Two deadlines. One scholarship. And most international applicants don’t realize theirs comes first.
The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University in Montreal are now open for 2027. Up to 130 scholarships and awards are available — covering full tuition, a monthly living stipend of CAD $2,300, and a one-time relocation grant to Canada.
For students and graduates outside Canada and the United States, the deadline is August 19, 2026.
For applicants from Canadian and American universities, the deadline is September 23, 2026.
If you’re reading this from anywhere outside North America, you have less time than you might think. Also See Canadian Government Scholarships
McCall MacBain Scholarships Overview
| Scholarship | McCall MacBain Scholarships 2027 |
| University | McGill University, Montreal, Canada |
| Study Level | Master’s degrees |
| Total Awards | Up to 130 (30 full scholarships + 100 finalist and regional awards) |
| Tuition | Fully covered |
| Monthly Stipend | CAD $2,300 during academic terms |
| Relocation Grant | One-time grant to Montreal |
| Summer Fund | Up to CAD $5,000 for meaningful summer initiatives |
| French Courses | Free, through McGill University |
| International Deadline | August 19, 2026 |
| Canada/US Deadline | September 23, 2026 |
What the Scholarship Actually Covers
This isn’t a tuition-only award with a nominal living allowance attached. The McCall MacBain package is genuinely comprehensive.
Every full scholarship recipient receives:
- Full tuition fees for their program at McGill
- A living stipend of CAD $2,300 per month during academic terms
- A one-time relocation grant to help cover the move to Montreal
- Free French language courses through McGill University
- Access to leadership development programming, mentorship, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities
There’s also a summer fund available. Scholars not enrolled during summer terms can apply for up to CAD $5,000 to support a meaningful initiative during that period.
Montreal’s cost of living is reasonable by major city standards. CAD $2,300 per month covers rent in shared accommodation, food, transport, and daily expenses comfortably for most doctoral and master’s students. It’s one of the more livable stipends among major North American scholarship programs.
30 Full Scholarships vs 130 Total Awards — Know the Difference
This distinction matters and most scholarship guides skip over it.
The program offers up to 130 scholarships and awards in total. But that number breaks down into two categories:
- 30 full scholarships — covering everything listed above
- 100 finalist and regional awards — recognition and partial support for strong candidates who reach advanced stages of the selection process
Applying for the McCall MacBain Scholarships means competing for one of 30 full awards. The finalist and regional awards are meaningful recognition, but they don’t carry the same complete funding package.
That’s not a reason not to apply. It’s a reason to apply with a clear understanding of what you’re competing for.
Also See: Killam International Research Scholarship
Who Is Eligible
The program targets students and recent graduates who combine strong academic performance with demonstrated leadership potential and community engagement.
Academic eligibility — you must meet one of these:
- Currently enrolled and on track to complete your first bachelor’s degree by August 2027
- Earned your first bachelor’s degree in the last five years (January 2021 or later)
- Earned your bachelor’s degree more than five years ago and were 30 years old or younger on January 1, 2026
That third condition is worth highlighting separately. Graduates who completed their undergraduate degree more than five years ago often assume they’re automatically disqualified. The age-30 exception keeps a meaningful window open for career-changers and non-traditional applicants.
Beyond academic eligibility, the program looks for:
- Exceptional character
- Active community engagement
- Leadership potential
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- Strong intellectual curiosity
- Solid academic performance
Applicants must also meet the minimum degree and language requirements for admission to their chosen program at McGill. The McCall MacBain Scholarship and McGill admission are connected — you need to qualify for both.
Also See: BS, MS and PhD Scholarships in Canada
Programs You Can Apply For
The scholarship supports two types of programs at McGill:
Master’s degrees across McGill’s graduate faculties — covering fields from science and engineering to education, law, management, public policy, and the arts.
Second-entry professional undergraduate programs — programs such as medicine, law, and dentistry that require a prior undergraduate degree for admission.
The breadth of eligible programs is one of this scholarship’s genuine strengths. Unlike field-specific awards, McCall MacBain supports leaders across disciplines — the unifying factor is the applicant’s leadership profile, not their subject area.
McGill and Montreal — What You’re Actually Choosing
McGill University is consistently ranked among the top universities in Canada and among the top 50 universities globally.
Montreal itself is worth understanding as a study environment. The city is bilingual — French and English are both widely used, which is why the free French language courses are a practical benefit, not just a cultural extra. It’s a major international hub, affordable compared to Toronto or Vancouver, and home to one of the largest student populations of any city in North America.
For international scholars arriving from outside Canada, Montreal’s combination of academic infrastructure, cultural diversity, and manageable living costs makes it one of the more attractive placements among major scholarship destinations.
The Application — What to Prepare
Applications are submitted through the official McCall MacBain Scholarships portal. The process involves creating an account, completing the application form, and uploading supporting documents.
The program evaluates candidates on leadership potential, character, and community impact — not just grades. That means the personal statements and responses carry real weight in the selection process.
Before you apply, prepare:
- Evidence of leadership roles and community engagement
- Academic records and transcripts
- A clear articulation of your goals and why McGill’s specific program fits them
- References who can speak to your character and impact, not just your academic performance
The scholarship selection process includes finalist interviews for advanced candidates. Shortlisted applicants should expect to discuss their leadership experiences, values, and vision in depth — not just summarize their CV.
Deadlines — One More Time, Clearly
This is the detail that costs applicants their shot more than anything else.
| Applicant Group | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Students/graduates from universities outside Canada and USA | August 19, 2026 |
| Students/graduates from Canadian or US universities | September 23, 2026 |
If you’re an international applicant reading this in July 2026, the August 19 deadline is roughly four weeks away.
Start your application now, not after you’ve finished researching.