Fully Funded McCall MacBain Scholarship 2027 at McGill University in Canada

Applications are now open for the McCall MacBain Scholarship 2027 in Canada. This prestigious, fully funded scholarship allows talented Canadian and international students to pursue an eligible master’s or professional degree at McGill University.

The McCall MacBain Scholarship is more than a financial award. It is a comprehensive leadership program designed for students who demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership potential, community involvement, exceptional character, and a desire to create positive change.

Selected scholars will receive full tuition coverage, a monthly living allowance, relocation support, leadership training, mentorship, coaching, and access to a diverse international community.

For the 2027 admission cycle, up to 30 fully funded McCall MacBain Scholarships and up to 100 finalist and regional awards will be offered. International applicants from all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

McCall MacBain Scholarship 2027 Overview

• Host Country: Canada
• Host University: McGill University
• Scholarship Name: McCall MacBain Scholarship
• Degree Level: Master’s and eligible professional programs
• Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded
• Eligible Applicants: Canadian and international students
• Study Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• Application Status: Open
• International Application Deadline: 19 August 2026
• Canada and USA University Applicant Deadline: 23 September 2026
• Admission Intake: Summer/Fall 2027

About the McCall MacBain Scholarship

The McCall MacBain Scholarship is one of Canada’s most competitive graduate scholarships. It supports students who want to pursue graduate or professional education while strengthening their leadership abilities and contributing to their communities.

Scholars study in an eligible full-time program at McGill University and participate in an interdisciplinary leadership development curriculum. They also receive guidance from experienced mentors, executive coaches, academic advisers, and professionals from different sectors.

The scholarship aims to develop leaders who serve others with integrity, humility, courage, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Financial Benefits of the McCall MacBain Scholarship

The McCall MacBain Scholarship 2027 provides comprehensive financial and academic support.

Selected scholars will receive:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Coverage of mandatory university fees
• A monthly living stipend of CAD 2,300 during academic terms
• A one-time relocation grant for moving to Montreal
• Access to beginner, intermediate, and advanced French-language courses
• Leadership development training
• Personal mentorship
• Executive coaching
• Academic and professional networking opportunities
• Access to the McCall MacBain House
• Participation in seminars, workshops, field trips, and annual summer programs

Scholars who are not enrolled in an academic term during the summer may also apply for up to CAD 5,000 to complete a meaningful summer initiative.

Number of Scholarships and Awards

For the 2027 cohort, up to 130 scholarships and awards are available.

Awards for International Applicants

International applicants may compete for:

• 10 fully funded McCall MacBain Scholarships
• 25 Finalist Awards worth CAD 20,000 per year for up to two years
• 15 Regional Awards worth CAD 10,000

Awards for Canadian Applicants

Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible refugees may compete for:

• 20 fully funded McCall MacBain Scholarships
• 30 Finalist Awards worth CAD 10,000
• 30 Regional Awards worth CAD 5,000

The full scholarships and finalist awards are tenable at McGill University. Certain regional awards may be used at eligible public universities in Canada.

Available Degree Programs

Applicants must plan to begin an eligible program at McGill University in Summer or Fall 2027.

The scholarship is available for full-time master’s programs and selected second-entry professional undergraduate degrees. The eligible program should normally consist of at least 45 credits and take place mainly at McGill University’s Downtown or Macdonald Campus.

Eligible master’s degree types include:

• Master of Arts
• Master of Architecture
• Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Education
• Master of Engineering
• Master of Information Studies
• Master of Management
• Master of Music
• Master of Public Policy
• Master of Science
• Master of Applied Science
• Master of Social Work
• Master of Urban Planning
• Master of Laws
• Master of Sacred Theology
• Occupational Therapy programs
• Physical Therapy programs

Eligible second-entry professional degrees include:

• BCL/JD in Law
• Doctor of Dental Medicine
• Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery

Applicants should confirm that their intended McGill University program is included in the official list of eligible programs before submitting an application.

