McCall MacBain Scholarship

The McCall MacBain Scholarship allows scholars to pursue a fully funded master’s or second-entry professional undergraduate program at McGill University in Montreal. While pursuing their degree, students participate in an interdisciplinary leadership program which encourages them to make positive change in the world. This program emphasizes the power of community and encourages scholars to “lead with purpose” in their chosen path. McCall MacBain Scholars go on to work in a variety of sectors but share a commitment to leadership, service, and continued learning.      

This award requires university endorsement. UC may nominate up to three candidates for the award each year. You must contact NCA in order to apply.

Deadlines

Application Opens: June 1, 2026

Campus Deadline: September 1, 2026

National Deadline: September 23, 2026 @ 4pm ET

The McCall MacBain Scholarship provides tuition and fees for the entire standard duration of a master’s or second-entry professional program, as well as a living stipend of $2,300 per month during academic terms and a one-time relocation grant for moving to Montreal. Scholars who are not pursuing an academic term in the summer can apply for up to $5,000 in order to pursue summer initiatives.

Note: A second-entry professional undergraduate degree refers to a degree program that requires the prior completion of an undergraduate degree (or a specific number of university credits) as a prerequisite for admission. These programs train students for licensed professions or specialized fields. Eligible second-entry degrees include BCL/JD (Law), DMD (Dentistry), and MDCM (Medicine).

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

  • Meet one of the following criteria:
    • Current student on track to earn your first bachelor’s degree by August 2027
    • Earned your first bachelor’s degree in the last five years (January 2021 or later)
    • Earned your first bachelor’s degree more than five years ago and were 30 years or younger on January 1, 2026
  • Be seeking admission to a full-time master’s or second-entry professional undergraduate program (program must consist of 45 credits or more)
  • Meet the minimum degree and language requirements for McGill’s Master’s program admission

Please refer to the McCall MacBain Scholars website for a detailed list of the eligibility criteria.

Selection Criteria

To be a competitive candidate, applicants should: 

  • Exhibit exceptional character
  • Value community engagement
  • Have leadership experience or strong leadership potential
  • Demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit
  • Display academic strength and intellectual curiosity
  • Personal & family information
  • Academic history, awards, and languages
  • Academic and career interests
  • Activities and work experience
  • Three short answer questions and four short essay questions
  • Two references (one academic and one community)
  • One page resume
  • Transcripts (official or unofficial)
  • Application waiver
  • Endorsement

Carefully review McCall MacBain Scholarship’s Application Resources.

  • Submit your application, including letters of recommendation, by the Campus Deadline: September 1, 2026.
  • Endorsed applicants’ complete application by National Deadline: September 23, 2026 @ 4pm ET
  • Information on this page is intended to supplement, not supplant, your own careful review of the official McCall MacBain Scholars website. If you find any discrepancy between the two, the McCall MacBain Scholars website takes precedence.
  • Though you should seek out others’ advice and feedback on your application, the essays should be your original work (no one should be writing your essays for you). UC’s Student Code of Conduct applies.