Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at McGill University for Africans 2025: A Life-Changing Opportunity

The 2025 scholarship program is fully funded, ensuring that scholars not only receive financial support but also benefit from an extensive network of mentorship, leadership development, and professional opportunities.

About the Scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University aims to develop Africa’s next generation of transformative leaders by providing academically gifted students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with comprehensive scholarships to complete their master’s studies.

In addition to full financial support, the scholarship provides mentorship, leadership development, and transition-to-employment support to empower Scholars to return to Africa and drive positive change in their communities and countries.

Since 2013, the program has supported 132 Scholars from over 20 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to study at McGill.

In 2025, the program will enter its second phase and plans to welcome even more brilliant African students to join its global network of Scholars.

Courses Available

The scholarship supports master’s studies in the following non-thesis programs at McGill:

• 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

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country
• Be under 35 years old at the time of application
• Hold a bachelor’s degree closely related to the chosen master’s program, with a First Class Honors or equivalent preferred
• Have never registered for or completed a master’s degree
• Have a valid passport and be admissible to Canada as an international student
• Demonstrate exceptional leadership and service in their school/community
• Express a desire to return to Africa to give back to their community

Those with dual citizenship or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK or EU are not eligible.

Who Should Apply

This scholarship is designed for African students who:

• Have a proven track record as transformative leaders and engaged citizens
• Have faced significant barriers to accessing higher education
• Demonstrate academic talent and a strong fit with the chosen program
• Align with the Mastercard Foundation’s vision of educating ethical leaders
• Are committed to returning to Africa to drive social and economic progress

If this describes you, we highly encourage you to apply for this incredible opportunity to join McGill’s vibrant community of African Scholars.

Scholarship Benefits

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship provides comprehensive support, including:

1. Full coverage of tuition fees
2. Accommodation expenses
3. Round-trip flights between Canada and your home country
4. A living stipend to cover meals, books, and other essentials
5. A laptop and software to facilitate your studies
6. An internship in Africa to sustain your ties to your home community
7. Mentorship and leadership development programming
8. Career guidance and transition-to-employment support
9. Access to McGill’s world-class learning resources and facilities
10. Lifelong membership in the global Mastercard Foundation Scholars Network

How to Apply

The application process involves the following steps:

1. Confirm your eligibility for the scholarship and chosen master’s program
2. Complete the online scholarship application form by the deadline
3. If pre-selected, provide additional documentation as requested
4. If invited, submit your application for admission to McGill University
5. Await the final decision on your scholarship and admission status

You must apply for the scholarship before applying for admission to McGill.

Only pre-selected applicants will be invited to apply for admission and considered for the scholarship.

Application Timeline