Since 2013, McGill University has been working with the Mastercard Foundation to offer the Scholars Program on both campuses of the University. The Scholars Program strives to selected academically talented young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa to access a world-class university education, with comprehensive support systems in place to help them succeed. Over the past 10 years, the program has seen 120 successful undergraduate and graduate scholars complete their degrees at McGill University. The program has been extended for a further 10 years at McGill.

Eligible Field of Study: 

Eligible Master’s Programs (Non-Thesis ONLY)

  • Animal Science: Sustainable Agriculture
  • Bioresource Engineering – Environmental Engineering
  • Bioresource Engineering – Integrated Food & Bioprocessing
  • Bioresource Engineering – Integrated Water Resource Management
  • Biostatistics
  • Biotechnology
  • Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry – Food Science
  • Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry – Food Safety
  • Human Nutrition: Project
  • Public Health
  • Public Policy (maximum of 5 Scholars per year)

Eligibility: 

In order to be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program you must meet the following criteria: 

  1. Be admissible to one of the eligible non-thesis programs at McGill University
  2. Have never registered for /completed any graduate studies;
  3. Be a citizen of, and reside in a Sub Saharan African Country (see list of eligible countries);
  4. 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.
  5. You are welcome to apply even if you do not identify with a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program priority group (listed below), however those who self identify with one of the following groups will be given precedence in the selection process.
    • Woman 
    • Refugee or Internally Displaced Person
    • Person with Disabilities
  6. Have an exceptional record of service and activity in your school and/or community;
  7. Have an intent to return to your country immediately upon the completion of your degree with the goal of transforming your community through social and economic development;
  8. Must be less than 35 years old at the time of application.

Benefits

  • Toward these ends, McGill complements Scholars’ education with a comprehensive support system that includes mentorship, tailored support services, community service opportunities and sustained programming relevant to their personal development. Scholars also receive guidance and funding for two internships in their home countries during their studies. These internships aim to sustain the Scholars’ connection with their home countries and build a path toward meaningful employment post-graduation.

Method of Application

Do not pay the application processing fee right away, but complete all other steps.

  • 2.) Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program : Complete the  Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Application Form  to have your eligibility for the study program and scholarship assessed. Only complete applications from candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

Application Forms
McGill Graduate Programs: Begin McGill University Graduate Application, prospective applicants should not proceed with the payment of the application, but complete all other components.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application form in order to have your application pre-screened for academic and scholarship eligibility. Only complete applications that meet the minimum eligibility requirements will be considered.

For More Information,

Visit the Official Webpage

Application Deadline: December 1st 2023.