McGill University’s Major Entrance Scholarships for Fall 2027 are now open. First-time students applying to a full-time undergraduate degree may compete for renewable merit awards valued at CAD $3,000, $5,000, $10,000 or $12,000 per year. The largest CAD $12,000 award is restricted to Canadian citizens and permanent residents; eligible international students can compete for awards worth up to CAD $10,000 per year, or CAD $40,000 across four years, subject to renewal rules.
McGill scholarship 2027 at a glance
- Host: McGill University, Canada
- Study level: First-entry, full-time undergraduate degree
- Major award value: CAD $3,000–$12,000 annually, renewable for up to four years
- International maximum: CAD $10,000 per year (up to CAD $40,000 over four years)
- International-school deadline: January 21, 2027, at midnight Montreal time (EST)
- Admission deadline for applicants from schools outside Canada: January 15, 2027
- Application status: Open from October 1, 2026
What the McGill Major Entrance Scholarship covers
McGill’s centrally administered major entrance scholarships recognize exceptional academic achievement and substantial leadership in school or community life. Awards are offered at CAD $3,000, $5,000, $10,000 or $12,000 per year and may be renewed for up to three additional years when the recipient meets McGill’s renewal conditions.
The scholarship is a merit award rather than a guaranteed full-cost package. It does not automatically cover the entire cost of tuition, accommodation, meals, travel or insurance. McGill advises students who still need help to consider its separate entrance bursary and financial-aid options.
Who can apply?
You may apply if you are a first-time university student seeking admission to a full-time McGill undergraduate degree for Fall 2027. International applicants are eligible. Transfer, mature, diploma, exchange, special, part-time and visiting students are not eligible for McGill’s centrally administered entrance scholarships.
Selection is highly competitive. McGill evaluates academic excellence first, followed by meaningful leadership. Meeting the published estimated academic ranges does not guarantee a scholarship. Applicants who apply for a major award but are not selected are automatically considered for McGill’s one-year CAD $3,000 entrance scholarship.
From Fall 2026, CEGEP students applying only to BCL/JD, Dent-P or Med-P are excluded from the centrally administered entrance scholarships. Programme-specific rules should always be checked before applying.
Application deadlines
| Applicant’s school location | Admission deadline | Major scholarship deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Outside Canada | January 15, 2027 | January 21, 2027 |
| Canada outside Quebec | February 1, 2027 | February 7, 2027 |
| Quebec CEGEP | March 1, 2027 | March 7, 2027 |
McGill states that scholarship applications and supporting documents are due by midnight Montreal time on the relevant date. For the January 21 international deadline, Montreal is on Eastern Standard Time (EST). Some programmes have earlier or different admission requirements, so confirm the programme page before submitting.
Documents required
The major scholarship application asks for:
- a factual list of school, community, volunteer, athletic, artistic and other activities from the last three academic years;
- a general essay about an influential historical or contemporary figure, or a memorable experience that changed your outlook;
- a one-page reference letter written by you about yourself in the third person;
- two referee letters: one academic and one activity-related, typed on letterhead, signed and uploaded as PDFs directly by the referees;
- a signed school statement showing class size and class rank, if the school provides ranking and it is not already on the transcript;
- the academic records and any programme-specific documents shown in your Applicant Portal checklist.
McGill does not accept the scholarship reference letters by post, email or courier.
English-language requirements
Proof of English may be required depending on your schooling history and exemption status. Current general minimums include IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component, CAEL 70 overall with at least 60 in each component, PTE Academic 65 overall with at least 60 in each component, and Duolingo English Test 125 (130 for B.Ed. TESL and B.Com.). TOEFL is also accepted, but McGill notes that score minima may change; use the official English-proficiency page for the current programme-specific requirement.
Applicants who have lived and attended school for at least four years in a country where English is the acknowledged primary language may qualify for an exemption. Do not assume an exemption solely because your school taught in English.
Application fee
The Fall 2027 undergraduate application fee is CAD $140.16 and is non-refundable. McGill allows a second undergraduate programme application for the same term and level at no extra charge after the first fee; subsequent applications incur another fee. McGill’s scholarship page does not list a separate fee for the Major Entrance Scholarship application.
How to apply
- Choose an eligible degree. Review the admission requirements for your educational background and intended programme.
- Submit the McGill undergraduate application. Applications are open from October 1, 2026. Pay the CAD $140.16 application fee.
- Open your Applicant Portal. After the admission application is submitted, access the separate Major Entrance Scholarship application.
- Complete the activities list and written responses. Use specific evidence of sustained leadership and academic strength.
- Invite both referees early. Each referee must upload the signed PDF directly in the portal.
- Upload all requested academic documents. Requirements differ by curriculum and programme.
- Submit before your regional deadline. Applicants from schools outside Canada must finish the scholarship application and documents by January 21, 2027, at midnight Montreal time.
- Monitor the portal and email. McGill may interview finalists and communicates award decisions electronically.
Official sources
- McGill entrance scholarships overview and values
- Major Entrance Scholarship application instructions and deadlines
- Estimated academic requirements
- English-language proficiency requirements
- Undergraduate application and current fee
Frequently asked questions
Are international students eligible?
Yes. Eligible students attending schools outside Canada can apply. For international applicants, the published major-award maximum is CAD $10,000 per year because the CAD $12,000 tier is limited to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Is the McGill Major Entrance Scholarship fully funded?
No. It is a renewable merit award, not a guaranteed full-cost scholarship. The award may offset a substantial part of study costs, but applicants should budget for any remaining tuition and living expenses.
Can I apply before receiving an admission decision?
Yes. McGill specifically says not to wait for admission. Submit the admission application first, then complete the separate scholarship application in the Applicant Portal.
Is there a separate scholarship fee?
McGill lists the CAD $140.16 undergraduate admission application fee but does not list a separate Major Entrance Scholarship fee.
What is the deadline for an international applicant?
If you attend a school outside Canada, apply for admission by January 15, 2027 and submit the major scholarship application and documents by January 21, 2027, at midnight Montreal time (EST).
Related opportunities
- University of Alberta President’s International Distinction Scholarship 2027
- University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship 2027
- Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027
ScholarshipHubNow checked the official McGill sources on October 1, 2026. Universities can update requirements; always confirm the Applicant Portal checklist before submission.
