The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University offer a life-changing opportunity for students worldwide to pursue fully funded master’s or second-entry professional undergraduate programs in Canada. Designed to foster leadership, community engagement, and academic excellence, this prestigious scholarship provides comprehensive support, including tuition, living stipends, and mentorship.
Below is a simplified guide to help you understand the scholarship’s details, eligibility, benefits, and application process. You can also check University of Copenhagen Danish Government Scholarships. Check more BS, MS and PhD positions.
What is the McCall MacBain Scholarship?
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is a full graduate scholarship at McGill University, one of Canada’s top-ranked institutions, located in Montreal, Quebec. Established by John and Marcy McCall MacBain, it aims to empower students who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership potential, and a commitment to positive change. Scholars receive financial support, leadership training, and access to a global network of mentors and peers.
- Cohort Size: Up to 30 full scholarships (20 for Canadians, 10 for international students) and approximately 100 finalist and regional awards.
- Program Start: Summer/Fall 2026.
- Location: McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the McCall MacBain Scholarship 2026, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Current Students: You are on track to earn your first bachelor’s degree by August 2026.
- Recent Graduates: You earned your first bachelor’s degree in the last five years (January 2020 or later).
- Older Graduates: You earned your first bachelor’s degree more than five years ago and are 30 years or younger as of January 1, 2025.
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Additionally, you must meet McGill University’s minimum academic and language requirements for your chosen program, such as:
- Academic Requirements: A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) recognized by McGill.
- Language Proficiency (if English is not your first language):
- TOEFL (iBT): Minimum 86 overall, with no less than 20 in each component.
- IELTS: Minimum band score of 6.5 or higher.
- Exemptions apply if:
- English is your mother tongue (first language learned and still used daily).
- You earned a degree from Canada, the U.S., or a recognized institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
- You lived, studied, or worked for at least four consecutive years in a country where English is the primary language.
Scholarship Benefits
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is more than just financial aid—it’s a holistic program designed to support your academic and leadership journey. Benefits include:
- Full Tuition Coverage: Covers tuition and fees for the entire duration of an eligible master’s or second-entry professional undergraduate program.
- Monthly Living Stipend: $2,300 CAD per month during academic terms to cover living expenses.
- Relocation Grant: A one-time grant to help with moving costs to Montreal.
- Summer Funding: Up to $5,000 CAD for meaningful summer initiatives (if not pursuing academic terms).
- Leadership Development: Access to mentorship, coaching, workshops, and an interdisciplinary leadership program.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with a global community of scholars, mentors, and professionals.
- French Language Courses: Beginner to advanced courses offered through McGill to enhance your experience in Montreal.
See Also: Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
Additional awards for non-scholar finalists:
- Finalist Awards: Up to 30 awards of $10,000 CAD (Canadians) or $20,000 CAD (international students) for studies at McGill.
- Regional Awards: Up to 28 awards of $5,000 CAD for Canadian applicants, tenable at any public university in Canada.
Eligible Programs
The scholarship covers over 150 full-time master’s programs and three second-entry professional undergraduate programs at McGill University (minimum 45 credits). Examples include:
- Master’s Programs: MSc, MA, MBA, LLM, and more.
- Professional Undergraduate Programs: Second-entry programs like Medicine, Dentistry, or Law.
Note: Graduate certificates, PhDs, part-time programs, executive master’s (e.g., EMBA), and joint degree programs are not eligible. Qualifying-year students can apply at the start of their qualifying year for the subsequent master’s program.
Application Process
The McCall MacBain Scholarship application is separate from McGill University’s admissions process. Follow these steps to apply:
- Research Programs: Explore eligible programs at McGill University to align with your academic and career goals.
- Create an Account: Visit the McCall MacBain Scholarship website (apply.mccallmacbainscholars.org) and register for the online application portal, open from June 1, 2025.
- Complete the Application:
- Personal Information: Provide details about yourself and your family.
- Background: Share your community activities, work history, extracurriculars, and any breaks taken.
- Personal Statement: Write a 250-word essay outlining your future goals and activities.
- Documents: Upload your resume (one-page CV), official or unofficial transcripts, and proof of English proficiency (if required).
- References: Submit two reference requests (one academic, one professional for certain programs like MBA). Referees will receive an email with a link to submit their letters online by the application deadline.
- Submit by Deadline:
- Canadian/U.S. Applicants and Canadians Abroad: September 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET.
- International Applicants: August 20, 2025.
- University Admission: Apply separately to at least one eligible McGill program by the program’s deadline or December 2025 (if selected as a finalist).
- Interviews:
- Regional Interviews: Over 250 semi-finalists will be invited for regional interviews in November–December 2025.
- Final Interviews: Approximately 85 finalists will attend final interviews in Montreal in March 2026 (travel costs covered).
Selection Criteria
The McCall MacBain Scholarship seeks candidates with:
- Exceptional Character: Integrity, honesty, empathy, and a commitment to service.
- Community Engagement: A track record of meaningful contributions to communities.
- Leadership Potential: Initiative, resilience, and the ability to motivate others.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Creativity in addressing unmet needs and challenges.
- Academic Strength: Strong academic performance and intellectual curiosity.
See Also: CBNU G-Cruit Scholarship in South Korea
Important Deadlines
- Application Opens: June 1, 2025.
- International Applicants Deadline: August 20, 2025.
- Canadian/U.S. Applicants Deadline: September 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET.
- McGill Program Application: By the program’s deadline or December 2025 (if a finalist).
- Regional Interviews: November–December 2025.
- Final Interviews: March 2026.
How to Apply
Visit the official McCall MacBain Scholarship website to start your application. Create an account, complete the form, and submit all required documents before the deadline.
