McCall MacBain Scholarship 2026| Fully Funded Graduate Award

McCall MacBain Scholarship is Canada’s first comprehensive, leadership driven scholarship for master’s and professional degree studies. Established at McGill University in Montreal through a historic $200 million gift from John and Marcy McCall MacBain, the program is designed to identify and support students who possess an exceptional “inner drive” to make a positive impact. It is modeled after world-renowned awards like the Rhodes and Schwarzman scholarships, but with a specific focus on leadership, character, and community engagement within the Canadian context.

Each year, the Foundation selects up to 30 full Scholars (20 Canadian and 10 International) to join a multidisciplinary cohort. Beyond the 30 full scholarships, the program also awards approximately 100 entrance awards ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to finalist and regional candidates who demonstrate significant potential. The scholarship is not merely a financial grant; it is an entry into a rigorous mentorship and leadership development program where scholars work with coaches, attend retreats, and engage with global leaders to refine their skills. also check: Coca Cola Scholarship 2027

The selection process looks far beyond grades, focusing on five core criteria: exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, and academic strength. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate how they have taken meaningful risks, learned from failure, and worked collaboratively to address challenges in their communities. This “all-round” approach ensures that the cohort is composed of diverse individuals who are as dedicated to service as they are to their academic fields. check: Cambridge Trust Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (UK)

Scholarship Summary

Scholarship Benefits

McCall MacBain Scholarship offers one of the most generous funding packages in North America, covering both financial and professional growth:

• Full Tuition Coverage: Payment of all tuition and mandatory fees for the normal duration of the master’s or professional program at McGill.
• Monthly Stipend: A living allowance of $2,300 CAD per month during academic terms to cover housing and personal expenses.
• Relocation Grant: A one-time grant to assist with the costs of moving to Montréal.
• Summer Funding: Scholars can apply for up to $5,000 to pursue meaningful summer initiatives, such as internships or specialized training.
• French Language Courses: Access to beginner through advanced French language courses to facilitate integration into the Quebec community.
• Mentorship & Coaching: Direct access to a mentor, professional coaching, and a tailored leadership development curriculum.
• Also check: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees 2026 – Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the next application cycle (e.g., Summer/Fall 2027 entry), you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Current Students: You are on track to earn your first bachelor’s degree by August 2027.
• Recent Graduates: You earned your first bachelor’s degree in the last five years (January 2021 or later).
• Early Career/Older Applicants: You earned your degree more than five years ago but were 30 years or younger on January 1st of the application year (some flexibility exists for those with unique life paths).
• McGill Admission: You must intend to apply for full-time admission to an eligible Master’s or professional program at McGill for the following academic year.
• University Endorsement: Current students and very recent graduates usually require an endorsement from their home university to advance to the final stages.
• also check: Rhodes Scholarship 2026

Required Documents

The application is submitted through an online portal and requires several reflective components:

• Online Application Form: Detailed personal and academic history.
• One-Page Resume (CV): A high-impact summary of activities and achievements (no photos).
• Unofficial Transcripts: Academic records from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Short Essays: Four essays (approx. 250–300 words each) reflecting on your goals, a “course correction” (failure), and your leadership influences.
• Two References: One academic reference who can speak to your intellect, and one community reference who can speak to your character and service.
• McGill Application: Note that you must also complete a separate, official application to your chosen McGill graduate program.
• check: Schwarzman Scholarship program 2026

Deadline

The McCall MacBain Scholarship has two distinct deadlines based on where you are currently studying:

Step by step Application Process

1. Find Your Program: Research the over 150 eligible master’s and professional degrees at McGill University. Ensure your program has a minimum of 45 credits.
2. Start the Portal Early: Open your application on the McCall MacBain website in June to review the specific essay prompts and reference requirements.
3. Secure References: Request your academic and community references immediately. They must submit their forms directly into the portal by the scholarship deadline.
4. Seek University Endorsement: If you are a current student, check your university’s internal “campus deadline” for endorsement, which is often weeks earlier than the national deadline.
5. Submit and Prepare for Interviews: If your application is successful, you will be invited to a Regional Interview (held in person in Canada or virtually for international students).
6. Finalist Weekend: Top candidates (approx. 85) are flown to Montréal in March for final interviews. Travel costs are fully covered by the Foundation.
7. Final Selection: Scholars are notified within weeks of the final interviews. If selected, you will attend an orientation to meet your cohort and begin your journey at McGill.
8. acheck: gates scholarship 2026