Are you a passionate, purpose-driven individual with a desire to make a meaningful impact on the world? Do you dream of pursuing a master’s or professional degree at a world-class institution without the burden of tuition fees and living expenses? Look no further than the prestigious McCall MacBain Scholarship of McGill University in Canada, now open for its 2025 cohort!
This isn’t just a scholarship; it’s an investment in future leaders. Established with a landmark $200 million gift, the McCall MacBain Scholarship is Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarship for graduate studies, designed to cultivate individuals who aspire to lead with integrity, empathy, and courage.
Benefits Of The McCall MacBain
Beyond the exceptional financial support, the McCall MacBain Scholarship offers an unparalleled experience:
- Fully Funded: Covers full tuition and fees for the entire normal duration of your chosen master’s or professional program at McGill.
- Generous Living Stipend: Receive a monthly living stipend of $2,300 during academic terms to cover your living expenses in vibrant Montreal.
- Relocation Grant: A one-time grant is provided to help with the costs of moving to Montreal.
- Summer Funding Options: Scholars not pursuing an academic term during the summer can apply for up to $5,000 to support meaningful summer initiatives.
- Leadership Development Program: Participate in a unique interdisciplinary leadership program, designed to sharpen your skills and broaden your perspective.
- Mentorship and Networking: Gain access to a network of mentors, coaches, and advisors who will guide and support your academic and professional journey.
- Global Community: Join a diverse cohort of exceptional scholars from around the world, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and lifelong connections.
Eligibility Criteria for the McCall MacBain Scholarship of McGill University
To be eligible for the 2025 cohort (for Summer/Fall 2026 admission), you must meet ONE of the following academic criteria:
- You are a current student on track to earn your first bachelor’s degree by August 2026.
- You earned your first bachelor’s degree in the last five years (January 2020 or later).
- You earned your first bachelor’s degree more than five years ago, AND were 30 years or younger on January 1st, 2025.
In addition to these, you must also meet the minimum degree and language requirements for your desired McGill master’s program admission. The scholarship covers over 150 master’s programs and 3 second-entry professional undergraduate programs (Law, Dentistry, Medicine) at McGill, which must be pursued full-time and consist of 45 credits or more.
Application Process For The McCall MacBain Scholarship of McGill University
The application process for the McCall MacBain Scholarship is rigorous, designed to identify truly exceptional candidates. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:
- Apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship: The online application opens in June 2025.
- Deadline for International Applicants (outside Canada & U.S.): August 20, 2025, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Deadline for Canada & U.S. Applicants: September 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Required Documents: Your application will typically include:
- Activities, Work Experience, and Breaks
- Short Essays (250-300 words each)
- Transcripts (official or unofficial from all university studies)
- One-page Resume (PDF, minimum 10pt font, no photos)
- Two Reference Forms (one academic, one community-based; cannot be family, fellow students, or friends). Current students and recent graduates (2023, 2024, or 2025) require university endorsement. Alumni who graduated in 2022 or earlier do not.
- Regional Interviews (Invitation Only): After an initial assessment of written applications, over 250 semi-finalists (Canadian and international) will be invited to regional interviews. These typically occur between October and December 2025.
- Apply for McGill Programs: You must apply separately to at least one eligible master’s or professional program at McGill University. McGill admissions generally open in September for the following Fall semester. If you are selected as a scholarship finalist, you should apply by your chosen program’s deadline or by December at the latest.
- Final Interviews (Invitation Only): Approximately 85 finalists will be invited to final interviews in Montreal (travel costs are covered). These usually take place in March 2026. Finalists are eligible for either the full scholarship or a finalist award.
- Scholarship Offers & Enrollment: Up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars (20 Canadians, 10 international) will be selected to begin their studies at McGill University in September 2026.
Conclusion
If you possess a strong academic record, a history of community engagement, demonstrated leadership potential, and a genuine desire to create a better world, the McCall MacBain Scholarship could be a life-changing opportunity. It’s highly competitive, but the rewards extend far beyond financial assistance, offering a transformative educational and leadership experience at one of Canada’s most prestigious universities.