Obtain the McCall MacBain Scholarship 2025 and begin your school journey at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
The scholarship assists exceptional people in obtaining their master-level professional degrees.
The purpose of this program is to foster changemakers, innovators, and thinkers, leaders that desire to make a difference not just in their local area but also in the global context.
Each scholar is provided with an enormous amount of financial support and gets into an intellectual cohort experience.
In case you are interested in this scholarship, then this post is for you.
Here we’ve put together all the things you need to know about McCall MacBain scholarship including the eligibility criteria, benefits of the program, deadlines as well as the application procedure. Let’s dive in.
2025 McCall MacBain Scholarship – Abstract/Summary
Host: McGill University
Location: Canada
Degree Scholarships: Master’s degree
Benefits: Funded tuition | Living stipends | Relocation expenses | Accommodation allowance | summer funding | leadership & mentorship programming
Living Stipends: Up to $2,300 per month
Eligible Countries: Open to all countries
Application Status: Annual cohort program
Application Deadline: September 24
The McCall MacBain Scholarship Program – Overview
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is a graduate fellowship program at McGill University and its aim is to recruit and retain outstanding students across the globe with a balance of character, intellectual curiosity, leadership, and with a sense of commitment to community.
The program, which is one of the most high-profile graduate scholarship programs in Canada, is funded by a landmark gift of John and Marcy McCall MacBain to the value of 200 million dollars in 2019.
A maximum of 30 full scholarships are granted each year to the candidates (some part to the Canadian and international ones).
Besides that, 100 finalist and regional grants (smaller grants) are granted to exceptional applicants who were not invited to the full scholarship.
The program is not limited to financial assistance, scholars enroll in an academic leadership development program, they undergo mentoring and coaching and they join up a transdisciplinary international alumni network at McGill.
Scholarship Breakdown & Coverage
While pursuing a master’s degree or a professional undergraduate program at McCall University, MacBain Scholars will receive an award that covers:
Fees and tuition for the entire typical length of the professional or master’s program
A $2,300 monthly living stipend during the academic year
A one-time grant for relocation to Montréal
French language classes ranging from basic to advanced.
A $5,000 award to scholars who are not enrolled in classes during the summer to support the projects.
In addition, 100 finalist and regional awards are awarded each year, and up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholarships will be given to individuals who stand out throughout the interview process. Here’s a breakdown:
Canadian Applicants ~ Including refugees, permanent residents, and citizens of Canada
20 McCall MacBain Scholarships are available
Thirty (30) $10,000 finalist awards are available
Thirty (30) $5,000 regional awards are available at any Canadian public university.
International Applicants ~ Any other nationality or citizenship
10 McCall MacBain Scholarships are available.
25 finalist awards of up to $20,000, tenable at McGill
15 Regional Awards of $10,000, which can be accepted at any Canadian public university
Why Should You Apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship? – Benefits
Applying for McCall MacBain offers more than financial support. Here’s why it’s worth pursuing:
Financial Support: The scholarship program is fully funded, you do not have to worry about tuition, housing cost, or any other educational costs.
Leadership & Mentorship Program: In addition to scholarships, scholars receive well-grounded leadership programs, mentorship, leadership, and community building.
Professional Networking: Becoming a McCall MacBain Scholar would put you at par with a high-achieving group of fellow students, advisors, and internationally-minded network.
A living stipend/monthly allowance of $2,300 per month during academic terms
Up to $5,000 might be awarded to scholars who are not enrolled in classes during the summer to support worthwhile summer projects.
Relocation/moving grant (one-time allowance which is used to help launch expenses in cost of relocation to Montreal)
Summer grants to pursue a research, project or internship during the summer holiday.
McCall MacBain Scholarship 2025 – Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, verify these eligibility requirements. Applicants must satisfy both general and program-specific criteria:
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Must plan on studying a Master or a second-entry professional degree on a full-time basis at McGill University (or a Summer/Fall start)
Applicants will need to fulfill the GiB requirements on the minimum admission and language requirements of the program desired by McGill (i.e. English proficiency, prior degree)
You will have to meet one of the following:
You are a current student who will graduate in August 2026 with your first bachelor’s degree.
Within the last five years, you obtained your first bachelor’s degree (January 2020 or later).
You were 30 years of age or under on January 1st, 2025, and you received your first bachelor’s degree more than five years ago.
In case you are a Canadian university graduate or a new graduate (or U.S.) combined, you have to apply before the Canadian/U.S. deadline in September.
In case you have an international background–your institution is not Canada based, you are expected to apply before the international deadline in August.
Selection Criteria
Beyond eligibility, the selection committee evaluates candidates based on:
Extraordinary Personality: integrity, humility, perseverance, devotion to lifelong learning, readiness to take risks worth taking.
Community Engagement: active, effective service or input in society.
Leadership Potential: can guide teams to work together to achieve similar objectives, influence other people, and be responsible.
Entrepreneurial Spirit / Innovation: ability to spot flaws, suggest an idea, and drive the limits.
Academic, strength, and intellectual Curiosity: good academic history and intellectual interest in a variety of disciplines.
Note: The minimum GPA requirements is not publicly stated, outstanding academic history is typically an attribute of the best applicants.
How to Apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship 2025
Here’s a step-by-step guide to submitting a competitive application.
Step 1: Research program and prepare early.
Determine the master and or professional degrees programs at McGill that you think would suit your interests and match the scholarship requirements.
Step 2: Gather all supporting documents
Ensure you meet all the requirements as stated above. Then proceed to gather all the necessary documents for your application. The McCall MacBain scholarship application usually requires:
- Bio and professional experience.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
- The unofficial transcripts of all post-secondary institutions.
- Two recommendation letters (a letter usually academic and the other letter usually community or professional)
In case you are an existing learner or graduate of a Canadian or U.S institute you might be required to obtain a recommendation or nomination of your university prior to the submission of the scholarship application.
Step 3: Submit your application before/on the Deadline
Send the finalized application submission as a McCall MacBain application through the scholarship portal.
Step 4: Interview Rounds
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.
Step 6: Award & Enrollment
After the interview, select candidates are offered the official invitations, directions of the visa, relocation and enrollment treatments and methods at McGill.
McCall MacBain Scholarship 2025 – Required Documents
Here’s a summary checklist of documents you’ll need to gather:
- Valid identification or passport
- Academic transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or proof of anticipated completion
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Short essays or personal statements
- Two letters of reference
- Proof of language proficiency
- Institutional endorsement nomination
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply if I finished my bachelor’s degree more than five years ago?
Yes, if you are 30 or younger as of January 1, 2026.
Is there an application fee?
There is no publicly declared application charge that is attached with McCall MacBain scholarship.
Are international students eligible?
Yes, the scholarship is accessible at international level.
Is relocation or travelling on the expenses covered?
Yes, the package covers relocation and travel expenses.
Do I have to apply first of all to McGill?
Yes. Being able to get the scholarship does not necessarily mean one will be admitted. You must apply to one or more McGill graduate programs according to their different deadlines.