McCall MacBain Scholarship
McCall MacBain Scholarship enables students to pursue a fully funded master’s or professional degree at McGill University while connecting with mentors and participating in an intensive leadership development program. McCall MacBain Scholars are asked to bring an openness and commitment to learning from one another. All while studying in one of the world’s greatest multicultural and multilingual cities.
Award: Up to 30 full scholarships will be awarded. The McCall MacBain Scholarship covers tuition and fees for an eligible master’s or second-entry professional undergraduate program at McGill and provide you with a living stipend of $2,300 per month during academic terms. There’s a one-time relocation grant to Montreal. Beginner through advanced French courses are offered through McGill
In addition to the 30 full scholarships, up 100 entrance awards will be awarded to top candidates.
- Up to 28 one-time regional entrance awards valued at $5,000 will be available for graduate study at any Canadian public university.
- Up to 30 one-time finalist entrance awards valued at $10,000 will be available for graduate study at McGill University.
Criteria: McCall MacBain Scholars will have a track record of community engagement, informed by a sense of duty, empathy, intellectual curiosity, grit, and a willingness to take risks. They aim to create meaningful and lasting change, while improving the lives of others. The program is looking for:
- exceptional character
- community engagement
- leadership potential,
- entrepreneurial spirit,
- academic strength and intellectual curiosity
Eligibility
To apply for the 2026 cohort, you must meet one of 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 or younger on January 1, 2025.
*Please note* While prior to 2023, the McCall MacBain was only available to Canadians, the scholarship is now open to people from around the world so long as they meet the other eligibility requirements.
How to apply for UNC endorsement
- Request two (2) references
- One reference is academic — that person should complete the following linked form: McCallMacBain_AcademicReference
- One reference is character — that person should complete the following linked form: McCallMacBain_Characterreference
- Share with your recommenders the following link to submit their letters to ODS: https://form.jotform.com/202056267878969. They will use the preceding link to submit their letter of recommendation to ODS. As of 2025, there is no longer a form to register recommenders.
- *The McCall MacBain has specific requirements about who can write your letters. Please review those requirements on the application before selecting recommenders.*
- Apply for UNC Endorsement with the Application for UNC Endorsement Form
- Prepare and upload a single PDF that includes (in this order)
- Your CV
- The completed McCall MacBain application downloaded from the online portal
- All relevant unofficial transcripts
- Prepare and upload a single PDF that includes (in this order)
- *You must also apply directly to McGill for at least one eligible full-time master’s or professional program for Summer/Fall admission. You’ll need to apply by the program deadline or by mid-December at the latest if you are selected for final interviews.*
Institutional Endorsement
Current students and recent graduates (those who graduated in the past two years) must earn an endorsement from their current/most recent institution. Applicants seeking endorsement through the University of North Carolina must finalize and submit their application through the McCall MacBain online application portal by the endorsement deadline.
UNC alumni who graduated in more that 2 years ago do not need institutional endorsement and should submit an application directly to the McCall MacBain scholarship selection committee via the online application portal.
All applicants will receive notification regarding whether they were selected for endorsement by the UNC’s Office of Distinguished Scholarship within two weeks of the endorsement deadline.
