Location: Canada
Institution: McGill University
Level of Study: Master’s (Graduate)
Eligibility: Sub-Saharan African nationals
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Status: Application period closed for now
Next Application Opening: September 23, 2024
Application Deadline: October 25, 2024
About the Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for exceptional graduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa. The program targets future leaders and changemakers who are committed to improving public health, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and public policy across the continent.
The program not only offers financial support but also fosters transformative leadership, academic growth, and community impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
- Apply for a master’s program in areas related to public health, nutrition, public policy, or sustainable agriculture
- Demonstrate a strong academic record and leadership potential
- Show commitment to making a positive impact in their home communities
- Have faced significant educational barriers (social, financial, personal, or health-related)
How to Apply
- Determine Eligibility: Review all criteria on the official website.
- Submit Initial Application: Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form (available from Sept 23, 2024).
- Pre-screening Phase: If pre-screened successfully, you will be invited to apply to McGill University.
- Fee Waiver: Those invited to apply to McGill will receive a fee waiver and detailed instructions.
Note: Do not apply directly to McGill before being invited through the Scholars Program process.
Application Timeline
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Sept 16–20, 2024 | Attend virtual information sessions |
| Sept 23, 2024 (9:00 a.m. EST) | Applications open |
| Oct 25, 2024 (4:00 p.m. EST) | Applications close |
| Oct 28 – Dec 6, 2024 | Pre-screening results & invitations to apply to McGill |
| Dec 1, 2024 | Deadline for Public Health and Biostatistics programs |
| Jan 15, 2025 | Deadline for all other programs |
| Feb 2025 | McGill admission decisions |
| Mar 2025 | Scholarship award decisions |
| April – Aug 2025 | Immigration & relocation support |
| Aug 2025 | Orientation and classes begin |
Selection Criteria
- Academic excellence
- Community service and leadership track record
- Personal commitment to the Mastercard Foundation’s values
- Quality and completeness of application
- Potential to contribute to development in the applicant’s home country
Need Help or Have Questions?
Visit the official program site for FAQs or contact:
Email: mcfapplications.iss@mcgill.ca
Official Website:
https://www.mcgill.ca/mastercardfdn-scholars/
