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.
2027 entry: applications open August 2026 — close January 2027 (Africa-focused only)
McGill University / Mastercard Foundation
External Organization-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
Fully Funded (Tuition + Living + Flights)
Duration
Up to 4 Years (UG) or 2 Years (PG)
Geographic Focus
Sub-Saharan Africa + Indigenous Canada
info How this award actually works
This is a separate, highly competitive application
Awards from external organisations like this one run their own selection round against applicants from across the world, and success rates are usually in the low single digits. Lanka Scholar does not administer it and cannot submit it for you. Treat it as a bonus on top of a funded study plan — never as the plan itself.
Who awards it
McGill University / Mastercard Foundation — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through a separate application round run by the funder, with its own forms, deadlines and shortlisting. You submit it yourself — it is not part of a university admission application.
What it covers
Full Tuition + Living + Travel + Mentoring. Read the terms carefully: even fully-funded awards rarely cover every cost, and any shortfall is yours to fund.
Where we come in
We help you judge whether this award is worth your time, and build a realistic admission plan that works whether or not you win it.
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
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.
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.
Strong Academic Record
For eligible applicants: top-decile academic performance at their secondary school or undergraduate institution. Selection is highly competitive.
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.
Africa + Indigenous
Current Eligibility
Not Open
to Sri Lankans
See Alternatives
(McCall MacBain etc.)
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
Open the cost calculator arrow_forwardSort courses by lowest fee
The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
Browse lowest-fee courses arrow_forwardWhat Canada actually costs
Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for Canada, in LKR as well as local currency.
See the cost breakdown arrow_forwardCheck your proof of funds
Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
Check the requirement arrow_forwardSimilar Scholarships
Other curated opportunities for Sri Lankan students.
University of Alberta International Admission Scholarship
University of Alberta
Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarship
Mackenzie King Scholarships Trust (tenable at McGill / Canadian universities)
McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill
McGill University