One of Canada’s most prestigious fully funded graduate scholarships is now open — and it comes with a $2,300 monthly stipend, free tuition, mentorship from world-class leaders, and a community that will change your life. The McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University is not just a financial award — it is a complete leadership development experience for students who are driven to make a real difference in the world. Whether you are finishing your bachelor’s degree or graduated within the last five years, this could be your path to a free master’s education in one of the world’s top student cities. Here at Gradualin, we’ve put together everything you need to know to apply with confidence.
📋 Quick Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
| Scholarship Name | McCall MacBain Scholarship |
| Host University | McGill University |
| Country | 🇨🇦 Canada |
| Degree Level | Master’s & Professional Degrees |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Deadline (International) | August 19, 2026 |
| Deadline (Canada/USA) | September 23, 2026 |
| Open To | Canadian & International Students |
| Official Website | mccallmacbainscholars.org |
🎓 Scholarship Overview
The McCall MacBain Scholarship was established in 2019 and is proudly recognized as Canada’s first comprehensive leadership-driven graduate scholarship program. It is hosted at McGill University — ranked #1 in Canada and #27 in the world in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. This is one of the most competitive and generous scholarships available to graduate students anywhere in the world.
What makes this opportunity truly remarkable is that it is not just about paying your tuition. The program wraps a full leadership curriculum, professional mentorship network, executive coaching, and a globally connected community around each scholar — transforming them into purpose-driven leaders ready to tackle the world’s toughest challenges.
Each year, up to 30 full McCall MacBain Scholarships and up to 100 additional entrance and finalist awards are offered. This means that even if you don’t win the top scholarship, you still have a genuine chance of receiving a significant financial award. This is one of only a handful of graduate scholarships in the world that offers such a tiered award structure — meaning more students benefit.
🎓 Benefits & Funding — What You Receive
Here’s the best part — the McCall MacBain Scholarship is genuinely fully funded. Here is exactly what scholars receive:
For McCall MacBain Scholars (Full Award):
- ✅ Full tuition and all fees covered for the normal duration of the master’s or professional program
- ✅ Living stipend of $2,300 CAD per month (~$1,680 USD/month) during all academic terms
- ✅ One-time relocation grant to help you move to Montreal
- ✅ French language courses from beginner to advanced level — free of charge
- ✅ Summer initiative fund of up to $5,000 CAD for scholars not in academic term during summer
- ✅ Travel costs fully covered if you are invited to final interviews in Montreal
For Finalist & Regional Award Winners:
| Award Type | Canadian Students | International Students |
| Finalist Award | $10,000 (one-time) at McGill | $20,000/year for up to 2 years at McGill |
| Regional Award | $5,000 at any public Canadian university | $10,000 at any public Canadian university |
The combined value of a full McCall MacBain Scholarship — including tuition (which can range from $8,000 to $25,000+ CAD per year depending on program), stipend, and extras — can easily be worth $50,000–$80,000 CAD or more over the scholarship period. That is an extraordinary level of support.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2027 cohort, you must meet one of the following academic stage requirements:
- 📌 You are currently studying and on track to complete your first bachelor’s degree by August 2027
- 📌 You earned your first bachelor’s degree within the last five years (January 2021 or later)
- 📌 You earned your first bachelor’s degree more than five years ago, but were 30 years old or younger on January 1, 2026
Additional Requirements:
- You must meet the minimum degree and language requirements for McGill University’s master’s program admission
- You must be planning to enroll in a full-time master’s or eligible professional degree at McGill
- The program must be 45 credits or more and take place on McGill’s downtown or Macdonald campus
Regarding English Language Tests: McGill requires proof of English proficiency for international students from non-English-speaking countries. This is typically satisfied via IELTS or TOEFL scores. However, applicants from countries where English is the primary language of instruction may be exempt — always verify on the McGill admissions page.
No GRE is required to apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship itself.
