McGill University in Montreal offers funding for international and domestic students at both undergraduate and graduate levels, with a mix of merit-based awards and need-based support. For applicants searching for a fully funded scholarship in Canada, the opportunity is the McCall MacBain Scholarship, which covers master’s or professional studies and opens June 1, 2026 for the 2027 cohort. These scholarships are merit-based and aim to support students demonstrating academic excellence and research potential. The McGill University Scholarships 2027 not only alleviate financial burdens but also foster academic and professional growth, making McGill an attractive destination for graduate studies.
Basic information
- Scholarship name: McGill University Scholarships 2026 in Canada.
- Main fully funded option: McCall MacBain Scholarship for master’s or professional studies.
- Undergraduate support: Entrance Scholarship Program and Entrance Bursary Program.
- Application deadline for McCall MacBain: August 19 for most applicants, September 23 for students and graduates of Canadian and U.S. universities and Canadians abroad.
- Undergraduate entrance scholarship deadline: February 7 for applicants from the rest of Canada, March 7 for Quebec CEGEP applicants, and a separate schedule applies to other applicant groups.
- Entrance Bursary deadline: apply within 30 days of formal acceptance; the application officially closes on June 30.
- Best keyword focus: McGill scholarships for international students, fully funded scholarship Canada 2026, McGill graduate scholarship, McGill entrance scholarship.
University details
McGill University is a public university in Montreal, Quebec, and it supports qualified students from any geographic region through scholarships and student aid. The university’s financial aid system includes merit awards, need-based bursaries, tuition payment deferrals, work-study, and emergency loans. McGill also notes that tuition and fees vary by program, but its guaranteed tuition model helps international undergraduates plan costs more predictably.
Study Areas
Interfaculty Studies:
- Biological and Biomedical Engineering (BBME)
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience (IPN)
- Quantitative Life Sciences
Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
- Agricultural Economics
- Animal Science
- Bioresource Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Human Nutrition
- Natural Resource Sciences
- Parasitology
- Plant Science
Arts
- Anthropology
- Art History
- Communication Studies
- East Asian Studies
- Economics
- English
- French Language and Literature
- Geography
- History and Classical Studies
- Information Studies
- International Development
- Islamic Studies
- Jewish Studies
- Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
- Linguistics
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public Policy
- Quebec Studies / Études sur le Québec
- Religious Studies
- Social Studies of Medicine
- Social Work
- Sociology
Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences
- Dentistry
Education
- Educational and Counselling Psychology
- Integrated Studies in Education
- Kinesiology and Physical Education
Engineering
- Architecture
- Bioengineering
- Biological and Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining and Materials Engineering
- Urban Planning
Law
- Law
Desautels Faculty of Management
- Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
- Master of Management (M.M.)
- Ph.D. in Management
- Executive Master of Business Administration (E.M.B.A.)
- Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management
- Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting (GCPA)
Medicine and Health Sciences
- Anatomy and Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Bioethics
- Biostatistics
- Biological and Biomedical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Human Genetics
- Medical Physics
- Medicine, Experimental
- Medicine, Family
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Neuroscience (Integrated Program)
- Nursing
- Occupational Health
- Oncology
- Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
- Pathology
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Physical and Occupational Therapy
- Physiology
- Psychiatry
- Surgery, Experimental
Schulich School of Music
- Music
Science
- Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Geography
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Physics
- Psychology
- Redpath Museum
McGill University Scholarships Benefits
While specific benefits vary depending on the scholarship, common provisions include:
- Tuition Coverage: Full or partial tuition fee waivers
- Stipends: Monthly living allowances (amounts vary, $2,000 CAD / Month)
- Research Funding: Grants for research-related expenses
- Travel Grants: Support for conference attendance or research travel
- And relocation grants for relocation to Montreal.
- Entrance bursaries provide non-repayable support for students with financial need.
- McGill offers work-study, tuition payment deferrals, and emergency loans as added support.
- Some external McGill-linked scholarships may include tuition, housing, monthly stipend, travel, and relocation support, depending on the program.
Benefits Not Included
Typically, the following are not covered:
- Health Insurance: Unless specified, students may need to arrange their own coverage
- Relocation Costs: Travel expenses to Montreal are usually not included
- Dependent Support: Additional funds for family members are generally not provided
Eligibility Criteria for McGill University Scholarships
Eligibility requirements can vary by program and scholarship but generally include:
Academic Requirements
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree related to the program you want to study.
- For a Master’s, usually need a 4-year undergraduate degree.
- For a PhD, usually need a Master’s degree in a related field.
- Exceptional students with strong research experience may apply directly to a PhD without a Master’s.
