McCall MacBain Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded Master's at McGill University, Canada
Scholarship Description
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is Canada's most comprehensive leadership scholarship for Master's and professional studies at McGill University. Designed for individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to creating positive change, this fully funded scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and more.
Each year, up to 30 full scholarships and 100 entrance awards are offered to top candidates from around the world. Scholars join a global community of changemakers, participating in leadership development programs and mentorship opportunities that prepare them to become future leaders in their fields.
The McCall MacBain Scholarship seeks candidates who value excellence, hard work, service, and lifelong learning — individuals with the tenacity to pursue long-term goals, the empathy to work with others, and the creativity to forge new paths. If you are ready to lead, build a better world, and make a lasting impact, this is your moment.
Scholarship Location
The scholarship is tenable at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Scholars pursue Master's or professional programs across McGill's faculties, including arts, sciences, engineering, law, medicine, management, and more.
Scholarship Deadlines
Application deadlines vary by applicant location:
International Applicants: August 19, 2026 (4:00 PM ET)
Canada and United States: September 23, 2026 (4:00 PM ET)
Program Start: September 2027
Recommendation: Apply early and submit your McGill admission application by the program deadlines.
Host Institution
McGill University is a world-renowned public research university in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, consistently ranked among the top universities globally. Founded in 1821, McGill offers over 300 graduate programs across 11 faculties. The university is known for its strong research culture, diverse student body, and commitment to addressing global challenges.
Level and Fields of Study
Level: Master's degree and professional studies (e.g., Law, Medicine, Business, etc.) at McGill University.
Fields: All Master's and professional programs offered at McGill are eligible. Scholars may pursue studies across:
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences and Engineering
- Health Sciences and Medicine
- Law
- Management and Business
- Education
- And more
Target Group
The scholarship is open to applicants from all countries who meet the eligibility criteria. The McCall MacBain Scholarship aims to build a diverse cohort of leaders from around the world, including both Canadian and international students.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
Full Scholarship (up to 30 awarded):
- Fully funded tuition and fees
- Living expenses (stipend)
- Leadership development programming
- Mentorship and networking opportunities
- Access to the McCall MacBain Scholars community
Entrance Awards (up to 100 awarded):
- Significant financial support (amount varies)
- Access to leadership development and community
Duration: The scholarship covers the duration of the Master's or professional program at McGill (typically 1–2 years).
📊 Summary of Benefits:
Full Scholarship: Tuition + living expenses + leadership development
Entrance Awards: Significant financial support
Number of Awards: Up to 30 full scholarships + 100 entrance awards per year
Scholarship Eligibility
Essential criteria:
- Bachelor's degree: Must be on track to earn your first bachelor's degree by August 2027, OR have earned your first bachelor's degree in the last five years (January 2021 or later), OR have earned your first bachelor's degree more than five years ago and were 30 years or younger on January 1, 2026.
- McGill admission: Must meet the minimum degree and language requirements for McGill master's program admission.
- Leadership potential: Must demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to creating positive change.
What we're looking for:
- Integrity & Empathy: Strive to act with integrity, honesty, and empathy.
- Leadership: Experience working with and leading others towards a common goal.
- Creativity: Ability to identify unmet needs and develop creative solutions.
- Curiosity: Deep interest in people, ideas, and the world around you.
- Service: Commitment to helping others and developing the potential of those you lead.
✅ Eligible Candidates
- Current students (graduating by August 2027) or recent graduates (within 5 years) or older graduates (30 or younger on Jan 1, 2026).
- Meet McGill master's admission requirements.
- Demonstrate leadership, integrity, creativity, and curiosity.
- All nationalities welcome.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Do not meet the bachelor's degree timeline requirements.
- Do not meet McGill admission requirements.
- Unable to demonstrate leadership potential or community engagement.
- Not interested in pursuing a Master's or professional program at McGill.
Application Procedure
- Check your deadline – Determine your application deadline based on your location: International applicants (August 19, 2026) or Canada/US applicants (September 23, 2026).
- Visit the official website – Go to mccallmacbainscholars.org/apply/ to access the online application.
- Complete the McCall MacBain application – Submit your scholarship application by the deadline. This is separate from McGill admissions.
- Apply to McGill – You must apply separately to compatible programs at McGill University. McGill admissions generally open in September for the following Fall semester. Apply by the program deadline. If you are a scholarship finalist, you'll need to apply to McGill in December even if the program deadline is later.
- Submit reference forms – Two reference forms are required as part of the application.
- Regional interviews – After an assessment of written applications, more than 250 semi-finalists will be invited to regional interviews with leaders from varied disciplines.
- Final interviews – Approximately 85 finalists will be invited to final interviews in Montreal. Travel costs are covered.
- Scholarship offers – Up to 30 full scholarships and 100 entrance awards are offered. Finalists may receive either the full scholarship or a finalist award.
- Begin studies – Scholars begin their studies at McGill in September 2027.
Important notes: The scholarship application is separate from McGill admissions. You must apply to both. Finalists must apply to McGill by December even if the program deadline is later. Travel costs for final interviews in Montreal are covered by the scholarship.
Official Website & Application Links
McCall MacBain Scholarship – Official Application Page
Main Website: mccallmacbainscholars.org
McGill University: www.mcgill.ca
Contact: For questions, visit the McCall MacBain Scholars website for contact information.
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarships in Canada, offering fully funded Master's studies at McGill University with a strong focus on leadership development. With up to 30 full scholarships and 100 entrance awards available, the program seeks to build a diverse community of future leaders who are committed to creating positive change in the world.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria — bachelor's degree timeline and McGill admission requirements.
- Demonstrate leadership, integrity, creativity, and curiosity throughout your application.
- Apply early — the scholarship application opens in June and closes in August/September depending on your location.
- Submit a strong separate application to McGill by the program deadline.
- Secure two strong reference forms from individuals who can speak to your leadership potential and character.
- Prepare for regional and final interviews — these are key parts of the selection process.
- If selected as a finalist, travel to Montreal for final interviews (travel costs are covered).
Important reminders: The scholarship application is separate from McGill admissions. Finalists must apply to McGill by December. Up to 30 full scholarships and 100 entrance awards are offered annually. The scholarship seeks individuals who value excellence, service, and lifelong learning.
McCall MacBain Scholarship 2026 – FAQ
What does the McCall MacBain Scholarship cover?
The full scholarship covers tuition, fees, living expenses, leadership development programming, mentorship, and access to the McCall MacBain Scholars community.
Who is eligible to apply?
Current students on track to earn a bachelor's degree by August 2027, recent graduates (within 5 years), or older graduates (30 or younger on Jan 1, 2026) who meet McGill admission requirements.
What are the application deadlines?
International applicants: August 19, 2026. Canada and US applicants: September 23, 2026.
How do I apply?
Apply online through the McCall MacBain Scholars website. You must also apply separately to McGill University by the program deadline.
How many scholarships are awarded?
Up to 30 full scholarships and 100 entrance awards are offered each year.
What qualities does the scholarship look for?
Leadership, integrity, empathy, creativity, curiosity, tenacity, and a commitment to service and community engagement.
Do I need to apply to McGill separately?
Yes. The McCall MacBain Scholarship application is separate from McGill admissions. You must apply to both. Finalists must apply to McGill by December.