The McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarship programs in Canada. It offers full financial support to students pursuing either a master’s degree or a second-entry professional undergraduate degree, such as law or medicine, at McGill University, located in Montreal. McGill is a world-renowned institution, often ranked as the top university in Canada and consistently recognized in global rankings for its academic excellence.
What the Scholarship Offers
The McCall MacBain Scholarship goes beyond just covering tuition. It offers a complete package that includes:
- Full Tuition and Fees: The scholarship covers all tuition and fees for the entire duration of the chosen program, ensuring that students can focus fully on their studies without financial concerns.
- Living Stipend: Scholars receive a monthly stipend of $2,000 CAD to cover living expenses, which allows them to live comfortably in Montreal without needing to seek additional income.
- Relocation Grant: For students moving to Montreal from outside the city or country, a one-time relocation grant is provided to help with moving expenses. This could cover the cost of travel, shipping, and settling into a new home.
- Summer Funding: Scholars who are not engaged in academic terms during the summer have the opportunity to apply for additional funding (up to $5,000 CAD) to pursue valuable summer experiences such as internships, research projects, or community service initiatives.
More Than Just Financial Support
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is designed not just to alleviate financial burdens but to foster leadership and personal growth. The program connects scholars with a global community of peers, mentors, and advisors who are dedicated to making a positive impact in their fields and communities. The scholarship promotes:
- Leadership Development: Scholars are encouraged to take on leadership roles both within and outside the university. The program offers numerous opportunities for leadership training, mentoring, and networking with established leaders from various industries.
- Interdisciplinary Learning: Scholars are part of a diverse group that includes individuals from different academic backgrounds and countries. This diversity fosters interdisciplinary learning, allowing scholars to gain new perspectives and approaches to solving complex global challenges.
- Community Engagement: A strong emphasis is placed on community service and giving back. Scholars are expected to engage in activities that benefit others, reflecting the program’s values of integrity, humility, and service to society.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to a wide range of applicants. To be eligible, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Current Undergraduate Students: If you are on track to complete your first bachelor’s degree by August 2025, you can apply.
- Recent Graduates: If you earned your first bachelor’s degree within the last five years (since January 2019), you are eligible.
- Older Graduates: If you earned your first bachelor’s degree more than five years ago, you can still apply, provided you are 30 years old or younger as of 2024.
In addition to these eligibility requirements, applicants must also meet the specific admission criteria for their intended master’s or professional program at McGill. This includes any necessary language proficiency requirements.
The Application Process
Applying for the McCall MacBain Scholarship is a multi-step process that begins with submitting an online application. Here’s what you need to know:
- Scholarship Application: The application opens in June 2024 and must be completed by August 21, 2024, for international students, or by September 25, 2024, for students from Canada and the U.S.
- Program Application: After applying for the scholarship, you must also apply separately to the McGill program you wish to enter. It’s important to note that you can list up to five eligible programs on your scholarship application, but you must apply to at least one of these programs through McGill’s standard admissions process.
- Interviews: If selected, you will be invited to regional interviews, which take place between October and December 2024. Successful candidates from these interviews will then proceed to final interviews in Montreal in March 2025.
Why Apply?
The McCall MacBain Scholarship offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study at one of the world’s leading universities with full financial backing and unparalleled support for personal and professional development. It’s an opportunity to not only advance your academic career but to join a global network of scholars and leaders who are committed to making a difference in the world.
By applying, you are positioning yourself to gain the education, skills, and network necessary to become a leader in your field, all while contributing to a better future for others. If you meet the eligibility criteria, this scholarship is a highly recommended opportunity to pursue your academic and leadership aspirations without financial constraints.
How to Apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship
Applying for the McCall MacBain Scholarship is a multi-step process designed to identify individuals who are not only academically strong but also demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to community service. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the application process:
- Prepare Your Application:
- Research: Start by thoroughly understanding the scholarship’s requirements and the eligible programs at McGill University. Review the official McCall MacBain Scholars website for detailed information on eligibility, selection criteria, and deadlines.
- Gather Documents: Prepare all necessary documents, including your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and any other materials required by the scholarship and your intended program at McGill.
- Online Application:
- Start Your Application: Applications for the 2025 cohort open on June 1, 2024. You will need to complete an online application form on the McCall MacBain Scholars website.
- Submit Two Reference Forms: You must provide the names and contact information of two referees who will complete reference forms on your behalf. Choose individuals who can speak to your leadership abilities, character, and academic achievements.
- Apply to McGill Programs:
- Select Your Programs: As part of the scholarship application, you can list up to five eligible master’s or professional programs at McGill University. However, you must separately apply to at least one of these programs through McGill’s regular admissions process.
- Meet Program Deadlines: Ensure that you submit your McGill program application by the deadline, which is typically earlier than the scholarship deadline.
- Participate in Interviews:
- Regional Interviews: If your written application is successful, you will be invited to regional interviews, which take place between October and December 2024. These interviews are an important step in the selection process and are conducted by a panel of leaders from various fields.
- Final Interviews: If you advance from the regional interviews, you will be invited to the final interviews held in Montreal in March 2025. Travel expenses for these interviews are covered by the scholarship.
- Wait for the Decision:
- Notification: If selected, you will be notified and invited to join the 2025 cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars, with studies beginning in September 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship?
- Eligibility: To apply, you must be on track to complete your first bachelor’s degree by August 2025, or have completed it within the last five years (since January 2019). Applicants who earned their degree more than five years ago can also apply if they are 30 years old or younger as of 2024. Additionally, you must meet the admission requirements for your chosen program at McGill.
2. What does the McCall MacBain Scholarship cover?
- Financial Coverage: The scholarship covers full tuition and fees for your program, provides a monthly living stipend, and offers a one-time relocation grant if you are moving to Montreal. Additional funding is available for summer experiences, and you will also have access to a global network of mentors and advisors.
3. Can international students apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship?
- International Eligibility: Yes, the scholarship is open to students from all countries. There are specific application deadlines for international students (August 21, 2024) and for students from Canada and the U.S. (September 25, 2024).
4. How many scholarships are awarded each year?
- Number of Scholarships: Up to 30 full scholarships are awarded each year, along with 100 additional entrance awards for semi-finalists who excel during the interview process.
5. What are the key dates to remember?
- Important Dates: The application period runs from June to August/September 2024. Regional interviews take place from October to December 2024, with final interviews in March 2025. The new cohort of scholars will begin their studies in September 2025.
6. What should I include in my personal statement?
- Personal Statement: Your personal statement should highlight your leadership experiences, commitment to community service, and your academic and career goals. It should also explain why you are interested in the McCall MacBain Scholarship and how it aligns with your aspirations.
7. Do I need to secure admission to McGill before applying for the scholarship?
- Admissions Requirement: You do not need to secure admission before applying for the scholarship, but you must apply to at least one eligible McGill program by the program’s deadline if you are selected for final interviews.