GPA Requirements
- Minimum CGPA: 3.0/4.0
OR - 3.2/4.0 in the last 2 years of full-time study.
- Some departments may require a higher GPA.
Degree Equivalency
- Your degree will be checked to see if it matches McGill’s standards.
Accepted English Tests
TOEFL iBT
New 6-point scale (from Jan 2026)
- Overall: 4.5
- Reading: 4.5
- Listening: 4.5
- Writing: 4.5
- Speaking: 4.0
Old 120-point scale
- Overall: 86
- Minimum 20 in each section
- McGill TOEFL Code: 0935
- Institutional TOEFL is not accepted
IELTS Academic
- Minimum overall band: 6.5
- Academic and UKVI versions accepted
- IELTS Online and One Skill Retake are not accepted
- Scores must be sent electronically by the test center directly to McGill
Tests NOT Accepted
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
- Pearson PTE
Required Documents
Applicants typically need to submit:
- Completed online application form
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose or Research Proposal
- Letters of Recommendation (usually two)
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Valid passport copy
McGill University Scholarships Application process
- Check your eligibility against the exact scholarship type before applying.
- Apply for admission to McGill first if the award is tied to admission.
- Submit the relevant scholarship application through the official portal, Minerva, or the scholarship site.
- Upload documents and references if requested.
- Monitor your email and Minerva regularly for updates, missing documents, or interview requests.
- For McCall MacBain, note the two deadline streams: August 19 for most applicants and September 23 for Canadian/U.S. university applicants and Canadians abroad.
Tips for successful Application
- Lead with impact, not just grades; McCall MacBain explicitly values leadership and community engagement.
- Tailor every statement to the award’s mission instead of using a generic scholarship essay.
- Submit early because many McGill aid programs are rolling and can close once funds are exhausted.
- Make your financial story concrete if you are applying for need-based support.
- Ask referees early and choose people who can speak to your leadership and academic performance.
- Double-check deadlines by applicant category, because McGill uses different deadlines for different groups.
Monthly living expenses
For international students in Montreal, a practical monthly budget is usually in the range of USD 1,400 to USD 2,000 depending on housing style, food, and lifestyle; McGill’s own cost estimates show annual living and education expenses can add up quickly, with one graduate example totaling about CAD 20,820 per year before tuition. A lean budget may look like this:
- Rent and utilities: USD 700–1,200.
- Food and groceries: USD 300–500.
- Public transportation: USD 40–60.
- Books and supplies: USD 80–150.
- Personal expenses and phone: USD 150–250.
McGill’s planning tools also stress that real costs depend on program, residence choice, and whether you live on campus or off campus.
Why choose it
- McGill is a top-tier Canadian university with strong global recognition.
- The scholarship ecosystem covers both merit and financial need, which widens access.
- The McCall MacBain Scholarship is genuinely high-value and unusually comprehensive for graduate applicants.
- Montreal can be more affordable than many major North American study destinations, especially if you budget carefully.
- McGill offers built-in support services such as work-study, deferrals, and financial counseling.
- The university has multiple funding routes, so a missed award category does not always mean the end of the road.
Frequently Asked Question
Who can apply for McGill University Scholarships 2026?
Newly admitted undergraduate students, graduate applicants, and in some cases international students from any region can apply, depending on the award.
Is McGill scholarship fully funded?
Some are, especially the McCall MacBain Scholarship, but many McGill awards are partial or need-based rather than fully funded.
What is the deadline for McGill scholarships in 2026?
Deadlines vary by scholarship: McCall MacBain closes August 19 or September 23 depending on applicant category, while undergraduate entrance scholarship deadlines are tied to applicant group and include February 7 and March 7 for certain Canadian applicants.
Do international students get financial aid at McGill?
Yes, McGill states that financial need is considered for international students, and qualified students from any geographic region may be supported.
What programs are covered?
Coverage depends on the award, but graduate scholarships can support master’s or professional study, while undergraduate awards apply to full-time first-degree programs.
How competitive is it?
Very competitive, especially for the fully funded graduate option, because McGill looks for academic strength, leadership, service, and clear impact potential.
Deadlines:
- Fall Intake
- Applications Open: September 15
- International Applicants Deadline: January 15
- Canadian/Permanent Resident Deadline: June 21
- Winter Intake
- Applications Open: February 15
- International Applicants Deadline: August 1
- Canadian/Permanent Resident Deadline: November 10
- Summer Intake
- Applications Open: May 15
- International Applicants Deadline: October 1
- Canadian/Permanent Resident Deadline: April 1
