The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program stands as the largest scholarship and leadership initiative of its kind in Africa. It strives to strengthen the higher education ecosystem by encouraging inclusion and accessibility, innovation in teaching and learning, research, and collaboration across critical sectors and stakeholders.
From 2024 to 2034, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University will bring together gifted leaders and changemakers from across Africa pursuing master’s degrees, who aspire to improve and transform nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture across the continent. The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship and leadership initiative is open to talented leaders and changemakers at the graduate (master’s) level, from across Africa.
About The Program: McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars for 2026/2027
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program stands as the largest scholarship and leadership initiative of its kind in Africa. Operating through a Pan-African and global network of universities and non-governmental organizations, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program strives to strengthen the higher education ecosystem by encouraging inclusion, accessibility, innovation in teaching and learning, as well as research and collaboration across critical sectors and stakeholders.
McGill University has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program since 2013, supporting and empowering 132 Mastercard Foundation Scholars from over 20 African countries. 2024 marks the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program’s second phase at McGill University, when we will continue to welcome gifted leaders and changemakers aspiring to improve and transform nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture across Africa.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is more than just a scholarship that covers tuition and basic living expenses. It is an immersive experience meticulously designed to empower Mastercard Foundation Scholars on their journey. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars’ education is complemented with tailored programming that includes mentorship, leadership training, tutoring, experiential learning opportunities, professional development, and career support. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to equip the Mastercard Foundation Scholars with the tools and guidance they need to flourish academically. It engages them as active members of the McGill ecosystem and propels them professionally as leaders geared for impact.
The scholarship Includes:
- Pre-arrival and immigration support
- Full international student tuition
- On-campus housing
- Personal monthly stipend (food, personal expenses, transportation, etc.)
- Academic tools and resources (book allowance, laptop, tutoring, etc.)
- A tailored leadership and professional development program
- Post-graduation transition expenses (ex. convocation regalia, return flight, etc.)
