McGill University 2025 McCall MacBain Scholarship for International Students

McGill University 2025 McCall MacBain Scholarship for International Students

Deadline: August 20,2025

McGill University 2025 McCall MacBain Scholarship for International Students: McGill University 2025 McCall MacBain Scholarship for International Students, The McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University stands as a beacon of opportunity for aspiring international students seeking to pursue graduate studies in Canada. Established through a historic philanthropic gift, this scholarship program is designed to empower future leaders by providing comprehensive financial support, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities. As we delve into the specifics of the 2025 McCall MacBain Scholarship, this article will explore its origins, eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and the transformative impact it has on its recipients.​McGill University+2McGill University+2McGill University+2McGill University+1McGill University+1

Application Is Now Open

Origins and Vision of the McCall MacBain Scholarship

In February 2019, McGill University received a landmark $200 million donation from John and Marcy McCall MacBain, marking the largest single philanthropic gift in Canadian history at the time. This generous endowment led to the creation of the McCall MacBain Scholarships, aimed at cultivating a new generation of leaders committed to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond .​McGill University+2McGill University+2mccallmacbainscholars.org+2

The scholarship embodies a vision of leadership that transcends academic excellence, emphasizing qualities such as empathy, integrity, and courage. It seeks to support students who demonstrate a commitment to service and a desire to lead with purpose .​McGill University+1mccallmacbainscholars.org+1mccallmacbainscholars.org

Scholarship Overview

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The McCall MacBain Scholarship offers a comprehensive package that includes:​McGill University+5University of Ottawa+5mccallmacbainscholars.org+5

• Full Tuition and Fees: Coverage for the full duration of an eligible master’s or professional program at McGill University.​mccallmacbainscholars.org+7mccallmacbainscholars.org+7University of Ottawa+7

• Living Stipend: A monthly stipend of $2,300 CAD during academic terms to support living expenses .​McGill University+3mccallmacbainscholars.org+3McGill University+3

• Relocation Grant: A one-time grant to assist with moving expenses for scholars relocating to Montreal.​

• Summer Funding Options: Financial support for summer experiences that align with the scholar’s goals and development.​

• Leadership Development Program: Access to an interdisciplinary program that includes mentorship, coaching, and a series of workshops and talks designed to enhance leadership skills.​mccallmacbainscholars.org+1McGill University+1

Eligible Programs

The scholarship is applicable to over 150 full-time master’s programs and select professional undergraduate programs at McGill University. These programs span various faculties and disciplines, offering scholars a wide array of academic paths to choose from .​mccallmacbainscholars.org+1mccallmacbainscholars.org+1

Eligibility Criteria

The McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship programs available to graduate students worldwide. As such, it has a well-defined set of eligibility requirements to ensure that only the most promising and purpose-driven individuals are selected. While academic achievement is an important component, the scholarship selection committee also evaluates leadership potential, community engagement, and character. Below, we explore the eligibility requirements in greater detail to provide prospective international applicants with a comprehensive understanding of what is required to apply for the 2025 cycle.

1. Educational Background

To be eligible for the McCall MacBain Scholarship in 2025, international applicants must satisfy one of the following academic criteria:

• Be in the final year of their first bachelor’s degree program and on track to graduate by August 2026.

• Have obtained their first bachelor’s degree in the last five years, meaning January 2020 or later.

• If the applicant’s first bachelor’s degree was earned more than five years ago, they must have been 30 years old or younger as of January 1, 2025.

This broad criterion allows for a diverse range of applicants, including recent graduates and young professionals who may already be working but are interested in returning to academia and engaging in meaningful leadership development.

2. Nationality and Residency

The McCall MacBain Scholarship is open to students from all countries. International students are strongly encouraged to apply and are eligible for up to 10 fully funded scholarships specifically allocated to non-Canadian citizens or residents. This international allocation ensures diversity within the scholarship cohort and brings a global perspective to the McCall MacBain community.

While the selection process is open to applicants worldwide, it is important that international applicants can meet the visa and immigration requirements necessary to study in Canada. As part of the admissions process, they will need to secure a Canadian study permit once admitted to McGill.