🎓 Who Should Apply — And Who Should Not
✅ Apply if you:
- Have demonstrated community leadership, social impact, or entrepreneurial initiative in your past
- Are genuinely passionate about leading positive change — not just building your career
- Are about to start or have recently completed a bachelor’s degree
- Want a fully funded master’s at one of the world’s top-ranked universities
- Are an international student from any country — this scholarship is truly global
❌ Don’t apply if you:
- Are looking for a PhD funding program — this does not cover doctoral studies
- Already hold a master’s degree and want a second one — the scholarship targets your first graduate degree
- Want to study part-time or in an executive/online program — only full-time on-campus programs qualify
- Are not genuinely interested in the leadership development curriculum — participation is expected and central to the program
🎓 Eligible Programs & Fields of Study
The McCall MacBain Scholarship supports more than 150 fields of study across the following master’s degree types at McGill:
- MA — Arts
- MArch — Architecture
- MBA — Business Administration
- MEd — Education
- MEng — Engineering
- MISt — Information Studies
- MM — Management Analytics, Finance, Retail
- MPP — Public Policy
- MSc — Science
- MScA — Applied Science (including Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)
- MSW — Social Work
- MUP — Urban Planning
- LLM — Law
- MMus — Music
Second-Entry Professional Undergraduate Degrees also covered:
- BCL/JD — Law
- DMD — Dentistry
- MDCM — Medicine
Not covered: PhD programs, executive master’s programs (EMBA, IMHL, IMPM), part-time programs, joint degree programs, or graduate certificates.
👉 Explore the full list of eligible McGill programs at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/programs
🎓 Required Documents
While the exact document checklist may vary slightly by program, generally you will need to prepare:
- Completed McCall MacBain Scholarship online application
- Two completed reference forms (submitted directly by your referees)
- Official academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Personal statements / essays as requested in the application portal
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL if applicable — check McGill requirements)
- A separate McGill University graduate admissions application (this is submitted later in the process)
Note: The McCall MacBain Scholarship application and the McGill admissions application are two separate processes. You must complete both.
🎓 Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps carefully to give yourself the best chance:
- Visit the official application portal at apply.mccallmacbainscholars.org/apply
- Register for an information session — the team runs regular sessions that give invaluable insight into what the selection committee looks for
- Complete your McCall MacBain Scholarship application — this opens in June 2026 and closes in August/September 2026
- Request two references — contact your referees early, as they must submit their forms through the official portal
- Submit before the deadline — International deadline: August 19, 2026 | Canada/USA deadline: September 23, 2026
- Apply to McGill separately — McGill’s graduate admissions typically open in September for Fall entry. If you become a scholarship finalist, you must apply to McGill by December
- Attend regional interviews (if invited) — over 250 semi-finalists are invited to regional interviews between October and December 2026
- Attend final interviews in Montreal (if invited) — approximately 85 finalists are invited to final interviews in March 2027, with travel costs covered
- Begin your studies — successful scholars start at McGill in September 2027
🎓 Important Dates & Deadlines
| Event | Date |
| Application Opens | June 2026 |
| International Application Deadline | August 19, 2026 — 4:00 PM ET |
| Canada/USA Application Deadline | September 23, 2026 — 4:00 PM ET |
| McGill Admissions Opens | October 2026 |
| Regional Interviews | October–December 2026 |
| McGill Application Deadline (Finalists) | December 2026 |
| Final Interviews in Montreal | March 2027 |
| Studies Begin | September 2027 |
📌 Bookmark this page and check back for updates as deadlines approach.
🎓 Why Apply — Why McGill & Montreal
Studying at McGill is genuinely one of the most exciting academic experiences in the world. The university has produced 12 Nobel laureates, more than 3,700 publications annually, and counts world-changing thinkers, policymakers, scientists, and entrepreneurs among its alumni network.
