McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026 | Complete Application Guide

If you are an ambitious, community-driven student thinking about graduate studies at one of the world’s top universities, the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University deserve your full attention. Established with a landmark $200-million gift in 2019, these are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies, and they offer far more than just financial support. They offer a fully funded degree, a monthly living stipend, professional mentorship, leadership training, and entry into a powerful global community of scholars, mentors, and advisors who are all working to make a real difference in the world.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the McCall MacBain Scholarships for the 2026 application cycle, which supports students entering McGill University in the summer or fall of 2026. We will walk through the full scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, the selection process, the application timeline, tips for a competitive application, and what life actually looks like as a McCall MacBain Scholar in Montreal.

Whether you are a Canadian student wrapping up your undergraduate degree, an international student exploring opportunities in Canada, or a recent graduate considering a return to academic study, this is one scholarship worth building your plans around.

What Are the McCall MacBain Scholarships?

The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University are a fully funded graduate scholarship program established by philanthropists John and Marcy McCall MacBain. Launched in 2019 through the largest single donation ever made to a Canadian university at the time, the program was designed from the ground up to identify, support, and develop a new generation of purpose-driven leaders across every sector of society.

The scholarships are not discipline-specific. They are not limited to law students or medical students or engineers. They are open to students pursuing any eligible full-time master’s or professional degree program at McGill, which means the program deliberately brings together a diverse cohort of thinkers from many different academic and professional backgrounds. That interdisciplinary structure is central to what makes the program so powerful.

Each year, up to 30 full scholarships and 100 entrance awards are offered to the most competitive candidates. The full scholarship covers tuition, a generous monthly living stipend, relocation costs, and access to French language courses, mentorship, coaching, and a year-round leadership development curriculum called Leading with Purpose. The 2026 cohort represents the sixth class of McCall MacBain Scholars, and applications for students entering in the summer or fall of 2026 have already closed. Applications for the 2027 cohort will open in June 2026.

McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026 Quick Overview

• Scholarship Name: McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University
• Founded By: John and Marcy McCall MacBain
• Host University: McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• Established: 2019, with a $200-million founding gift
• Program Type: Fully funded graduate scholarship with leadership development
• Degree Level: Master’s and professional degree programs
• Number of Full Scholarships: Up to 30 per year (20 Canadians, 10 international)
• Number of Entrance Awards: Up to 100 per year
• Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition, $2,300 monthly stipend, relocation grant, French language courses, mentorship, leadership program
• Regional Awards: $5,000 (Canadian applicants) or $10,000 (international applicants)
• Finalist Awards: $10,000 or $20,000 for finalists not selected as full scholars
• 2026 Cohort: Applications closed; 91 finalists announced for March 2026 interviews
• 2027 Cohort Applications Open: June 2026
• Application Deadline (Canadian and US): September 23, 2026
• Application Deadline (All Other Applicants): August 19, 2026
• CEO: Natasha Sawh
• Chair: Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain

Who Are John and Marcy McCall MacBain?

Understanding the people behind this scholarship gives it important context. John McCall MacBain is a Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist best known for building Trader Corporation, a company that eventually became one of the leading classified advertising networks in the world, and for later founding Pamoja Capital, a private investment firm. He studied at McGill University and later completed a degree at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. That personal experience of how access to education and a supportive intellectual community can shape a life is very much reflected in the scholarship he created.

Marcy McCall MacBain serves as Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill and is deeply involved in the program’s vision and direction. She has spoken publicly about the program’s goal of supporting emerging leaders who demonstrate integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage. Those four qualities are not just rhetoric. They are the actual values the selection committee looks for when reviewing candidates, and understanding that helps you see what kind of student the scholarship is truly designed for.

Together, the McCall MacBains have structured their philanthropic commitment around the belief that investing in exceptional people with strong values and a genuine drive to serve others is one of the most effective ways to address complex challenges facing communities and societies. The scholarship is an expression of that belief in concrete, institutional form.

Full Scholarship Benefits: What McCall MacBain Scholars Receive

The McCall MacBain Scholarship is one of the most comprehensive graduate scholarship packages available anywhere in Canada, and arguably among the best in the world for a master’s-level program. Here is a detailed breakdown of everything scholars receive:

Full Tuition and Fees

The scholarship covers 100 percent of tuition and fees for the full normal duration of the eligible master’s or professional program at McGill University. There are no partial awards at the full scholarship level. If you are selected as a McCall MacBain Scholar, your academic costs are entirely taken care of for the length of your degree.

