For 2027, up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholarships and up to 100 finalist and regional awards will be offered to candidates who distinguish themselves during the interview process.
The McCall MacBain Scholarship funds a master’s or professional degree at McGill University. It covers tuition and fees for the full normal duration of the master’s or professional program, a living stipend of $2,300 per month during academic terms, and a one-time relocation grant for moving to Montreal. Scholars not pursuing an academic term during the summer may apply for up to $5,000 to pursue meaningful summer initiatives.
Canadian applicants (including Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and refugees): 20 McCall MacBain Scholarships, tenable at McGill; 30 Finalist Awards of $10,000, tenable at McGill; 30 Regional Awards of $5,000, tenable at any public university in Canada.
International applicants (any other citizenship or nationality): 10 McCall MacBain Scholarships, tenable at McGill; 25 Finalist Awards of $20,000 per year for up to 2 years, tenable at McGill; 15 Regional Awards of $10,000, tenable at any public university in Canada.
This program brings together a diverse group of scholars who aspire to lead with purpose – individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential and an inner drive to make a positive impact in other people’s lives. While you and your fellow scholars will go on to work on a broad range of challenges in different sectors, you share a vision for the kind of leaders you want to be: leaders who serve others with integrity and humility, who are committed to continual learning and bridge-building, and who take bold, meaningful risks.
How to Apply
- Eligibility
- Application
- Judging
- Terms
To be eligible to apply for the 2027 cohort, you must meet ONE of the following criteria:
- You are a current student on track to earn your first bachelor’s degree by August 2027
- You earned your first bachelor’s degree in the last five years (January 2021 or later)
- You earned your first bachelor’s degree more than five years ago, and were 30 years or younger on January 1, 2026
You will also need to meet the minimum degree and language requirements for McGill master’s program admission. As of the 2022-2023 cycle, applicants may not apply more than twice to the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. Applications submitted in 2020 or 2021 are exempt from this rule. Applicants who apply only once may not re-apply in the following situations: Candidates who accepted a Regional Award in a previous year; Candidates who accepted an invitation to attend final interviews in a previous year. These candidates may not re-apply in future years. McCall MacBain Scholarship offers cannot be deferred. McCall MacBain Scholarship offers are conditional upon full-time enrolment in an eligible program at McGill University. The program must consist of 45 credits or more and take place primarily on McGill's downtown or Macdonald campuses. Graduate certificates, executive master's programs (EMBA, IMHL, IMPM), PhDs, part-time programs (e.g. GMSCM) and joint degree programs are examples of programs not covered by the McCall MacBain Scholarships. The endorsement process is different for Canadian applicants (Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, or those with accepted refugee status in Canada) and for international applicants (all other applicants). For Canadian applicants, current students and recent graduates (those who graduated in 2024, 2025, or 2026) must be endorsed by their university. Canadian applicants who graduated in 2023 or earlier apply directly without endorsement. International applicants must seek endorsement if they are current students or recent graduates. International applicants who graduated in 2023 or earlier from a Canadian university or a participating university abroad apply directly without endorsement. However, international applicants who did not attend a Canadian or participating university abroad must seek endorsement from their university, regardless of the year of graduation. If a university endorsement is required in your situation, your application will not be considered without it.
Make sure to apply early! It is separate from McGill admissions, and two reference forms are required.
The judges are looking for:
- Exceptional character
- Community engagement
- Leadership potential
- Entrepreneurial spirit
- Academic strength and intellectual curiosity
Students and graduates of universities in Canada and the United States, and Canadians abroad: applications must be received by September 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Students and graduates of universities in other countries: the deadline was August 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time, and it has passed.