Program Overview
Program Overview
Leading with Purpose
The McCall MacBain Scholarships are about much more than financial support. We believe in the power of community and provide scholars with opportunities to develop as interdisciplinary leaders in a complex world. This program brings together a diverse group of scholars who aspire to lead with purpose – individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential and an inner drive to make a positive impact in other people’s lives.
While McCall MacBain Scholars will go on to work on a broad range of challenges in different sectors, they share a vision for becoming leaders who serve others with integrity and humility, who are committed to continual learning and bridge-building, and who take bold, meaningful risks.
McCall MacBain Scholars pursue a funded master’s or second-entry professional undergraduate program at McGill University while participating in an interdisciplinary leadership curriculum.
The scholarship covers:
- Tuition and fees for the full normal duration of the master’s or professional program
- A living stipend of $2,300 per month during academic terms
- A one-time relocation grant for moving to Montreal
Scholars not pursuing an academic term during the summer may apply for up to $5,000 to pursue meaningful summer initiatives.
“Coming to the end of our first year together as a cohort, it really has been a life-changing experience.”
McCall MacBain Scholars are asked to bring an openness and commitment to learning from one another – all while studying in one of the world’s greatest multicultural cities.
This program provides scholars with:
As part of an interdisciplinary cohort, scholars learn to tackle complex challenges and deepen their impact through a leadership skills development curriculum. Scholars participate in annual summer intensives, bi-weekly seminars, field trips, and other events. They also have the opportunity to engage with Indigenous history, culture, and worldviews through sessions and one-on-ones led by our Elder-in-residence and other speakers. Together, they develop their understanding of themselves, of others, and of the systems that affect us all.
Some examples of seminars and workshops include:
- Strategic planning
- Crisis communication
- Entrepreneurial leadership
- Political decision-making
- Public speaking
Leadership Curriculum
Over the course of their studies, McCall MacBain Scholars develop the skills and knowledge across six key areas that support their development as leaders.
Place-based Learning
In their second year, scholars travel to another part of Quebec or Canada to engage in place-based learning. Recent destinations have included:
- Quebec City
- Winnipeg
- Vancouver
- Halifax
Every scholar is matched with an experienced mentor, an executive coach, and advisors. During the academic year, these individuals will challenge scholars to reach their goals and help them set new ones. They can also introduce scholars to a broader network of people who can advise them on specific problems and on next steps after their degree.
Mentors are selected for their distinguished careers in fields relevant to our scholars’ interests. Since 2021, more than 100 leaders have served as mentors to McCall MacBain Scholars.
Who are our mentors?
- Business executives
- Educators and academics
- Entrepreneurs
- International development executives
- Legal experts
- Health professionals
- Non-profit executives
- Public policy experts
- Researchers at multinational companies
- Social finance leaders
- University presidents
The McCall MacBain House, conveniently located at the entrance of McGill’s downtown campus, provides space for scholars to gather, study, learn, and collaborate. It includes access to meeting rooms and a kitchen. Scholars attend bi-weekly leadership seminars and workshops at the McCall MacBain House. Here, they can also participate in supplemental activities to enhance their learning and well-being.
Outside of bi-weekly leadership sessions, scholars are invited to participate in various types of supplemental learning opportunities.
Examples of supplemental activities include:
- Research talks
- Yoga, meditation, and creative activities
- French language courses offered through McGill
- Indigenous Learning Opportunity fund
You can apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship in 2026 if you are planning to apply for Summer / Fall 2027 admission to a full-time master’s or second-entry professional undergraduate program at McGill University. The program must consist of 45 credits or more and take place primarily on McGill’s downtown or Macdonald campuses.
Master's Degrees
More than 150 fields of study across the following degree types: MA (Arts), MArch (Architecture), MATL (Arts in Teaching and Learning), MBA (Business Administration), MEd (Education), MEng (Engineering), MISt (Information Studies), MM (Management Analytics, Finance, Retail), MMus (Music), MPP (Public Policy), MSc (Science), MScA (Science, Applied), MScAPT (Science, Applied in Physical Therapy), MScAOT (Science, Applied in Occupational Therapy), MSW (Social Work), MUP (Urban Planning), LLM (Law), STM (Sacred Theology).
Second-Entry Professional Undergraduate Degrees
Graduate certificates, executive master’s programs (EMBA, IMHL, IMPM), PhDs, part-time programs (e.g. GMSCM) and joint degree programs are examples of programs not covered by the McCall MacBain Scholarships. Qualifying-year students may apply at the start of their qualifying year for their upcoming master’s degree at McGill.
One of Canada’s best-known institutions of higher learning, McGill University is ranked #1 in Canada and #30th worldwide in the 2027 edition of the QS World University Rankings.
With its open and creative culture, exceptional quality of life, and excellent employment opportunities, Montreal is one of the top student destinations in the world.
Our city is vibrant, diverse, and multicultural, with over 100 languages spoken. While you don’t need to know French to study at McGill, you’ll often hear English and French used interchangeably when exploring Montreal’s diverse, colourful neighbourhoods.
It’s also an international hub, with direct flights available to 130+ cities worldwide, located in one of the safest countries in the world.
Montreal is known as Tiohtià:ke in Kanien’kéha, and Mooniyang in Anishinaabemowin.
Up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholarships and up to 100 finalist and regional awards will be offered to candidates who distinguish themselves during the interview process.
CANADIAN APPLICANTS
Including Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and refugees
- 20 McCall MacBain Scholarships, tenable at McGill
- 30 Finalist Awards of $10,000, tenable at McGill
- 30 Regional Awards of $5,000, tenable at any public university in Canada
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Any other citizenship or nationality
- 10 McCall MacBain Scholarships, tenable at McGill
- 25 Finalist Awards of $20,000 per year for up to 2 years, tenable at McGill
- 15 Regional Awards of $10,000, tenable at any public university in Canada