Educate Africa

Scholarship information and University and Secondary School rankings

MasterCard Scholars Program – McGill University

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MasterCard Scholars Program – McGill University

  • McGill University, one of the institutions that host the MasterCard Scholarship Program, is an internationally diverse, leading Canadian postsecondary institution that has a mission to advance learning through scholarship, teaching, and service to society.

Scholarship Overview

  • The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) gives academically talented and community-engaged young leaders from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to attend university and get a quality education.
  • The chief aim of MCFSP is to create a highly qualified and globally educated crop of future leaders who will return to Africa upon graduation to help foster the region’s development.
  • All scholars receive funding and guidance for two internships in their home countries. These internships help the scholars to maintain a connection with their country of origin, as well as create a path towards meaningful employment on graduation.
  • Apart from receiving a comprehensive scholarship, scholars also go through skills training, transition support, as well as giving back to society through the give-back component of the program.

Host School(s)

  • McGill University, Canada

Fields of Study

Selected Master’s Programs in the following fields

  • Architecture
  • Education
  • Arts
  • Information Studies
  • Science
  • Applied Science
  • Urban Planning

What does the scholarship cover?

  • The scholarship covers:
    • Tuition fees
    • Books and supplies
    • Travel costs
    • Accommodation
    • Stipends
    • Up to one year of English instruction if needed
    • Mentoring, counseling, academic support and social support

How many scholarships are given?

  • 24 scholarships at Master’s level.

Which countries are targeted?

  • Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso
  • Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic
  • Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, the 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

Am I Eligible to Apply?

  • You must qualify for and receive admission to McGill University
  • You must be a first-time applicant to McGill University
  • You must be a citizen and a resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
  • You must have an exceptional record of service and activity in your community and school.
  • You should have the potential for future service to your community, as a leader engaged in local and global social and economic change.
  • You must commit to returning to Africa after graduation so that you can continue to give back to your community, and your country.
  • You must be from a low-income background. Note that proof of your financial status will be required
  • You must be less than 35 years old at the time of application

How Do I Apply – Next Steps

  • First, check out the list of eligible programs, and then verify that you qualify for the program.
  • Request nomination from the department you want to join via email. Your university transcript, curriculum vitae and a short personal statement of 350 words should accompany the application.
  • After nomination, create an account on the uApply portal.
  • Once nominated, you will receive a fee waiver and you will be able to complete the application process.
  • Ask your referee to fill in the recommendation form and return it to the university.
  • Once all the relevant documents are presented, the department will review the application.

Closing Date

  • The deadline for applications is January 31, 2020.

How do I get more information?

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