Fully Funded McCall MacBain Scholarships in Canada 2026

The McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026 in Canada offer completely supported opportunities for talented candidates to pursue graduate studies at McGill University. This esteemed award, which covers tuition, living expenses, and relocation costs, enables scholars to concentrate on leadership and academic performance. Recipients acquire priceless skills to promote constructive change in their communities through networking, enrichment, and mentoring programs.

The McCall MacBain Scholarship gives recipients access to McGill University’s top-notch research and education. Financial stability helps scholars since it enables them to devote themselves entirely to their coursework and extracurricular activities. Through mentoring and networking with experts throughout the world, the program also promotes leadership development, preparing students for successful careers in public service, business, academia, and other fields.

In addition to providing financial aid, the McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026 offer a platform for both professional and personal development. Students get a global perspective by immersing themselves in Canada’s diverse academic and cultural environment. The awardees gain the abilities necessary to become future leaders and changemakers who will significantly impact society through seminars, leadership development, and community involvement. This article explores the benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and selection procedures for the McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026.

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McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill

The first comprehensive, leadership-driven scholarships for master’s and professional degree programs in Canada are the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. A varied group of scholars who have shown leadership potential and an innate desire to positively influence others’ lives are brought together by the scholarship program in order to pursue leadership with purpose.

With their historic $200 million donation, John and Marcy McCall MacBain announced the scholarships in February 2019. It was the biggest gift ever given in Canadian history at the time. They believed Canada needed a comprehensive master’s-level scholarship that builds on but is not limited to academic excellence, based on their work over the years with some of the best scholarships in the world, including the Rhodes Scholarships in Oxford, the Mandela Rhodes Scholarships in Cape Town, and the Kupe Scholarships in New Zealand.

Leading with Purpose

There is much more to the McCall MacBain Scholarships than just financial aid. We give scholars the chance to grow as transdisciplinary leaders in a complicated world because we believe in the strength of the community. A varied group of scholars who have shown leadership aptitude and an innate desire to positively touch others’ lives are brought together by this program to lead with purpose.

Although McCall MacBain Scholars will work on a wide range of issues in many fields, they all have the same goal of becoming leaders who take big, worthwhile risks, are dedicated to lifelong learning and bridge-building, and serve others with honesty and humility. McCall MacBain Scholars participate in an interdisciplinary leadership program at McGill University while pursuing a funded master’s degree or a professional undergraduate program for second-entry students. Recipients of the McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026 will receive:

  • Full tuition and fees for the entire typical length of the master’s or professional program at McGill University.
  • A monthly living stipend of $2,300 throughout the academic year
  • Moving to Montréal and receiving a one-time relocation grant
  • French language classes from basic to advanced are available through McGill.
  • Travel funding for finalist interviews, covering expenses for in-person selection processes.
  • Leadership development programs, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
  • Students can apply for up to $5,000 to pursue worthwhile summer projects if they are not enrolled in classes over the summer.

In addition to the fully funded scholarships, up to 100 finalist and regional awards are available, offering partial funding for graduate studies at McGill University.

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Leadership Development

Through a leadership skills development curriculum, academics in an interdisciplinary cohort gain the ability to tackle complex situations and increase their impact. In addition to biweekly lectures, extra programming, field trips, and yearly summer retreats, scholars also take part in other activities.

Through workshops and one-on-one conversations with our Elders-in-residence and other speakers, they can also learn about Indigenous history, culture, and worldviews. They grow in their comprehension of people, themselves, and the systems that impact us all when they work together. Here are a few instances of workshops and seminars:

  • Strategic planning
  • Crisis communication
  • Entrepreneurial leadership
  • Political decision-making
  • Public speaking

List of Available Programs:

Master Programs:

  • MA (Arts)
  • MArch (Architecture)
  • MATL (Arts in Teaching and Learning)
  • MBA (Business Administration)
  • MEd (Education)
  • MEng (Engineering)
  • MISt (Information Studies)
  • MM (Management)
  • MMus (Music)
  • MPP (Public Policy)
  • MSc (Science)
  • MScA (Science, Applied)
  • MScAPT (Science, Applied in Physical Therapy)
  • MScAOT (Science, Applied in Occupational Therapy)
  • MSW (Social Work)
  • MUP (Urban Planning)
  • LLM (Law)
  • STM (Sacred Theology)

Second-Entry Professional Undergraduate Programs:

  • BCL/JD (Law)
  • DMD (Dentistry)
  • MDCM (Medicine)

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Eligibility Requirements for the McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026:

To qualify for the McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Candidates must be under 30 years old and may be either Canadian citizens or international students.
  • Canadian applicants may apply from anywhere in the world.
  • Applicants may only apply twice in total.
  • Candidates must be enrolled in classes now and intend to graduate with their first bachelor’s degree by August 2026, or they must have completed their first bachelor’s degree during the last five years (until January 2018 or later).
  • Those who previously accepted a Regional Award or attended final interviews are not eligible to reapply.
  • Scholarship recipients must maintain full-time enrollment at McGill University.
  • A test of English proficiency is required of applicants.
  • Must apply for a full-time master’s or professional degree at McGill University.
  • Candidates should have an outstanding academic record in their undergraduate studies.
  • Applicants should demonstrate leadership experience in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or community service.
  • A commitment to creating positive change through leadership roles.
  • Enrollment is more likely for those who have a French-language thesis.
Application Deadline:
  • Canada and United States Graduates: September 24, 2025.
  • International Graduates: August 20, 2025.

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Application procedures for the McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026:

The McCall MacBain Scholarships has a multi-step application and selection process. Here’s how to apply:

  • Check Eligibility: Make sure you fulfill all the prerequisites, such as citizenship, age, and academic credentials, by reviewing the scholarship’s eligibility conditions.
  • Gather Required Documents: Get all required paperwork ready, including a résumé, a personal statement, recommendation letters, and academic transcripts. If there are any language competence requirements, be sure to meet them.
  • Visit the Official Website: For comprehensive details and instructions on how to apply, visit the official McCall MacBain Scholarships website.
  • Create an Account: To start your application, sign up on the scholarship portal and make a personal account.
  • Complete the Application: Complete the application by giving accurate and thorough details about your leadership experiences, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and academic accomplishments.
  • Submit Documents: Upload the necessary papers in the format and standards requested.
  • Review and Edit: Before submitting, proofread your application for mistakes or omissions. Make sure your personal statement captures your distinct traits and goals by taking the time to go over it.
  • Submit before the Deadline: Send in your completed application before the deadline for international university students or graduates of Canadian and US universities.
  • Await Notification: After submitting your application, wait for a response from the scholarship committee informing you of its progress.

 

Selection Process

In the fiercely competitive selection process, applicants are assessed on the basis of:

  • Academic Excellence: Strong GPA and a record of academic achievements.
  • Leadership Potential:  Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire change in communities.
  • Commitment to Service: Active involvement in volunteering, extracurricular activities, or social impact initiatives.
  • Communication and Critical Thinking: Ability to articulate ideas clearly and think critically about global challenges.

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Alternative Scholarships in Canada

For students who may not qualify for the McCall MacBain Scholarships, there are several other prestigious graduate scholarships in Canada, including:

  1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: For doctoral students demonstrating leadership and research excellence.
  2. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships: For students pursuing social sciences and humanities research.
  3. Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS): For graduate students studying at universities in Ontario.
  4. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: For postdoctoral researchers in health, science, and engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions for McCall MacBain Scholarships in Canada 2026

1. Who is eligible to apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026?

To be eligible, you must have earned or be on track to earn your first bachelor’s degree by August 2026. You must also be applying for full-time master’s studies or professional degrees at McGill University starting in Fall 2026. Recent graduates (2023-2025) require university endorsement, while alumni from 2022 or earlier do not​

2. What does the McCall MacBain Scholarships cover?

The scholarship provides full tuition coverage, a monthly living stipend of $2,000 CAD, and mentorship & leadership development opportunities. Additional funding is available for relocation and professional development​

3. How can I apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026?

Applications open in June 2025. You must submit an online application, which includes academic transcripts, reference letters, and personal statements. If shortlisted, you’ll be invited for regional and final interviews. You must also apply separately to a McGill graduate program​

4. Can I apply for the scholarship if I haven’t applied to McGill yet?

Yes, you can apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarships before applying to a McGill graduate program. However, if you are shortlisted for final interviews, you must submit your McGill program application by December 2025​

5. How competitive is the McCall MacBain Scholarships?

The McCall MacBain Scholarships is highly competitive, with only 30 full scholarships and 100 finalist awards offered globally. Selection is based on leadership potential, academic excellence, and community engagement​

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In conclusion, the McCall MacBain Scholarships in Canada 2026 offer an exceptional opportunity for aspiring graduate students to study at McGill University with full financial support. This prestigious award not only covers tuition and living expenses but also provides mentorship and leadership development opportunities. Designed for individuals with a strong academic record, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service, the scholarship empowers students to make a meaningful impact in their fields.

If you are passionate about higher education and leadership, this scholarship can be a life-changing experience. With a competitive selection process, it is crucial to prepare a strong application showcasing academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community engagement. Applications open in June 2025, so start planning early.

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