Monthly Living Stipend of $2,300

Scholars receive a living stipend of $2,300 per month during academic terms. This is a meaningful sum that covers a significant portion of living expenses in Montreal, which is widely regarded as one of the most affordable major cities in Canada and one of the best cities in the world for students. You will not have to work a side job to cover rent while trying to study and participate in a demanding leadership program.

One-Time Relocation Grant

Moving to a new city for graduate school comes with real costs. The scholarship includes a one-time relocation grant to help scholars cover the expense of moving to Montreal, whether they are coming from another Canadian province, the United States, or anywhere else in the world.

Summer Funding Option

Scholars who are not enrolled in academic courses during the summer can apply for up to $5,000 to pursue meaningful summer initiatives. This could include research projects, community work, entrepreneurial ventures, international experiences, or any other substantive activity aligned with their goals as a leader and changemaker.

French Language Courses

Living in Montreal means living in a bilingual city where French is the first official language. The scholarship covers beginner to advanced French language courses offered through McGill, giving scholars the opportunity to develop or improve their French regardless of their starting level. This is a practical and thoughtful benefit for students who arrive from predominantly English-speaking backgrounds.

Leading with Purpose: Interdisciplinary Leadership Program

Beyond the financial benefits, every McCall MacBain Scholar participates in the Leading with Purpose interdisciplinary leadership curriculum. This program runs alongside academic studies and brings scholars together for workshops, seminars, guest lectures, and collaborative projects designed to develop their capacity to lead across sectors and disciplines. The program challenges scholars to think beyond their specific academic field and engage with complex problems from multiple perspectives.

Mentors and Coaches

Each scholar is paired with a mentor and a coach. Mentors are typically accomplished professionals in fields relevant to the scholar’s interests, and they provide guidance, perspective, and networking connections that can shape a career in lasting ways. Coaches offer more personal developmental support, helping scholars reflect on their strengths, work through challenges, and grow as leaders over the course of their studies.

McCall MacBain House

Scholars have access to the McCall MacBain House on McGill’s campus, which serves as a physical community hub for the program. It is a space for scholars to gather, collaborate, study, and connect with one another and with the broader network of mentors and advisors affiliated with the program. Having a dedicated physical space on campus is a detail that matters because it reinforces the sense of community that is central to the program’s identity.

A Global Alumni Community

As each new cohort joins the program, they become part of a growing global community of McCall MacBain Scholars. This network extends across sectors and geographies and continues to grow as the program matures. For students who want to build careers at the intersection of leadership, public service, innovation, and community development, this alumni network is an extraordinary long-term asset.

Awards for Finalists and Regional Candidates

The McCall MacBain Scholarship program recognizes that many highly competitive candidates who do not receive the full scholarship are still exceptional students who deserve meaningful support. The program has therefore created a tiered awards structure for strong candidates who make it through different stages of the selection process.

Finalist Awards

Candidates who are selected as finalists and attend the final interview stage in Montreal, but are not ultimately offered a full scholarship, are eligible to receive a Finalist Award of either $10,000 or $20,000. This award can be applied toward full-time enrollment in an eligible master’s or professional program at McGill University.

Regional Awards

Candidates who distinguish themselves during the first round of regional interviews but are not selected to advance to the final Montreal interviews are eligible for a Regional Award. For Canadian applicants, the Regional Award is $5,000. For international applicants, the award is $10,000, which reflects the higher cost of tuition for international students. Regional Awards can be applied toward full-time enrollment in an eligible master’s or professional program at any public university in Canada, not just McGill. This is an important distinction because it means strong candidates who do not make it all the way to the final round can still receive financial support for graduate studies at a Canadian university of their choice.

In the 2026 cycle, 66 candidates received Regional Awards and 91 were selected as finalists, meaning a significant number of applicants who did not ultimately receive a full scholarship still walked away with meaningful recognition and financial support.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

The McCall MacBain Scholarships are open to a broad range of candidates, both Canadian and international. Here is a detailed breakdown of the eligibility requirements:

Degree Requirements

Applicants must have completed, or be on track to complete, a bachelor’s degree. There is no restriction on what field your undergraduate degree is in. The scholarship is open to students from all academic disciplines.

