Deadline for Applications: December 1st 2023

Since 2013, McGill University has been working with the Mastercard Foundation to offer the Scholars Program on both campuses of the University. The Scholars Program strives to selected academically talented young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa to access a world-class university education, with comprehensive support systems in place to help them succeed.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program you must meet the following criteria: 

1. Be admissible to one of the eligible non-thesis programs at McGill University:
   • 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 (maximum of 5 Scholars per year)
2. Have never registered for /completed any graduate studies;
3. Be a citizen of, and reside in a Sub Saharan African Country (see list of eligible countries);
4. Have a valid passport and be admissible to Canada as an International Student (requiring a Study Permit). Those with dual citizenship, asylee, refugee or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK or EU are not eligible.
5. You are welcome to apply even if you do not identify with a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program priority group (listed below), however those who self identify with one of the following groups will be given precedence in the selection process.
   • Woman 
   • Refugee or Internally Displaced Person
   • Person with Disabilities
6. Have an exceptional record of service and activity in your school and/or community;
7. Have an intent to return to your country immediately upon the completion of your degree with the goal of transforming your community through social and economic development;
8. Must be less than 35 years old at the time of application.

Programs of Study

On this page: English

Eligible Master’s Programs (Non-Thesis ONLY)

• 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 (maximum of 5 Scholars per year)

Eligible Countries

• Angola
• Benin
• Botswana
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Comoros
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Djibouti
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia

• Gabon
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Kenya
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Niger
• Nigeria

• Republic of the Congo
• Rwanda
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Senegal
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Swaziland
• Tanzania
• The Gambia
• Togo
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF McGill University MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program TO READ MORE

Thank you for visiting Rising Africa, the blog that celebrates African success stories and shares life-changing opportunities for the African youth. We are passionate about empowering the next generation of African leaders and innovators with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the global arena.

One of the ways we do this is by providing you with the latest information on scholarships and funding opportunities that can help you pursue your academic, professional, and entrepreneurial goals. Whether you are looking for undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate scholarships, or funding for your startup and business ideas, we have something for you. Check out our scholarship and funding page to find out more and apply today. Don’t miss this chance to make your dreams come true!

To inspire you further, we also feature stories of successful Africans who have benefited from these scholarships and funding opportunities. You can read about their journeys, challenges, and achievements on our blog. Learn from their experiences and get motivated to follow their footsteps. You too can be a Rising African!