3. Application to McGill University

Applicants must plan to apply for full-time admission to a master’s degree or second-entry professional undergraduate program at McGill University that is eligible under the McCall MacBain Scholarship. These include programs in:

• Arts

• Science

• Engineering

• Education

• Public Health

• Law

• Business

• Environment

• Social Work

• Music, and more

It’s important to note that admission to McGill is a separate process from the scholarship application. Applicants are expected to meet all academic and admission requirements of their chosen program, including program-specific deadlines, prerequisites, and documentation such as transcripts, reference letters, and proof of English proficiency (if applicable).

Applicants who are selected as finalists for the McCall MacBain Scholarship but have not yet applied to McGill will be given additional time and support to complete their university application.

4. Language Proficiency

All McGill programs require proof of English language proficiency, which is also a critical eligibility component for scholarship applicants. Applicants whose first language is not English or who have not completed their undergraduate studies in an English-speaking institution will need to provide scores from one of the following standardized English tests:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

• McGill Certificate of Proficiency in English

Each graduate program has its own minimum language score requirements, so applicants should verify specific details with their program of interest.

5. Demonstrated Leadership and Commitment to Service

In addition to academic qualifications, applicants must show a track record of leadership and community engagement. The scholarship committee is interested in individuals who:

• Have taken initiative to lead projects, teams, or events.

• Have engaged in sustained volunteerism, activism, or service.

• Show empathy, humility, and the ability to bring people together

This means that extracurricular involvement, professional experiences, personal projects, and volunteer work are all highly relevant to the application. The McCall MacBain program is not just looking for students—they are looking for future leaders.

6. Personal Qualities and Character

The final aspect of eligibility focuses on personal character. The selection process is guided by a strong belief in ethical, responsible leadership. Applicants must demonstrate qualities such as:

• Integrity – A commitment to honesty and doing the right thing, even when it is difficult.

• Resilience – The ability to persevere through adversity and continue striving toward goals.

• Empathy and Compassion – A genuine concern for others and the desire to help.

• Curiosity – A lifelong love for learning and exploring new ideas.

Applicants are expected to articulate these traits through personal essays, interviews, and references during the application process.

Final Thoughts on Eligibility

In essence, the eligibility criteria for the McCall MacBain Scholarship reflect the program’s mission: to find and support talented, driven, and socially conscious individuals who are committed to improving the world around them. The scholarship seeks applicants who balance academic achievement with a deep sense of purpose and the courage to lead.

For international students who meet these criteria, the 2025 McCall MacBain Scholarship offers not only a chance to study at a globally respected institution but also a transformative leadership experience that can shape the rest of their lives. It is a gateway to becoming part of a dynamic, supportive, and inspiring community of changemakers.

​Application Process

Timeline

The application process for the 2025 McCall MacBain Scholarship follows a structured timeline:​

• June – September 2025: Scholarship applications open. International applicants must submit their applications by August 20, 2025, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time .​mccallmacbainscholars.org

• October – December 2025: Applicants should apply to their chosen McGill programs. It’s important to apply by the program’s deadline or by December at the latest if selected as a scholarship finalist.​mccallmacbainscholars.org+1mccallmacbainscholars.org+1

• October – December 2025: Regional interviews are conducted for selected semi-finalists.​mccallmacbainscholars.org

• March 2026: Final interviews take place in Montreal for approximately 85 finalists. Travel costs are covered for participants.​mccallmacbainscholars.org

• September 2026: Up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars (20 Canadians and 10 international students) commence their studies at McGill University.​McGill University+9mccallmacbainscholars.org+9McGill University+9

Application Components

Applicants are required to submit:​

• Online Application: Detailed information about academic background, leadership experiences, and community involvement.​McGill University+2McGill University+2McGill University+2

• Reference Letters: Two reference forms are required, providing insights into the applicant’s character and potential.​mccallmacbainscholars.org

• Personal Statements: Essays reflecting on the applicant’s goals, values, and motivations.​​mccallmacbainscholars.org

Selection Criteria

The selection process for the McCall MacBain Scholarship is holistic, focusing on the following key criteria:​McGill University

• Academic Strength and Intellectual Curiosity: A strong academic record and a demonstrated passion for learning.​

• Leadership Potential: Evidence of the ability to lead and inspire others.​

• Commitment to Community: A track record of meaningful community engagement and service.​

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Initiative and drive to create positive change.​McGill University+1mccallmacbainscholars.org+1

• Character: Integrity, empathy, and resilience.​

Impact and Testimonials

The McCall MacBain Scholarship has established itself not merely as a funding mechanism, but as a transformative journey for aspiring global leaders. For many international students, the opportunity to study at McGill University through this prestigious scholarship has marked a turning point—both academically and personally.