Age Requirement for Non-Traditional Applicants

Current students and recent graduates of any age are welcome to apply without restriction. However, applicants who earned their first bachelor’s degree more than five years ago must have been 30 years or younger on January 1 of the application year. For the 2026 application cycle, this means applicants who graduated from their first bachelor’s program more than five years ago must have been 30 or younger on January 1, 2026.

Program Type

Applicants must be planning to enroll in a full-time master’s or second-entry professional undergraduate program at McGill University. The program must consist of 45 credits or more and take place primarily on McGill’s downtown or Macdonald campuses. Programs that are not covered include graduate certificates, executive master’s programs such as the EMBA, IMHL, and IMPM, PhD programs, part-time programs, and joint degree programs. Qualifying-year students may apply at the start of their qualifying year for their upcoming master’s degree at McGill.

University Endorsement

Current students and recent graduates who graduated in 2024, 2025, or 2026 must be endorsed by their university. Canadian universities, American universities, and participating international universities are invited to endorse multiple candidates. If your university is not among the participating institutions, you may need to seek an endorsement from a fellowship advisor or a senior member of your university administration, such as the president, vice-chancellor, rector, or provost.

Separate McGill Application Required

Applying for the McCall MacBain Scholarship is completely separate from applying for admission to McGill University. You must submit both a scholarship application and a McGill graduate admissions application. If you are selected as a finalist for the McCall MacBain Scholarship, you will need to apply to McGill in December even if your intended program’s regular deadline falls later in the academic year.

Selection Criteria: What Does the Committee Look For?

This is where many applicants get the scholarship wrong. The McCall MacBain Scholarship is emphatically not just an academic achievement award. Grades matter, but they are only one part of a multidimensional selection process that evaluates candidates across four core areas.

Character

The program looks for candidates who value excellence, hard work, service, and lifelong learning. More specifically, it asks whether you act with integrity, honesty, and empathy. Whether you have the tenacity to pursue long-term goals. Whether you are willing to take meaningful risks in service of something you believe in. These are not qualities that show up on a transcript, which is why the application process includes essays, references, and multiple rounds of interviews designed to give the committee insight into who you actually are as a person.

Community Engagement

The program asks whether you value working for and with others to address challenges facing a community, whether you pursue a breadth and depth of interests through activities outside the classroom, and whether your engagement with the world around you goes beyond academic performance. This is a scholarship for people who are already making a difference in some way, whether through volunteering, advocacy, research, activism, entrepreneurship, or service in any of its forms.

Leadership

The McCall MacBain Scholarship looks specifically for candidates who have experience working with and leading others toward a common goal, who are ready to take on tough leadership roles to advance meaningful change, and who are driven to help others and to develop the potential of those they lead. Leadership in this context does not mean holding a title. It means demonstrating through your track record that you can bring people together and move things forward in service of something larger than yourself.

Entrepreneurial Spirit

The program values candidates who can identify unmet needs and motivate others to develop creative solutions. This is about the mindset of seeing problems as opportunities and having the imagination and the drive to do something about them. You do not have to have founded a company to demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit. But you do have to show that you think creatively, act independently, and pursue meaningful impact even when the path is unclear.

The Application and Selection Process

The McCall MacBain Scholarship selection process is rigorous and multi-staged. Understanding how it works will help you prepare more effectively and set realistic expectations for the timeline.

Stage One: Online Application

The application is submitted online and includes short essays, a curriculum vitae, two reference forms, academic transcripts, and details about your academic and career interests. The essays are designed to help the committee understand your personal development, your values, and how you have contributed to your communities. The two reference forms must be completed by individuals who can speak to both your academic abilities and your community involvement. References are submitted confidentially through an online portal and must be completed before the application deadline.

Stage Two: First-Round Regional Interviews

Shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in first-round regional interviews held in October and November each year. In the 2026 cycle, 280 candidates advanced to this stage from an applicant pool drawn from more than 2,300 universities worldwide. Notifications are sent approximately two weeks before each interview session. Candidates who distinguish themselves at this stage but are not advanced to the finalist round are eligible for Regional Awards.

Stage Three: Final Interviews in Montreal

From the regional interview stage, a smaller group is selected as finalists and invited to attend two days of final interviews in Montreal, typically held in March. In the 2026 cycle, 91 finalists were selected for this stage. Travel and accommodation costs for Montreal are fully covered by the program, making the final interview stage accessible regardless of where candidates are coming from. For many international finalists, this marks their first visit to Canada. In addition to interviews, finalists participate in campus visits, city tours, and enrichment activities designed to give them a real sense of what studying at McGill and living in Montreal would look like.

