McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University

McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University gives you an opportunity for a fully-funded scholarship. This means that once you’re awarded the scholarship, the institution will take care of your full tuition and fees for the full duration of your eligible master’s or professional program.

Great opportunity, isn’t it?

But of course, McGill University isn’t accepting everyone. They’re looking for exceptional candidates.

Exceptional candidates in this regards refers to applicants who can demonstrate that they are/have:

• Exceptional character
• Community engagement
• Leadership potential
• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Academic strength and intellectual curiosity

Little wonder why McCall MacBain Scholar, Hayley Newman-Petryshen, MA in Political Science, advised future applicants to be authentic in their applications. In her words, “Ultimately, just be authentic and be yourself, which is a cliche, but that’s genuinely what the scholarship is looking for. It’s all about the person. The whole process has been absolutely amazing.”

She went on to advise, “Take your time with it as well. You don’t need to finish the whole application in one night. Take that time to be intentional about what you’re writing, thinking, and what you hope to do because it’s not always clear. Just give yourself some time to do it.”

So, before applying, put all the documents you’ll need for the application in one place, and prepare to write a convincing personal statement. 

Also, the reference you provide should be people of good standing in the society. It doesn’t have to be a governor, president or a minister. Your lecturer can stand in that space, especially, head of the department.

Benefits of McCall MacBain Scholarship

1. Full tuition and fees for your chosen eligible master’s or professional program at McGill.
2. Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.Yes, upon acceptance, you’re peered with a mentor who will guide you throughout your stay in the school.
3. Interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
4. Access to a global community of passionate and driven individuals.

Eligibility for McCall MacBain Scholarship

So, who’s eligible to apply for this scholarship?

• You must be on track to earn your first bachelor’s degree by August 2025, have earned your bachelor’s degree in the last five years (January 2019 or later), or have your degree.
• You must be under 30 years old in 2024.
• You must meet the minimum degree and language requirements for McGill’s master’s programs. For McGill’s master’s programs, the minimum English proficiency requires TOEFL, IELTS, or McGill’s English certificates. Some departments may have higher score expectations. Not required if English is your mother tongue, or if you have a degree from Canada, the U.S., or a foreign institution with English instruction. Also, not required if you’ve spent four consecutive years in an English-speaking country. Duolingo English Test is not accepted.

Eligibility Requirements for 2025 McCall MacBain Scholarship

Remember that the scholarship opportunity is not for everyone. It’s first for those who are eligible as discussed above. After that, the 2025 McCall MacBain Scholarship committee will then access your application based on these criteria: 

1. Completion of your first bachelor’s degree:

• Current students: You are enrolled in a school and on track to graduate by August 2025. So, if the current program you’re in will extend beyond August 2025, your application will not be considered.
• Recent graduates: You recently graduated and have earned your first bachelor’s degree between January 2019 and December 2023.
• Experienced professionals: You’ve earned your bachelor’s degree before January 2019 and are 30 years old or younger as of any point in 2024.

1. Possession of a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent recognized by McGill University).
2. Meeting the minimum admission requirements for your chosen master’s program at McGill. This includes language proficiency requirements.

Please note: The application for 2025 requires you to submit a personal statement and a reference form.

Application deadlines (for 2025 admission)

There are two categories of people allowed to apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University and they both have different application deadlines.

1. Canadian citizens/permanent residents/refugees & Students/graduates from Canada/US: September 25, 2024
2. International applicants: August 21, 2024

How to Apply for McCall MacBain Scholarship

In your online application, you will be asked six critical questions focusing on your personal information, activities, work experience, a break, short essays, transcripts, resume, and references. Below is a summary of McCall MacBain Scholarship Application Process:

1. Personal Information: You’re required to provide details about yourself and your family to give context to your journey.

2. Activities and Work Experience: Describe your involvement in community activities, extracurriculars, work history, and any breaks in your studies. In this section, focus on talking about your responsibilities, achievements, and motivations. This should be discussed in line with the scholarship goal in mind.

3. Short Essays: This is a 250-300 word essay. The focus is about your life in general, hence, reflect on your goals, influences, impactful experiences, and a significant turning point in your life. Remember that when you’re writing a personal statement of this nature, specificity is key. Detail your actions, roles, and the impact you made.

4. Transcripts: You’ll be asked to submit all your university transcripts (official or unofficial). 

5. Resume: You’ll be asked to upload a one-page, PDF resume without photos. In your resume, summarize your academic, professional, and community experiences. Focus more on the most relevant aspects that can directly position you as the best candidate for the scholarship..

6. References: Two references are mandatory. Yes, you’ll be asked to provide two references. I’ll advise you to choose these people from your academic and community. That’s, this should be people familiar with your academic work and a community reference familiar with your community involvement. Choose references who know you well and can provide specific examples about performance. Desist from choosing family, friends, or fellow students.

To apply go here: McCall MacBain Scholarship

McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University

• Host Country: Canada
• Study Abroad: Yes (at McGill University in Canada)
• Category of Scholarship: Postgraduate Scholarships, Master’s Scholarships
• Eligible Countries: All countries
• Reward: Full Scholarship (including tuition, living stipend, and relocation grant)

Final Thought

The most amazing thing about the scholarship is that it gives you an ample opportunity to express yourself even before being invited for an interview. This means that you have all the time in the world to properly package and present yourself.

And, as Hayley advised, be authentic and be yourself during the application process and the interview stage. International scholarship opportunities like this are not looking for copycats. They seek candidates they believe are exceptional and can greatly contribute to the development of their communities.

So, while you apply, take your time to dot your ‘Is’ and cross your ‘Ts.’

Anyone who should stand as a referee should be someone who knows you and with whom you are acquainted. This way, the person knows exactly what to include in your referee letter to the university. Essentially, that person should be someone of repute.

The proposed graduate program must be full-time. Once you meet the selection criteria, you are eligible to receive the finalist awards for the scholarship, which cover your full tuition.

READ: Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship.