McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 — Fully Funded for African Students
Do you want to get a Master’s degree in one of the top universities in the world?
Are you a young, smart, and hardworking student from Africa who wants to make a difference in your community?
If yes, then this is a special opportunity just for you!
📢 The McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 is now open. It is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship for bright students from Sub-Saharan Africa to study at McGill University in Canada.
🏫 What is McGill University?
McGill University is one of the best universities in Canada and the world. It is located in Montreal, Quebec, a beautiful and welcoming city. The university is over 200 years old and has students from more than 150 countries.
McGill is famous for:
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World-class teaching and research
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A beautiful and safe campus
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Friendly international environment
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Strong student support systems
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Great scholarships and funding
💡 What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a big project that helps smart and talented African students get a world-class education at top universities like McGill.
This program is not just about school fees — it helps students grow as leaders, supports them in every way, and encourages them to go back home and help their communities after they graduate.
The scholarship is for postgraduate (Master’s) studies at McGill University. It is open to young people from Sub-Saharan Africa who want to create a better future for their countries.
🎁 What Does the Scholarship Cover?
This is one of the most complete scholarships in the world. If you are selected, you don’t have to pay for anything!
Here’s what the McGill Mastercard Scholarship will cover for you:
✅ 1. Full Tuition Fees
The scholarship pays for all your school fees from start to finish.
✅ 2. Free Accommodation
You will stay in on-campus housing in Canada — safe, comfortable, and close to your classes.
✅ 3. Monthly Stipend
Every month, you will get money for:
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Food 🍲
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Transport 🚍
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Personal items 🧼
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Phone, internet, and more 💻
✅ 4. Travel Support ✈️
The scholarship will pay for your flight to and from Canada. This includes your ticket when you first arrive and when you graduate and go back home.
✅ 5. Books and Laptop
Need textbooks or a laptop? No problem! The scholarship gives you money to buy these tools to help you succeed in your studies.
✅ 6. Immigration Support
You will get help with:
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Getting a Canadian study permit
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Applying for a visa
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Pre-arrival travel advice
✅ 7. Leadership Training
McGill offers a leadership and development program just for Mastercard Scholars. You will be trained to become a leader in your field and community.
✅ 8. Post-Graduation Help
When you are done studying, the scholarship will also help pay for:
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Your graduation gown and regalia
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Your flight home
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Some start-up costs to settle back home
In simple words: You will not spend your own money for anything.
🌍 Who Can Apply?
This scholarship is for students from Sub-Saharan Africa who meet certain requirements.
Let’s look at the eligibility rules in simple terms:
✅ Who is Eligible?
To apply for the McGill Mastercard Scholarship 2026, you must:
1. 📚 Be Applying for an Eligible Master’s Program at McGill
You must apply to one of the programs accepted under this scholarship. The list is available on McGill’s website.
Some of the eligible areas may include:
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Public Health
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Agricultural Economics
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Education
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Engineering
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Science
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Environment
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Development Studies
(Check the McGill website for full list of approved courses.)
2. 🇿🇦 Be From Sub-Saharan Africa
You must:
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Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
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Live in one of those countries (not just born there)
📌 Example countries:
Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, and more.
3. ❌ Not Have a Previous Master’s Degree
This scholarship is for people who are new to postgraduate study. If you have already done a Master’s degree before, you cannot apply.
4. 🛂 Be Eligible to Study in Canada
You must:
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Have a valid passport
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Qualify for a Canadian study permit (student visa)
📌 You cannot apply if:
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You already live in Canada, the US, UK, or EU
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You are a permanent resident or refugee in those places
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You have dual citizenship with Canada or other high-income countries
5. 🧠 Be a High-Achieving Student
You should have:
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A First Class or strong Second Class Upper degree (or equivalent)
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Great academic results and glowing recommendations
6. 🧑🤝🧑 Be a Leader with a Heart for Service
The scholarship wants students who:
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Have helped their communities or schools
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Have shown leadership skills
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Want to go back and improve their home country
7. 🎂 Be Under 35 Years Old
You must be less than 35 years old by the time you apply.
📝 How to Apply
Let’s go through the steps to apply for this scholarship.
Step 1: Check the Eligible Programs
Go to the McGill Mastercard webpage and see which Master’s courses are accepted. Pick one that matches your background and career goals.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
You will need:
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Your academic transcripts and certificate
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Your passport
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CV or Resume
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Personal statement or motivation letter
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Reference letters
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Proof of community work or leadership
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English test score (if needed)
Step 3: Fill the Online Scholarship Application
There is a special online application form for the Mastercard Scholarship. Make sure to answer every question clearly and honestly.
Step 4: Apply for McGill University Admission
After your scholarship form, you must also apply for admission into McGill through their regular application portal.
📌 The two applications are separate but both are needed.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
📅 Deadline: August 31, 2025
Apply early so you don’t rush. Late applications will not be accepted.
💬 Tips for a Successful Application
Want to stand out? Follow these tips:
🌟 1. Share Your Story
Be honest. Talk about your life, your dreams, and the challenges you’ve faced. They want to know the real you.
🌟 2. Show Your Leadership
Mention any:
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Clubs you led
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Community service you did
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Problems you helped solve
🌟 3. Talk About Giving Back
Explain how you will help your country after graduation.
🌟 4. Get Strong Reference Letters
Ask teachers, employers, or community leaders who know you well to write great recommendations.
🌟 5. Check Your English
If your first language is not English, take IELTS or TOEFL and score well
📞 Where to Get Help
If you have questions:
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Visit the McGill Mastercard website
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Read the FAQs and instructions carefully
🧾 Quick Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎓 Scholarship Name | McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 |
| 🏛️ Host Institution | McGill University, Canada |
| 💰 Value | Fully funded: Tuition, flight, housing, books, laptop, stipend |
| 🌍 Eligible Countries | Sub-Saharan African countries only |
| 📚 Level of Study | Master’s Degree only |
| 🕐 Deadline | August 31, 2025 |
| 🔞 Age Limit | Under 35 years old |
| ❌ Ineligible | Refugees, dual citizens, or residents of Canada, US, UK, or EU |
🎯 Final Thoughts
The McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 is more than a scholarship. It’s a life-changing opportunity to learn in one of the best schools in the world and grow into a leader who makes a difference.
If you are a young African with big dreams, strong grades, a heart for service, and a desire to help your country — this scholarship is for you.
📢 Don’t delay. Start preparing your documents and submit your application before August 31, 2025.
Your journey to success could begin with this one step.
Join the group to get the latest updates and firsthand scholarship information.
Samuel Afolayan (Sirmilo)
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