Thirty incoming students will receive Canada’s most comprehensive leadership-based scholarship for master’s and professional studies, forming the sixth cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars at McGill. Established thanks to a historic gift in 2019, the award covers tuition and fees, living expenses, mentorship, coaching and a leadership program.
The scholars will enter programs across nine Faculties. The School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, the Department of Agricultural Economics, the Department of Psychiatry and the Medical Physics Unit will receive McCall MacBain scholars for the first time. Their research and professional interests include fields critical to Canada’s global competitiveness, such as cosmology, data analytics, biomedical and regenerative studies, education in conflict-affected communities, robotics, state legitimacy and violence, and urban development.
“When I received the news, I broke into tears as it felt like a real step forward toward my goal of advancing work on women’s rights and gender justice for my country and region,” said Samaa Abdelhamid from Egypt. “More than anything, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to represent my community as a scholar from the Middle East and North Africa. McGill is the only university I applied to, because it is the only place I truly want to be, and it feels like finally crossing a finish line after a long run.”
Nineteen come from across Canada and 11 from other countries. Four countries – Jamaica, Japan, Jordan and Peru – are represented for the first time. See the full list of scholars here.
The scholars were selected based on evidence of exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity.
Investing in those want to improve the lives of others
“These scholarships go beyond financial support. They’re about investing in the leadership potential of individuals who dare to pursue unconventional paths and care deeply about improving the lives of others,” said Marcy McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill.
Applicants this year came from more than 2,300 universities worldwide. Of those, 280 advanced to first-round interviews held in October and November 2025. Then, 91 finalists were invited to attend interviews in Montreal in March.
“Every McCall MacBain Scholar has participated in six different interviews to earn this opportunity,” said Natasha Sawh, CEO of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “In September, they will join a diverse, interdisciplinary network of graduate students committed to bringing people together and creating meaningful change.”
International Finalist Awards doubled to $40,000
Awards for international students who attended the final interviews in Montreal, but did not receive the full scholarship, will be increased for those beginning their studies at McGill this year, and for future cohorts.
Thanks to a co-investment of up to $500,000 annually by McGill University and the McCall MacBain Scholarships, these students will now be eligible to receive up to $40,000 over two years instead of $20,000.
“This award increase is intended to recognize the excellence of our international finalists, while enabling more of them to pursue their studies at McGill.” said Josephine Nalbantoglu, Associate Provost (Graduate Education) and Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
“This significantly eases the financial burden of pursuing graduate studies abroad,” said Imasha S. Jayathissa from Sri Lanka, who is receiving a Finalist Award. “Personally, this support brings me closer to achieving my long-term goal of contributing to sustainable innovations in agriculture and food systems.”