But beyond the university, Montreal itself is a dream city for students. It has been ranked one of the world’s top student cities year after year — offering a unique blend of French and English culture, an incredibly affordable cost of living compared to Toronto or Vancouver, world-class food and arts scenes, and direct flights to more than 130 cities globally.
The McCall MacBain program adds another layer: a dedicated community hub called the McCall MacBain House, annual summer intensives, field trips across Canada, and weekly leadership seminars where you’ll learn alongside a cohort of some of the most driven young people from around the world. The program has matched scholars with mentors who are business executives, university presidents, legal experts, health professionals, and social entrepreneurs — more than 100 distinguished mentors have participated since 2021.
What makes this different from other scholarships is the human investment. This isn’t just money handed over — it’s a transformative two-year leadership journey that will shape who you are, not just what degree you hold.
🎓 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply as an international student from any country? A: Yes. The McCall MacBain Scholarship is open to students from any country in the world. International students compete for 10 full scholarships plus 25 finalist awards and 15 regional awards annually.
Q: Do I need a GRE score to apply? A: No, the McCall MacBain Scholarship does not require a GRE score. However, you should check the individual McGill program you plan to apply to, as some specific programs may have their own requirements (verify on the official McGill website).
Q: Can I apply if I graduated more than five years ago? A: Yes — but only if you were 30 years old or younger on January 1, 2026. If you graduated more than five years ago and are over 30, you are unfortunately not eligible for the 2027 cohort.
Q: Is the scholarship application separate from McGill’s admissions? A: Yes, completely. You must submit two separate applications: one to the McCall MacBain Scholarship program, and one to McGill University directly. If you are a finalist, you will need to apply to McGill by December 2026 even if the program deadline is later.
Q: What if I don’t win the full scholarship — is there still value in applying? A: Absolutely. Even if you don’t receive the full scholarship, up to 100 finalist and regional awards are available — ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 per year. Being named a semi-finalist or finalist is also a significant recognition that can strengthen your academic and professional profile.
Q: Can I apply if I plan to study part-time or in an executive program? A: No. Only full-time master’s or eligible professional programs at McGill’s downtown or Macdonald campuses qualify. Executive programs (EMBA, IMHL, IMPM), part-time programs, and PhDs are not eligible.
🎓 Official Source & Application Links
- 🌐 Official Scholarship Website: mccallmacbainscholars.org
- 📝 Apply Online: apply.mccallmacbainscholars.org/apply
- 📅 Information Sessions: apply.mccallmacbainscholars.org/portal/events
- 🎓 Eligible McGill Programs: mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/programs
- 📋 McGill Admissions Requirements: mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply
- 📍 Address: 772 Sherbrooke St W, 4th Floor, Montreal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada
📋 Complete Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
| Scholarship | McCall MacBain Scholarship 2027 |
| University | McGill University, Montreal, Canada |
| Ranking | #1 in Canada, #27 Globally (QS 2026) |
| Degree Level | Master’s & Select Professional Degrees |
| Number of Full Scholarships | Up to 30 (20 Canadian + 10 International) |
| Total Awards Available | Up to 130 (scholarships + finalist/regional) |
| Tuition | Fully Covered |
| Monthly Stipend | $2,300 CAD/month during academic terms |
| Relocation Grant | Yes (one-time) |
| French Courses | Included Free |
| Summer Fund | Up to $5,000 CAD |
| Interview Travel | Covered by program |
| International Deadline | August 19, 2026 — 4:00 PM ET |
| Canada/USA Deadline | September 23, 2026 — 4:00 PM ET |
| Study Start | September 2027 |
| GRE Required | No |
| Application Portal | apply.mccallmacbainscholars.org |
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The McCall MacBain Scholarship is one of the most complete, generous, and transformative graduate funding opportunities available anywhere in the world. If you have the leadership drive, the academic record, and the desire to contribute to your community, this is your moment. Don’t wait — applications are open now and deadlines come faster than you expect.
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