McGill University and meet the following minimum criteria:
- Be admissible to one of the eligible programs at McGill University.
- Have NEVER registered for, nor completed a master’s degree.
- Be a citizen of and live in an African country (view eligible countries).
- Have a valid passport and be admissible to Canada as an International Student (requiring a Study Permit). Those with dual citizenship, asylee, refugee, or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK or EU are not eligible.
- Have an exceptional record of service, leadership, and activity in your school and/or community.
- Demonstrate a desire to give back to your home community.
- Demonstrate that financial constraints have prevented or restricted your educational opportunities.
- Be 35 years or younger at the time of application.
Applicants with First Class Honors or equivalent have a stronger chance of being admitted.
Eligible Countries
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is open to citizens and residents of all countries on the African continent.
View eligible countries
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cabo Verde
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- Congo (Democratic Republic)
- Congo (Republic)
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
