McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026 – Build Leadership, Community & Impact at McGill
The McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026 at McGill University go beyond financial support. They are transformative leadership experiences designed for individuals committed to positive social impact. As part of an interdisciplinary cohort, selected scholars pursue fully funded master’s or professional degrees, paired with mentorship, cohort retreats, seminars, and community service programming. These scholars are united by a shared vision: leading with purpose, humility, and integrity.
Program Overview & Mission
Founded by the McCall MacBain Foundation, the program centers around:
Leadership with Purpose: Developing socially conscious, ethically grounded leaders
Interdisciplinary Community: Scholars from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds collaborate and learn together
Positive Change Orientation: Scholars are expected to work on issues across sectors—education, environment, health, policy—with impact-driven ambition
Quote from the program: “McCall MacBain Scholars aspire to lead with purpose, serve others with integrity and humility…”
What’s Included: Funding & Benefits
Full tuition and fees for eligible master’s or second-entry professional undergraduate degrees at McGill
Living stipend: $2,300 CAD per month during academic terms
Relocation grant for moving to Montréal
Access to French-language courses (beginner to advanced) offered through McGill
If not studying during summer term: up to $5,000 CAD to pursue internships, research, or service initiatives
Leadership development courses: strategic planning, crisis communication, entrepreneurial leadership, public speaking
Community engagement activities: Indigenous-centered learning, cohort retreats, regional field trips (e.g., Québec City, Winnipeg, Vancouver)
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the 2026 cohort, you must satisfy both:
Academic & Degree Criteria
You hold—or will hold—your first bachelor’s degree by August 2026, and either:
Earned between January 2020–May 2025, or
Graduated earlier and were ≤30 years old on January 1, 2025
The target graduate or professional program must be full-time, with 45+ credits, at McGill’s downtown or Macdonald campus
Eligible programs include MA, MSc, MBA, MPP, LLM, MSW, MEd, or second-entry degrees like JD (BCL), MDCM (Medicine), DMD (Dentistry)
Qualities & Selection Profile
Demonstrated exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, intellectual curiosity, academic strength, and resilience
Commitment to serving others, bridging communities, and continuous learning
Applicants from participating universities abroad must obtain endorsement from their institution (recent graduates/students); alumni before 2022 do not require endorsement
Important Dates & Milestones
| Category | Deadline / Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | June 1, 2025 |
| International applicants deadline | Aug 20, 2025 (4 PM ET) |
| Canada & U.S. applicants deadline | Sept 24, 2025 (4 PM ET) |
| Regional interviews | Oct–Nov 2025 |
| Final interviews (Montréal) | Early 2026 |
| Scholars begin at McGill | Fall 2026 |
| Awards announced | April–May 2026 |
Application Process Overview
Submit scholarship application via McCall MacBain portal (June–Aug/Sep 2025)
Qualify for regional interview (invitation-only), held globally
Finalist selected for virtual/in-person final interview in early 2026—travel covered for finalists
Final winners accepted as McCall MacBain Scholars and enroll at McGill in Fall 2026
Separate admissions application to McGill required after finalist selection
Required Application Materials:
One-page résumé
Official or unofficial academic transcripts (with translations if necessary)
Two recommendation forms: one academic, one community-focused
Short essays and responses (leadership, community engagement, future vision)
List of up to five McGill programs and intended study plan
Optional: standardized test scores (if needed)
Leadership & Community Development Program
As part of the cohort, scholars engage in rich leadership curricula:
Retreats, field trips, and seminars on leadership topics such as crisis management, strategic planning, political decision-making
Exposure to Indigenous worldviews—via sessions with an Elder-in-residence and cohort dialogue
Co-creative programming: scholars propose workshops or talks to share their skills
Place-based learning travel during Year 2 to Canadian communities (e.g., Vancouver, Winnipeg)
Mentorship and advisory support: each scholar is paired with a mentor, coach, and advisory team to foster growth and network building
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who needs a university endorsement?
Current students and recent graduates (Class of 2023–25) need endorsement from their institution. Alumni before 2022 do not require it.
2. What awards are available besides the full scholarship?
Up to 100 Entrance Awards (ranging CAD 5,000–20,000) are awarded to finalists headed to other Canadian public universities. Full scholars receive full funding for McGill study.
3. Is GPA the only selection factor?
No—the selection committee equally values leadership, character, community service, and entrepreneurial mindset coupled with academic strength and curiosity.
4. Can scholarship recipients study part-time or online?
No. Only full-time, in-person programs at McGill are eligible. Online or part-time study disqualifies applicants.
5. Are applicants with low GPA eligible?
A lower GPA alone won’t necessarily disqualify you—strong leadership experience, community impact, or adversity overcome can balance your application. A scholarship recipient applied with a 3.0 GPA and succeeded through compelling essays and experience.
Expert Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Tip #1: Be authentic in storytelling
Share real experiences of leadership, challenge overcoming, or service. Don’t over-polish—admissions value genuine impact.
Tip #2: Start endorsement early
If you’re a recent graduate or current student, request endorsement from a senior admin or fellowship advisor well in advance.
Tip #3: Research McGill programs
List up to five compatible programs and show matching between your goals and program structure in your answers.
Tip #4: Prepare for interviews
Regional interviewers assess character and values; finalists meet diverse panelists—practice with mock interviews and be ready to speak about leadership vision.
Tip #5: Engage in community while waiting
Attend info sessions, network with alumni, join virtual events. These interactions help you craft stronger applications and show proactive engagement.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
The McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026 offer more than a degree—they cultivate leadership, collaboration, and impact. Selected for their vision and values, scholars become part of an interdisciplinary community committed to solving complex global challenges.
If you have a strong academic record, a heart for service, leadership potential, and a global vision—this is your moment.
👉 Start preparing now and apply through the official portal starting on June 1, 2025.
