Are you an aspiring leader with a passion for community engagement and a drive to create change? Then you need to know about the McCall MacBain Scholarships 2025–2026. This isn’t just another scholarship; it’s a transformative opportunity for master’s and professional studies at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. This guide is designed to provide you with all the essential, actionable information you need to understand and successfully navigate the application process. We’ll demystify the criteria, walk you through the timeline, and share practical advice to help you showcase your unique potential.
Applying for the McCall MacBain Scholarship is a journey of self-reflection. The process itself—from identifying your most impactful experiences to articulating your future goals—is a valuable exercise. Even if you don’t receive the scholarship, you will emerge with a clearer sense of your own strengths and aspirations. Official Scholarship Application.
What Are the McCall MacBain Scholarships?
The McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s first comprehensive, leadership-driven scholarships for master’s and professional degree students. They are awarded to exceptional individuals who demonstrate a blend of leadership potential, community engagement, and intellectual curiosity. It’s about more than just your grades; it’s about who you are, what you’ve done for others, and what you aspire to do in the future. The scholarship covers tuition and fees, provides a generous living stipend, and includes a host of leadership development opportunities. McCall MacBain Foundation.
Unpacking the Selection Criteria: What the Committee is Looking For
In my experience advising students on competitive scholarships, one common hurdle is trying to guess what the selection committee wants to hear. The key with the McCall MacBain Scholarship, however, is not to guess but to be yourself—your very best, most authentic self. The committee is transparent about its five core selection criteria. Your application should be a coherent narrative that brings each of these qualities to life.
- Exceptional Character: This goes beyond simple integrity. The committee looks for qualities like humility, empathy, resilience, and a commitment to hard work and service. They want to see a willingness to take meaningful risks and learn from failures. Think about a time you faced a significant challenge and what you learned about yourself in the process.
- Community Engagement: Do you have a track record of working for and with others to address challenges? The committee is interested in both the breadth and depth of your involvement in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or other community pursuits. Your activities don’t have to be directly related to your academic interests; what’s important is the sustained commitment and impact you’ve had.
- Leadership Potential: The scholarship values a collaborative spirit. The committee wants to see how you have worked with and led others toward a common goal. This isn’t just about holding a title. It’s about taking on tough roles, advancing meaningful change, and helping to develop the potential of those you lead.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: This isn’t limited to starting a business. The “entrepreneurial spirit” refers to the ability to identify needs or gaps and motivate others to develop creative, effective solutions. It’s about a willingness to forge new paths and not be held back by the fear of failure.
- Academic Strength and Intellectual Curiosity: While your transcripts are important, they are not the only measure of academic strength. The committee looks for a deep interest in and curiosity about the world and ideas. They also want to see a good fit between your proposed graduate program at McGill and your future plans.
Eligibility and Application Deadlines for 2025–2026
The McCall MacBain Scholarships have a clear set of eligibility requirements and separate deadlines for different applicant groups. It’s crucial to pay close attention to these details to ensure your application is submitted on time and to the correct category.
Eligibility at a Glance
- You must meet one of the following criteria:
- You are a current student on track to earn your first bachelor’s degree by August 2026.
- You earned your first bachelor’s degree in the last five years (January 2020 or later).
- You earned your first bachelor’s degree more than five years ago, and were 30 years old or younger on January 1, 2025.
- You must also be planning to apply for a full-time master’s or second-entry professional undergraduate program at McGill University for the Summer/Fall 2026 intake. The program must consist of 45 credits or more.
Application Deadlines for the 2026 Cohort
- International Applicants (all countries except Canada and the United States): Applications are due on or around August 20, 2025.
- Canadian and U.S. Applicants: Applications are due on or around September 24, 2025.
It is highly recommended that you start preparing your application materials well in advance of these deadlines. Don’t wait until the last minute!
The Benefits: More Than Just Financial Support
Being a McCall MacBain Scholar means so much more than having your education funded. The financial benefits are, of course, a huge relief and a powerful enabler:
- Full tuition and fees for the entire duration of your master’s or professional program.
- A living stipend of $2,300 per month during academic terms.
- A one-time relocation grant to help you move to Montreal.
However, the true value of the scholarship lies in the community and leadership development program. Scholars become part of a powerful network of peers, mentors, and alumni. They participate in workshops, talks, and retreats that focus on developing skills in areas like strategic planning, public speaking, and entrepreneurial leadership. This is a program designed to help you become a more effective and impactful leader.
The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Navigating the application can feel daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it much less intimidating. Here is a simplified overview of the process:
- Start Early: The online application portal for the 2026 cohort opens in June 2025. Get a head start by reviewing the application requirements and beginning to draft your essays and short answers.
- Request References: You will need two references: one academic and one community-based. The official website states that these should be from people who know you well and can speak to the selection criteria. Be sure to ask your referees well in advance of the deadline, providing them with plenty of time and all the information they need to write a strong letter for you.
- Craft Your Essays: The short essays and answers are where you truly bring your story to life. These are your opportunities to reflect on your experiences, motivations, and goals. I’ve seen many successful applicants focus on a specific, detailed example rather than trying to cover everything. Be sure to tell a compelling story about your role, what you did, and what you learned.
- Submit Your Scholarship Application: Submit all your materials through the McCall MacBain online portal by the relevant deadline.
- Apply to McGill University: After you submit your scholarship application, you must separately apply to at least one eligible master’s program at McGill. The scholarship offer is conditional on your admission to the university, so be sure to meet the McGill program’s deadlines as well.
- Interviews: If you are selected, you will be invited for regional interviews, followed by final interviews in Montreal. Travel costs are covered for the final interviews, which is a testament to the program’s commitment to accessibility.
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FAQ
Q1: What is the main difference between the McCall MacBain Scholarship and other scholarships?
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is unique because of its strong focus on leadership potential and community engagement, in addition to academic strength. It is a comprehensive program that includes a rich mentorship and leadership development component, not just financial aid.
Q2: Do I need a specific GPA to be eligible for the scholarship?
While academic strength is a key criterion, there is no minimum GPA requirement. The selection committee looks at your entire application to assess your intellectual curiosity and academic record, not just a single number.
Q3: Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?
No, the scholarship is for students pursuing their first master’s or second-entry professional undergraduate degree.
Q4: Do I need to be a Canadian citizen or resident to apply?
No. The scholarship is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and refugees, as well as U.S. and international students from all over the world.