Academic Growth and Intellectual Enrichment

Scholars consistently highlight the academic environment at McGill as one of the most intellectually stimulating and rigorous they have ever encountered. The university’s world-class faculty, cutting-edge research opportunities, and interdisciplinary approach to education encourage students to think critically and innovatively. The McCall MacBain Scholarship amplifies this experience by allowing scholars to focus entirely on their studies without the burden of financial stress.

Take for instance, the experience of Laila Ahmed, a 2023 McCall MacBain Scholar from Kenya pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy. In her testimony, she notes:
“The financial support allowed me to fully engage with my coursework, explore internships, and participate in policy research projects without worrying about how I would pay rent or buy textbooks. But more than that, the community of scholars has opened my eyes to global perspectives I had never encountered before.”This component involves structured mentorship, regular one-on-one coaching, networking opportunities, and leadership retreats. Scholars are not only encouraged to become leaders in their respective fields but are guided to lead with empathy, ethics, and accountability.

Samuel Dube, a McCall MacBain Scholar from South Africa studying Environmental Science, shares:
“I came to McGill with a passion for sustainability but had no idea how to channel that passion into real-world change. Through the leadership workshops and the guidance of my mentor, I launched a green campus initiative that now operates in collaboration with local NGOs. The scholarship gave me a platform, but it also gave me the skills and support to use that platform wisely.” Scholars are selected not only based on academic excellence but also for their commitment to public service and social impact. This ethos is carried forward throughout their time at McGill, where scholars are encouraged and supported in developing projects, participating in community initiatives, and volunteering.

A standout example is that of Maria Gonzalez, a scholar from Mexico, who founded a mental health awareness initiative for international students at McGill.
 The McCall MacBain community was instrumental in helping me create a support network and gain institutional backing for the initiative. It’s still growing today, even after I graduated,” she reflects.

A Global Alumni Network

The influence of the McCall MacBain Scholarship continues even after graduation. Alumni are part of a vibrant, global network of change-makers who collaborate across borders and sectors. These connections often lead to joint research, entrepreneurship ventures, and social innovation projects that extend the scholarship’s impact far beyond Montreal.

The ripple effect is clear: these scholars go on to become leaders in government, education, healthcare, technology, and nonprofit sectors, often returning to their home countries or communities with new tools, knowledge, and connections to effect meaningful change.

Conclusion

McGill University 2025 McCall MacBain Scholarship for International Students, The McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University is more than a financial award—it’s an investment in the future of global leadership. Designed to nurture and empower individuals with strong academic foundations, visionary goals, and a commitment to community service, this scholarship offers an unparalleled platform for personal and professional growth.

For international students, the scholarship represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities while receiving a holistic development experience. Not only does it cover tuition and living expenses, but it also provides tailored mentorship and leadership training that equips scholars to face complex global challenges.

What sets the McCall MacBain Scholarship apart is its people-first approach. The selection committee looks beyond GPAs and test scores to identify individuals with empathy, resilience, and a desire to make the world a better place. This means that scholars are part of a diverse and inclusive cohort that mirrors the complexities and richness of the world itself. The resulting exchange of ideas and perspectives among scholars is transformative, leading to lifelong friendships and collaborations.

Moreover, the scholarship’s emphasis on community engagement ensures that its impact reaches beyond McGill’s walls. Scholars are empowered and encouraged to lead initiatives, serve others, and solve real-world problems even before completing their degrees. By promoting a sense of duty alongside ambition, the program shapes leaders who are as compassionate as they are capable.

The global footprint of the McCall MacBain Scholarship continues to expand each year. With every new cohort, the program strengthens its legacy as a catalyst for change, bridging geographic, economic, and cultural divides. Whether scholars go on to work in government, academia, business, or civil society, they carry with them a sense of responsibility and the tools to enact real progress.

For prospective applicants considering this scholarship in 2025, the message is clear: if you have a vision for a better future, the McCall MacBain Scholarship can help you achieve it. With its world-class education, generous financial support, and robust leadership training, it offers not just a degree, but a lifelong journey of growth, connection, and purpose.

In a world that desperately needs bold, ethical leaders, the McCall MacBain Scholarship is shaping those very individuals—one cohort at a time.