Selection and Notification

Up to 30 full scholarships are awarded following the final interview stage, with up to 20 going to Canadian applicants and up to 10 going to international students. The selection committee includes more than 300 volunteer leaders who contribute their time to reviewing applications and conducting interviews. The diversity and depth of this committee is itself a reflection of the program’s commitment to rigorous, multi-perspective selection.

McGill University and Montreal: Why the Setting Matters

The McCall MacBain Scholarship is tied specifically to McGill University, and it is worth spending a moment on why that matters. McGill is consistently ranked among the top universities in Canada and among the top 30 universities in the world. In the 2026 edition of the QS World University Rankings, McGill is ranked first in Canada and 27th worldwide. Its faculties span medicine, law, engineering, arts, science, management, education, and many other fields, which means the scholarship can support students in an extraordinarily wide range of programs.

Montreal itself is one of the most livable and culturally rich cities in North America. With a population of over two million people and more than 100 languages spoken across the metropolitan area, it is genuinely multicultural in a way that enriches daily life and academic study. The cost of living is significantly lower than in Toronto or Vancouver, which means the $2,300 monthly stipend goes further in Montreal than it would in most other major Canadian cities. The city has a thriving arts scene, a world-class restaurant culture, and four distinct seasons, including winters that are challenging but beautiful in their own way.

For international scholars, Montreal offers the added experience of living in a bilingual environment where both English and French are used daily. The free French language courses offered through the scholarship are a practical tool for navigating and enjoying that environment more fully.

The 2026 Cohort: What We Know

For the 2026 cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars, which entered McGill in the fall of 2025 or spring of 2026, the selection process drew applicants from more than 2,300 universities worldwide. Of those, 280 advanced to first-round interviews in October and November 2025. From that group, 66 candidates received Regional Awards, and 91 were selected as finalists for the final interview round in Montreal in March 2026.

The 53 Canadian finalists came from 31 cities across the country, ranging from Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. The 38 international finalists arrived from countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Newly represented countries in the 2026 cohort included Barbados, Hungary, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, and Sri Lanka, reflecting the program’s continued expansion of its international reach through partnerships with approximately 90 universities in 30 countries.

Together, the 2026 finalists applied to 70 different master’s and professional programs at McGill, demonstrating the true breadth of the scholarship’s scope across disciplines.

How to Apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship 2027 Cohort

Applications for the 2026 cohort are closed. Students who want to apply for the 2027 cohort, which means entering McGill in the summer or fall of 2027, should prepare to apply when applications open in June 2026. Here is how to prepare:

Step 1: Attend an Information Session

The McCall MacBain Scholarships program strongly recommends attending an information session before applying. These sessions give prospective applicants a clear overview of the program, what the selection committee is looking for, and how to approach the application. They are also an opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from program staff and sometimes past scholars. Sessions are listed on the program’s official website and registration is available online.

Step 2: Confirm Your Program Eligibility at McGill

Before you begin your scholarship application, confirm that the master’s or professional program you want to pursue at McGill is eligible under the McCall MacBain Scholarship criteria. The program must be full-time, consist of 45 credits or more, and take place on McGill’s downtown or Macdonald campus. Check the list of ineligible program types, including executive programs, PhDs, part-time programs, and joint degree programs, to make sure your intended program qualifies.

Step 3: Seek Your University Endorsement Early

If you are a current student or recent graduate, you need an endorsement from your university. Contact your fellowship advisor or the appropriate senior administrator at your institution well in advance of the application deadline. Universities can only endorse a certain number of candidates, so early contact is important.

Step 4: Prepare Your Application Materials

Your application will include short essays, a CV, academic transcripts, and two reference forms submitted by people who know both your academic work and your community involvement. Start working on your essays early, as they are your primary opportunity to show the committee who you are, what you care about, and why you are a strong candidate across all four selection criteria. Ask your references to submit their forms with enough time to meet the deadline comfortably.

Step 5: Submit and Then Apply to McGill Separately

After submitting your scholarship application, remember that you must also apply directly to your chosen McGill graduate program through the standard McGill admissions process. These are entirely separate processes and both must be completed. McGill admissions generally open in September for the following fall semester. If you advance to the finalist stage, you will need to complete your McGill application in December regardless of your program’s regular deadline.

To begin your application for the 2027 cohort when applications open in June 2026, visit the official McCall MacBain Scholarships application page.

