Updated: September 1, 2026 | Reading time: 5 min | Written by: StudyTribune Team
McGill University Scholarships for international students span three distinct routes: an undergraduate Entrance Scholarship Program worth up to $7 million annually across all recipients, a graduate-level award of 60 full and 20 partial scholarships, and the highly competitive McCall MacBain Scholarship for Master’s and second-entry professional programs — genuinely open to international applicants, not just Canadian and U.S. citizens. Here’s each route covered in full, with current deadlines and honest coverage details.
Quick Facts
- University: McGill University, Montreal, Quebec (established 1821)
- Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Scale: More than 40,000 students, 300+ programs across 12 faculties
- Ranking Context: Consistently ranked among the top 30 universities globally (QS World University Rankings)
- Three Scholarship Routes: Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships, Graduate Scholarships, McCall MacBain Scholarship
Route 1: Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship Program
Merit-based funding for first-year, first-degree undergraduate applicants — this is genuinely separate from a need-based Entrance Bursary Program McGill also runs, and from the graduate-level awards below.
- One-Year Scholarships: Valued at $3,000
- Major Scholarships: Renewable, worth significantly more over your full undergraduate program — total value can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars across four years for the strongest applicants
- Total Disbursed: More than $7 million in entrance scholarships in a recent admission cycle alone
- McGill Entrance Scholarship deadline: Major award consideration typically requires your complete application by mid-to-late January — confirm the exact current-year date, since it’s earlier than many applicants expect
- Not Eligible: Transfer students, diploma students, mature students, exchange students, part-time students, special students, and visiting students are excluded from this specific program
No separate application is typically required for automatic consideration — a strong, complete admission application is generally your route in, though confirm current requirements directly with McGill’s Scholarships and Student Aid Office.
Route 2: McGill graduate scholarship (Master’s and PhD)
- Coverage: 60 full scholarships and 20 partial scholarships awarded to graduate students annually
- Full Award Value: Tuition and fees for the normal duration of your program, plus a living stipend of approximately $2,000 CAD per month
- Fields: Available across McGill’s full range of graduate programs
Route 3: McCall MacBain Scholarship
McGill’s flagship, most prestigious funding route — and one of the most competitive graduate scholarships in Canada.
- Who It’s For: Students entering a full-time Master’s or second-entry professional undergraduate program at McGill
- Open To: Canadian citizens and permanent residents, U.S. citizens, and international students — this scholarship is not restricted to North American applicants
- Scale: Up to 30 full scholarships, plus more than 100 finalist and regional awards for standout applicants who aren’t selected for the full scholarship
- Coverage: All expenses covered, plus leadership development programming, mentorship, and (for eligible participants) beginner-to-advanced French language courses
- McCall MacBain Scholarship eligibility (Canadian/PR/US applicants): Complete your undergraduate degree by August of your intended start year, or have completed your first bachelor’s degree within the last five years; generally 30 years old or younger as of the relevant eligibility date
- International applicants: Check the scholarship’s current eligibility page directly, since some conditions differ from the Canadian/US pathway described above
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship? Yes. It’s open to international students, alongside Canadian citizens/permanent residents and U.S. citizens — despite some older guides describing it as restricted to North American applicants only.
How many undergraduate scholarships does McGill offer? McGill disburses more than $7 million annually through its Entrance Scholarship Program alone, split between smaller One-Year Scholarships ($3,000) and larger, renewable Major Scholarships.
Are transfer students eligible for McGill’s Entrance Scholarships? No. Transfer, diploma, mature, exchange, part-time, special, and visiting students are excluded from the Entrance Scholarship Program specifically.
How much do McGill’s graduate scholarships cover? Full scholarships cover tuition and fees for your program’s normal duration, plus a living stipend of approximately $2,000 CAD per month. Partial scholarships are also available — 20 are awarded alongside the 60 full awards annually.
Do I need IELTS to apply to McGill? McGill accepts alternative proof of English proficiency in some cases if you meet specific prior-education conditions — confirm current accepted alternatives directly with McGill admissions for your specific program.
What’s the deadline for McGill University Scholarships for International Students? It varies significantly by program: undergraduate Major Scholarship consideration typically requires a complete application by mid-to-late January, while McCall MacBain and graduate program deadlines follow their own separate timelines — confirm each directly rather than assuming one date covers all three routes.
Official Resources
- McGill Scholarships and Student Aid Office: mcgill.ca/studentaid
- McCall MacBain Scholarship (official): mccallmacbain.org
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