The McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026 at McGill University represent one of Canada’s most prestigious and comprehensive scholarship programs, offering fully funded opportunities for exceptional students to pursue graduate or second-entry professional undergraduate studies. Established by the McCall MacBain Foundation, this initiative aims to nurture future leaders by providing financial support, leadership development, and a robust network of mentors and peers. The program is open to international, Canadian, and U.S. students, with applications for the Summer/Fall 2026 cohort accepted from June 1, 2025, ensuring a highly competitive selection process.
The scholarship covers a range of full-time programs at McGill University’s downtown or Macdonald campuses, specifically master’s degrees or second-entry professional undergraduate programs requiring at least 45 credits, such as medicine (MDCM), law (BCL/JD), or dentistry (DMD). Up to 30 full scholarships and 100 entrance awards are available, including 25 finalist awards of $20,000 and 15 regional awards of $10,000 for international students. Notably, graduate certificates, executive master’s programs (e.g., EMBA), PhDs, part-time studies, and joint-degree programs are ineligible, ensuring focus on intensive, immersive academic experiences.
The full scholarship package is comprehensive, covering all tuition and mandatory fees for the duration of the eligible program. Additionally, recipients receive a living stipend of $2,000 CAD per month during academic terms to support living expenses in Montréal, a vibrant and culturally rich city. A one-time relocation grant is also provided to assist scholars moving to Québec, easing the transition for international and out-of-province students.
Beyond financial support, the McCall MacBain Scholarships emphasize leadership development and community engagement. Scholars participate in a tailored leadership program, including summer retreats, bi-weekly seminars, and monthly speaker series featuring prominent leaders. This holistic approach fosters skills in ethical leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration, preparing scholars to address global challenges effectively.
Eligibility criteria are stringent, reflecting the program’s commitment to selecting candidates with exceptional potential. Applicants must be current students on track to earn their first bachelor’s degree by August 2026, or have graduated after January 2020. Those who graduated earlier may apply if they are 30 or younger as of January 1, 2025, ensuring the program targets early-career individuals poised for impact.
Academic excellence is a prerequisite, and applicants must meet McGill’s program-specific requirements, including English proficiency for non-native speakers. Acceptable tests include TOEFL (minimum 86 overall, with at least 20 per section) or IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.5), unless exempted by prior English-medium education or residency in an English-speaking country. Candidates must also demonstrate exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, and intellectual curiosity through their application materials and interviews.
The application process is multi-staged and rigorous, designed to identify individuals with both academic prowess and a commitment to societal impact. From June 1 to August 20, 2025, international students can apply via the McCall MacBain Scholars website, while Canadian and U.S. applicants have until September 24, 2025. Required materials include academic transcripts, two reference forms (one academic, one community-based), a resume detailing leadership and extracurricular involvement, and a personal statement outlining the candidate’s aspirations and contributions.
Applicants must also apply separately to at least one eligible McGill program, adhering to the program’s deadline or mid-December 2025 if selected as a finalist. Approximately 250 semi-finalists are invited to regional interviews (in-person or virtual, depending on location), with travel costs covered for in-person sessions. From these, 85 finalists proceed to final interviews in Montréal in March 2026, where they engage with selection committees comprising academic, community, and industry leaders.
The selection process prioritizes candidates who demonstrate a track record of community engagement and leadership, such as founding initiatives, volunteering, or driving impactful projects. Academic strength is evaluated through transcripts and references, but the program places equal weight on interpersonal qualities like resilience, empathy, and vision. Finalists are notified of scholarship decisions shortly after the Montréal interviews, with awards announced publicly in spring 2026.
For international students, the regional awards of $10,000 provide additional opportunities for those who excel in regional interviews but do not secure a full scholarship. These awards are limited to international students applying from outside Canada, recognizing the unique challenges they face in pursuing studies abroad. The finalist awards of $20,000 are available to all applicants who reach the final interview stage but are not selected as full scholars, offering significant support for their McGill studies.
McGill University, located in Montréal, Québec, is a globally renowned institution known for its research-intensive programs and diverse student body. The McCall MacBain Scholarships enhance McGill’s appeal by removing financial barriers and fostering a community of scholars committed to public good. The program’s emphasis on leadership aligns with McGill’s mission to produce graduates who contribute meaningfully to society.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to review eligible programs on McGill’s website and ensure they meet admission requirements, including any prerequisite courses or professional experience for programs like medicine or law. Early preparation is critical, as McGill’s application deadlines vary by program, and some require additional materials, such as portfolios or entrance exams (e.g., LSAT for law). The McCall MacBain Scholars website (mccallmacbainscholars.org) provides detailed guidance, including webinars and FAQs, to assist applicants.
The scholarship’s impact extends beyond individual recipients, fostering a network of alumni who collaborate on global challenges through continued engagement with the McCall MacBain Foundation. Scholars join a growing community of leaders across disciplines, with opportunities to attend exclusive events and access mentorship from industry pioneers. This network amplifies the program’s goal of creating transformative change through education and leadership.
Applicants should note that the scholarship is highly competitive, with thousands applying annually for limited spots. Success requires not only academic excellence but also a compelling narrative of leadership and impact, supported by strong references and a clear vision for future contributions. The personal statement is particularly crucial, as it allows candidates to articulate their values and aspirations in alignment with the scholarship’s mission.
For those considering applying, time management is essential due to the dual application processes for the scholarship and McGill admission. Candidates are advised to start early, gathering transcripts, securing references, and drafting their personal statement well before the deadlines. The McCall MacBain Scholars website offers resources, including sample questions and tips for preparing for interviews, to help applicants navigate the process.
In summary, the McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026 offer a transformative opportunity for students to pursue advanced studies at McGill University while developing as ethical, impactful leaders. With comprehensive financial support, a robust leadership program, and a vibrant community, the scholarship empowers scholars to achieve their academic and professional goals. Interested candidates should visit mccallmacbainscholars.org for full details and begin preparing their applications to join this prestigious cohort.
