The McCall MacBain Scholarship 2025 is one of the most prestigious fully funded graduate scholarships in the world. Designed to empower promising students with leadership potential, the scholarship offers much more than financial support. It provides a powerful platform for students to grow intellectually, lead impactful initiatives, and join a global network of changemakers. If you are thinking about applying, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from eligibility and deadlines to how to stand out.
About McCall MacBain Scholarship
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is a full graduate scholarship offered at McGill University in Canada. It covers tuition, fees, and living expenses for students pursuing eligible master’s or professional programs. In addition to financial support, recipients receive mentorship, leadership training, and the opportunity to become part of a diverse global community.
Created by John and Marcy McCall MacBain, the scholarship aims to develop future leaders who are committed to making a positive difference in the world.
What Makes This Scholarship Unique?
Unlike many scholarships that focus solely on academic performance, the McCall MacBain Scholarship takes a holistic approach. Candidates are evaluated based on:
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- Strong academic records and intellectual curiosity
- Exceptional character and integrity
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to community engagement
- Entrepreneurial spirit and resilience
These criteria reflect the scholarship’s goal to support individuals who are prepared to lead with purpose and compassion.
McCall MacBain Scholarship 2025 Deadline
Applications for the 2025 cohort have officially closed. Finalists have been selected, and the results will be announced in May 2025. For students interested in joining the 2026 cohort, applications will open on June 1, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to attend an information session or subscribe to email updates to stay informed.
The McCall MacBain Scholarship 2025 deadline for international applicants was August 20, 2024, and for Canadian and American applicants, it was September 24, 2024, both at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Deadlines for the 2026 cohort will follow a similar schedule.
Who Is Eligible?
To apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship for 2026, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- You are currently pursuing your first bachelor’s degree and will graduate by August 2026.
- You earned your first bachelor’s degree in the last five years (since January 2020).
- You earned your first bachelor’s degree more than five years ago and were 30 years old or younger as of January 1, 2025.
Applicants must also meet the academic and language requirements for admission to an eligible McGill University graduate program.
McCall MacBain Scholarship Requirements
To be considered, you must prepare a strong application that includes:
- Academic transcripts
- A current resume
- Essays highlighting your motivation, leadership experiences, and long-term goals
- Letters of reference
- A nomination or endorsement (for certain applicants)
Shortlisted candidates go through regional interviews, and finalists are invited to participate in comprehensive final interviews. Many applicants describe the interview process as inspiring and deeply reflective.
McCall MacBain Scholarship for International Students
The McCall MacBain Scholarship welcomes applications from around the world. Over 90 universities in more than 30 countries actively collaborate with the scholarship foundation. Institutions from Australia, China, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and several others nominate candidates and encourage students to apply.
This global outreach ensures that the scholarship is accessible to outstanding students from all backgrounds who demonstrate the potential to lead positive change.
As one of Canada’s top-ranked institutions, McGill University offers a wide range of scholarships. However, the McCall MacBain Scholarship stands out for its emphasis on leadership, community service, and mentorship.
International students applying to McGill can also explore entrance awards, faculty-specific scholarships, and external funding opportunities, but none are as comprehensive as the McCall MacBain Scholarship.
Application Timeline for the 2026 Cohort
If you are planning to apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship 2026, mark the following milestones:
- June 1, 2025: Application opens
- August 2025: International deadline
- September 2025: Canada and United States deadline
- October to December 2025: Regional interviews
- March 2026: Final interviews
- Fall 2026: Classes begin at McGill University
Applicants are advised to confirm their deadlines using the official application portal, especially if they hold dual citizenship or have studied in more than one country.
McCall MacBain Scholarship Acceptance Rate
Although the official McCall MacBain Scholarship acceptance rate is not published, it is highly competitive. For the 2025 cycle, up to 30 full scholarships and 100 entrance awards were available. Thousands of students apply each year, making it important to submit a thoughtful and complete application.
Successful candidates usually demonstrate consistent leadership, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to improving their communities.
McCall MacBain Scholarship Winners and Their Impact
Previous winners of the McCall MacBain Scholarship have gone on to pursue careers in public policy, medicine, education, and social entrepreneurship. Many remain actively involved in the scholarship community and continue to mentor new scholars.
The program fosters long-term collaboration and friendship across borders, encouraging graduates to become responsible leaders in their chosen fields.
To learn more about the McCall MacBain University community, application details, and future opportunities:
- Visit the official McCall MacBain Scholarships website
- Sign up for email alerts about deadlines and events
- Attend an information session or webinar
- Follow McCall MacBain Scholarships on social media platforms