Programs Not Covered by the Scholarship

The following programs are generally not eligible:

• PhD programs
• Graduate certificate programs
• Part-time programs
• Executive master’s programs
• Joint degree programs
• EMBA programs
• International Masters for Health Leadership
• International Masters Program for Managers
• Graduate Management programs offered on a part-time basis

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship 2027, applicants must meet at least one of the following conditions:

1. The applicant is currently completing their first bachelor’s degree and expects to graduate by August 2027.
2. The applicant completed their first bachelor’s degree in January 2021 or later.
3. The applicant completed their first bachelor’s degree before January 2021 and was 30 years old or younger on 1 January 2026.

Applicants must also:

• Meet the admission requirements of their chosen McGill University program
• Meet the required academic standards
• Satisfy the English or French language requirements of the selected program
• Apply for an eligible full-time program
• Demonstrate leadership potential
• Show evidence of community service and involvement
• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and academic strength
• Show strong personal character and integrity
• Be prepared to study at McGill University in Summer or Fall 2027

There is generally no age limit for current students and recent graduates. The age condition mainly applies to applicants who completed their first bachelor’s degree more than five years ago.

Selection Criteria

The scholarship selection committee evaluates candidates according to five main areas.

1. Exceptional Character

Applicants should demonstrate integrity, honesty, empathy, resilience, hard work, a commitment to excellence, and a willingness to take meaningful risks.

2. Community Engagement

Candidates should show meaningful involvement in community service, volunteering, student organizations, social projects, professional associations, or other activities that benefit people.

3. Leadership Potential

Applicants should provide examples of leading teams, organizing projects, supporting others, solving problems, or working toward a common goal.

4. Entrepreneurial Spirit

Candidates should demonstrate their ability to recognize problems, develop creative solutions, introduce new ideas, and motivate others.

5. Academic Strength and Intellectual Curiosity

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and genuine interest in learning, ideas, people, and global challenges.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents or information:

• Valid passport or national identification details
• Academic transcripts
• Bachelor’s degree certificate, where applicable
• Details of academic history
• Curriculum vitae or résumé
• Information about employment and professional experience
• Details of extracurricular activities
• Community service and volunteering experience
• Leadership experience
• Personal essays and short-answer responses
• One academic reference
• One community reference
• University endorsement, where required
• English or French language test results, if required by the selected McGill program

The scholarship application may not initially require every document needed for admission to McGill University. The scholarship application and university admission application are two separate processes.

Reference Requirements

Applicants must arrange two references:

• One academic reference from a person familiar with the applicant’s academic performance
• One community reference from a person familiar with the applicant’s leadership, volunteering, or community involvement

Reference writers must submit their forms through the online system before the scholarship deadline.

Applicants should choose referees who know them well and can provide detailed examples of their character, abilities, leadership, academic performance, and community contribution.

University Endorsement Requirements

Some applicants must receive an endorsement from their current or former university.

International students who are currently studying or recently graduated may be required to seek endorsement from their university.

International graduates of participating universities may be allowed to apply directly, depending on their graduation year and university. Applicants should begin the online application early because the application system provides personalized instructions about whether an endorsement is required.

A university representative may be a:

• President
• Vice-Chancellor
• Rector
• Provost
• Senior university administrator
• Fellowship adviser

An application requiring endorsement may not be considered without the completed university endorsement.

How to Apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship 2027

The application process consists of two separate stages.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Review the scholarship eligibility requirements and confirm that your proposed McGill University program is eligible.

Step 2: Create an Online Account

Visit the official McCall MacBain Scholarship application portal and create an applicant account.

Step 3: Complete the Scholarship Application

Provide details about your:

• Academic background
• Work experience
• Leadership experience
• Community involvement
• Extracurricular activities
• Career goals
• Intended McGill University program

Step 4: Complete the Essays

Answer all personal, academic, leadership, and community-related questions carefully. Use real examples and clearly explain your role and impact.

