McGill University is one of the most competitive schools in Canada, and it has a strong financial aid programme for international students. In 2026, the plan for getting a scholarship is based on two things: Merit-based Entrance Scholarships (for students with excellent grades) and Need-based Entrance Bursaries (for students who are having trouble paying for school).
1. Scholarships for One Year of School
These are basic merit awards for students who are starting their first year of a full-time undergraduate degree.
- Value: Usually $3,000 CAD (one time).
- Rule for Applications: Automatic Consideration. All new undergraduate applicants are automatically looked at based on their average admission score. There is no need to fill out a separate application.
- 2026 Status: You will get your decisions with or soon after your offer of admission.
2. Major Entrance Scholarships (can be renewed)
These are McGill’s most important awards for students who show not only academic excellence but also strong leadership and community service.
- Value: Between $3,000 and $12,000 CAD, and can be renewed every year for up to four years (total value up to $48,000 CAD).
- Rule for applications: You need to fill out a separate application. After you send in your application for admission, you need to apply through the “Financial Aid/Awards” tab on Minerva.
- Deadlines for 2026: * For students who live outside of Canada and the US, the deadline was January 21, 2026.
- The deadline for students in the US was February 7, 2026.
- If you’re planning for 2027, make sure to send in your application by early January so you have time to submit your scholarship application.
3. Need-Based McGill Entrance Bursary Programme
McGill is the only Canadian university that offers a special entrance scholarship just for international students from families with low to moderate incomes.
- Value: Changes depending on how much money you need and how much tuition costs.
- Rule for applications: You need to fill out a separate application. You can apply for a McGill Entrance Bursary through the “Apply for a McGill Entrance Bursary” menu on Minerva.
- Deadline: The application officially ends on June 30, 2026, but you should apply within 30 days of getting your official offer of admission because there isn’t much money available.
- International students must send in a CSS Profile along with their application to McGill.
4. Full Ride to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme
This “Full-Ride” scholarship is life-changing for high-achieving students from Sub-Saharan Africa who have a lot of trouble with money.
- Coverage includes full tuition, travel, housing, food, and a monthly allowance.
- 2026 Status: The application period for the Autumn 2026 group has ended.
- Strategy for 2027: Visit the McGill Mastercard Foundation website in the spring of 2026 for news about information sessions. You have to go to an info session to obtain the link to the 2027 application.
5. McCall MacBain Scholarships for Graduate Students
This is Canada’s best leadership scholarship for people who want to get a master’s or professional degree.
- Value: $2,000 CAD a month for living expenses plus full tuition and fees.
- 2027 Intake Status: Applications for the 2027 group will be accepted starting on June 1, 2026.
- International applicants usually have until August 2026 to apply.
6. Financial Aid While You’re in School
If you’re already a student at McGill and run into unexpected money problems, you can apply for “in-course” help.
- Options include emergency loans, deferring tuition payments, and the Work Study program, which gives students who need money jobs on campus.
- Tip for saving time: If your financial situation changes, make an appointment with a financial aid counsellor through the Scholarships and Student Aid office as soon as possible.
A list of things to remember for international applicants in 2026
- Minerva Access: You can’t apply for any big scholarships or bursaries until you’ve sent in your application to McGill and gotten your McGill ID to log into the Minerva portal.
- Send in the CSS Profile: When you apply for the bursary, make sure to send your CSS Profile to McGill (Code: 0935) at the same time.
- Proof of Proficiency: To avoid delays in your scholarship review, make sure to upload your English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) by March 2026.
