Modern Canadian research laboratory with white workbenches and scientific instruments.

Canada 2027 entry: applications open August 2026 — close January 2027 (Africa-focused only)

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill is a comprehensive fully-funded scholarship covering tuition, living expenses, return flights, books, health insurance, and intensive leadership mentoring — at undergraduate and Master's level. Important note for Sri Lankan applicants: as of the 2026-27 cycle, the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is restricted to African applicants and Indigenous candidates from Canada — Sri Lankan citizens are NOT currently eligible. We list this scholarship for completeness because it appears prominently in scholarship-listing sites; Sri Lankan students searching for McGill funding should look at McCall MacBain, McGill internal entrance scholarships, or country-specific Commonwealth pathways instead.

McGill University / Mastercard Foundation

External Organization-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

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Value

Fully Funded (Tuition + Living + Flights)

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Duration

Up to 4 Years (UG) or 2 Years (PG)

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Geographic Focus

Sub-Saharan Africa + Indigenous Canada

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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Geographic Restriction

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill is currently restricted to citizens of sub-Saharan African countries, with a separate stream for Indigenous applicants from Canada. Sri Lankan applicants are NOT eligible under the current programme design.

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Demonstrated Need + Commitment to Africa

For eligible applicants only: the programme prioritises candidates who have demonstrated financial need AND a clear commitment to returning to their home country to contribute to social and economic transformation.

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Strong Academic Record

For eligible applicants: top-decile academic performance at their secondary school or undergraduate institution. Selection is highly competitive.

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Sri Lankan Alternatives

Sri Lankan applicants targeting McGill should consider: McCall MacBain (graduate, all nationalities), McGill Entrance Scholarships for undergrads, McGill Graduate Excellence Awards, or Commonwealth scholarships. Lanka Scholar can advise on the best fit.

account_tree Application Process

Verify eligibility first

Check the latest list of eligible countries on the McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars website. The programme has evolved — earlier cohorts were broader, but current rounds are Africa + Indigenous Canada only.

Apply to McGill + the Scholars Program in parallel

Eligible applicants apply to a McGill programme via the standard McGill admissions portal AND complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars supplementary application. The deadlines are typically January.

Selection + interview

Shortlisted candidates are interviewed (virtually) by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars team at McGill. Final selections are made by April.

Onboarding + travel arrangements

Successful Scholars receive comprehensive onboarding, including pre-arrival support, visa assistance (Canadian Study Permit), flight booking, and arrival mentoring from current Scholars in the cohort.

Why this entry is listed

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a globally famous scholarship, frequently surfaced when Sri Lankan students search for 'McGill scholarship' or 'fully funded Master's Canada'. We list it explicitly to be clear: Sri Lankans are not currently eligible, and applicants should redirect their effort to genuinely accessible routes like McCall MacBain at McGill, Commonwealth Master's, or Canadian university entrance awards.