Step 5: Request Two References

Enter the contact details of one academic referee and one community referee. The referees will receive an email containing a link to submit their reference forms.

Step 6: Request University Endorsement

Complete the university endorsement process when the application portal indicates that an endorsement is required.

Step 7: Submit the Scholarship Application

Review all details and submit the application before the relevant deadline.

Step 8: Apply Separately to McGill University

The scholarship application does not automatically serve as an admission application.

Applicants must submit a separate application for admission to an eligible McGill University program by the program-specific deadline.

Scholarship finalists may be required to complete their McGill University admission application by December 2026, even when their chosen program has a later deadline.

Application and Selection Timeline

The expected application timeline is:

• June 2026: Scholarship applications open
• 19 August 2026: Deadline for most international applicants
• 23 September 2026: Deadline for students and graduates of Canadian and U.S. universities and Canadians studying abroad
• October–December 2026: Regional interviews for selected semifinalists
• October–December 2026: Applicants submit separate McGill University applications
• March 2027: Final interviews in Montreal
• September 2027: Selected scholars begin their studies at McGill University

More than 250 candidates may be invited to regional interviews. Approximately 85 finalists may then be invited to Montreal for the final interviews. Travel expenses for participation in the final interviews are covered by the scholarship program.

Application Deadline

The deadline depends on the applicant’s university location and status.

• International applicants studying at or graduating from universities outside Canada and the United States: 19 August 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
• Students and graduates of Canadian and U.S. universities and Canadians studying abroad: 23 September 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Candidates should apply early so their referees and university representatives have sufficient time to complete the required forms.

Important Application Tips

• Start the online application as early as possible.
• Confirm whether you require university endorsement.
• Select referees who can provide specific examples.
• Focus on your personal contribution rather than only describing an organization.
• Clearly explain the impact of your leadership and community activities.
• Use genuine examples in your essays.
• Connect your selected degree with your long-term career goals.
• Check the admission requirements of your intended McGill program.
• Submit the scholarship and admission applications separately.
• Do not wait until the deadline to request references.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the McCall MacBain Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. It covers full tuition and mandatory fees for the normal duration of the eligible program. It also provides a monthly living stipend, relocation support, mentorship, leadership development, coaching, and additional academic opportunities.

Can international students apply?

Yes. International students from all nationalities may apply. Up to ten fully funded scholarships are expected to be offered to international candidates for the 2027 cohort.

Is IELTS required?

The scholarship itself does not have one universal IELTS requirement. However, applicants must meet the language requirements of their selected McGill University program. Depending on previous education and the chosen program, an English-language test may be required.

Can undergraduate students apply?

Students completing their first bachelor’s degree may apply if they are expected to graduate by August 2027. The scholarship funds eligible master’s and second-entry professional programs rather than regular first-entry undergraduate degrees.

Is there an application fee?

The McCall MacBain Scholarship application does not charge a scholarship application fee. However, applicants must apply separately to McGill University, and the university’s program application fee is not covered by the scholarship.

Can PhD students apply?

No. PhD programs are not covered by the McCall MacBain Scholarship.

Do I need admission to McGill before applying?

In most cases, applicants apply for the scholarship before applying for admission to McGill University. However, they must later submit a separate admission application for an eligible McGill program.

How many references are required?

Two references are required: one academic reference and one community reference.

Conclusion

The Fully Funded McCall MacBain Scholarship 2027 at McGill University in Canada is an outstanding opportunity for students who combine academic excellence with leadership, community engagement, integrity, and a commitment to positive change.

The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, relocation assistance, mentorship, leadership training, coaching, and several other development opportunities. Applicants from all nationalities can apply for eligible master’s and professional programs.

International applicants should submit their applications by 19 August 2026, while eligible applicants associated with Canadian and U.S. universities have until 23 September 2026. Candidates are strongly advised to start early because references and university endorsement may also need to be completed before the deadline.