For a complete overview of the program, including the full list of scholarship benefits, eligible programs, and the Leading with Purpose curriculum, visit the McCall MacBain Scholarships program overview page.

Tips for a Competitive McCall MacBain Scholarship Application

With applicants coming from more than 2,300 universities worldwide and only 30 full scholarships available, this is one of the most competitive scholarship processes in Canada. Here are some genuine, practical suggestions to help you build the strongest possible application:

Understand That Character Comes First

Many applicants make the mistake of leading with academic achievements and treating the essays as an afterthought. The committee explicitly evaluates character as a primary criterion. Think carefully about your values, your moments of integrity under pressure, the long-term goals you have pursued with tenacity, and the meaningful risks you have taken. These are the stories that will set you apart.

Make Your Community Engagement Concrete and Specific

Do not write generally about caring about your community. Describe specific organizations, specific roles, specific projects, and specific outcomes. What problem were you working on? Who were you working with? What did you actually do? What happened as a result? The more concrete and specific your community engagement narrative, the more credible and compelling it will be.

Choose References Who Know You Well and Will Be Specific

A reference from a famous professor who barely knows you is worth far less than a reference from a community organization leader who has worked alongside you closely for two years. Choose people who can speak in specific, personal detail about your academic abilities and your community involvement. Brief them thoroughly on the scholarship criteria so their letters speak directly to what the committee is looking for.

Apply to Multiple Compatible McGill Programs

Since the scholarship and the McGill admission process are separate, and since finalists apply to McGill in December before their scholarship decision is made, applying to multiple compatible programs at McGill reduces the risk of being admitted to the scholarship without having a McGill program to attend. Think carefully about which programs align with your goals and apply broadly within the eligible options.

Re-Application Is Usually Allowed Once

As of the 2022 to 2023 cycle, applicants may not apply more than twice to the McCall MacBain Scholarships. If you applied and were not selected, you can reapply once in a subsequent year as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. However, candidates who accepted a Regional Award in a previous year, or who were invited to attend final interviews in a previous year, may not re-apply. If you are considering reapplying, update and strengthen your application meaningfully rather than simply resubmitting.

Frequently Asked Questions About the McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026

Is the McCall MacBain Scholarship open to international students?

Yes. Up to 10 of the 30 full scholarships each year are specifically designated for international students. International students from across Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and South Asia are all eligible to apply. The program collaborates with approximately 90 partner universities in 30 countries to support international applications.

Can I apply if I am already enrolled in a graduate program at another university?

Yes, provided you plan to transfer to an eligible program at McGill and meet the other eligibility requirements.

Do I need to speak French to study at McGill and participate in the scholarship?

No. You do not need to know French to study at McGill University. English is the primary language of instruction. However, the scholarship includes free French language courses because Montreal is a bilingual city and learning French enhances the experience of living and studying there.

Can PhD students apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship?

No. PhD programs are explicitly excluded from the list of eligible programs. The scholarship covers full-time master’s and second-entry professional undergraduate programs only.

What is the McCall MacBain House?

The McCall MacBain House is a physical facility on McGill’s campus that serves as a community hub for scholars. It is a dedicated space where McCall MacBain Scholars can gather, collaborate, work, and connect with mentors, advisors, and fellow scholars outside of formal programming.

When do applications open for the 2027 cohort?

Applications for the 2027 cohort will open in June 2026. The deadline for students and graduates of Canadian and US universities, as well as Canadians abroad, will be September 23, 2026. The deadline for all other applicants will be August 19, 2026.

Final Thoughts: Is the McCall MacBain Scholarship Right for You?

The McCall MacBain Scholarship is not the right fit for everyone, and that is by design. It is specifically built for students who are not just academically strong but who have already shown through their actions that they care about something bigger than themselves, that they can lead and work with others toward meaningful change, and that they have the character and the courage to do hard things in service of real impact.

If that describes you, and if you are planning to pursue a master’s or professional degree, this scholarship is worth building your academic and personal timeline around. Not just for the financial benefits, which are genuinely exceptional, but for the community, the mentorship, the leadership development, and the network that comes with being a McCall MacBain Scholar at one of the world’s great universities in one of the world’s great cities.

Applications for the 2027 cohort open in June 2026. Use the months between now and then to strengthen your community engagement, clarify your goals, identify your references, and begin crafting essays that honestly and specifically reflect who you are and where you are headed.