McCall MacBain International Fellowships 2027–2028

The McCall MacBain International Fellowships 2027–2028 are funded international learning opportunities offered by the McCall MacBain Foundation, in partnership with selected Canadian universities.

The programme enables eligible Canadian undergraduate students to spend approximately one year abroad, exploring a country and culture that is unfamiliar to them while developing new language, academic, professional and intercultural skills.

The fellowship combines three important learning experiences:

Language Immersion Term

Fellows participate in intensive language courses, live with a host family and volunteer with a local organisation. This experience allows them to build communication skills and become familiar with everyday life in their host country.

Academic Term

Participants undertake full-time studies at a recognised university abroad. They are expected to complete part of their academic coursework in the language they are learning, allowing them to develop both academic knowledge and practical language proficiency.

Professional Work Term

Fellows complete a full-time professional work placement or internship, applying their skills in an international workplace and developing a greater understanding of different professional environments.

Throughout the fellowship, participants are encouraged to build meaningful connections with local communities, understand different perspectives and become more independent and adaptable.

Before departure, fellows attend a preparation retreat in Canada. After completing the international experience, they participate in a return retreat to reflect on their learning and transition back to their studies.

The programme is particularly valuable for students interested in international education, leadership development, cross-cultural communication and professional experience abroad.

Applicants must meet the following requirements for the 2027–2028 fellowship:

• Nationality: Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident at the time of application.

• Age: Be 19–24 years old on 1 January 2026, the year applications opened.

• University Enrolment: Be enrolled at McGill University, McMaster University, Dalhousie University or the University of Manitoba, or hold a MacBain Niagara Falls or McCall Huron County scholarship.

• Academic Level: Be enrolled full-time in a first-entry undergraduate degree programme.

• Minimum CGPA: Hold a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, or 8.0 for McMaster University students, by the application deadline.

• Academic Progress: Students in degree programmes lasting four or more years must have completed at least three academic terms before departure.

• Shorter Degree Programmes: Students in degree programmes lasting fewer than four years must have completed at least two academic terms before departure.

• Graduation Status: Must not have completed all degree requirements before departing for the fellowship.

• University Standing: Be in good academic and non-academic standing.

• Previous International Experience: Must not have independently spent eight months or more abroad in a new language or cultural environment during the previous three years under the specified programme conditions.

• Fellowship Commitment: Be prepared to participate in all three programme terms and spend at least 48 weeks abroad.

The McCall MacBain International Fellowships provide financial and professional support valued at up to CAD $30,000.

• Living Stipend: CAD $1,500 per month during the language and academic terms, up to CAD $12,000 in total.

• Travel Stipend: CAD $3,500 towards international travel.

• Language Course Allowance: Up to CAD $4,500 for approved language courses.

• Travel Medical Insurance Allowance: Up to CAD $1,500 towards purchasing travel medical insurance.

• Tuition Support: A waiver or equivalent grant for one academic term, subject to the relevant university and exchange arrangements.

• Additional Internship Support: Up to CAD $3,000 may be available for an unpaid internship where the fellow cannot obtain the necessary authorisation for paid work.

• Professional Work Experience: Opportunity to complete a full-time work placement or internship abroad.

• Cultural Immersion: Experience living with a host family and volunteering in the local community.

• Programme Guidance: Access to a designated country contact.

• Pre-departure and Return Retreats: Participation in organised activities supporting international preparation and reflection.

For the initial online application, applicants should prepare the following information and materials:

• Personal and Contact Details: Information requested in the official online application form.

• Academic Information: Details of current university enrolment, degree programme and academic performance.

• Academic and Professional Activities: Information about relevant achievements, community participation, extracurricular activities and work experience.

• Statement of Intent: An explanation of the proposed international experience, preferred country and language, and reasons for choosing them.

• Reference: One referee who can comment on the applicant's character, adaptability, resilience and suitability for a year abroad.

• Online Reference Form: The referee must complete the Foundation's prescribed form through the online application system.

For shortlisted applicants:

- Additional documentation outlining plans for the proposed fellowship year, as requested before the interview.

For selected fellows:

• A signed fellowship agreement outlining the programme's requirements and expectations.

• Further academic, travel, financial or placement documentation as required during programme planning.

The Foundation evaluates applications based on the following factors:

• Community Engagement: Sustained involvement in activities intended to make a positive difference for others.

• Leadership Potential: Evidence of initiative, responsibility and the ability to take on meaningful challenges.

• Entrepreneurial Drive: Willingness to pursue opportunities, develop ideas and address difficult problems.

• Adaptability and Resilience: Readiness to experience unfamiliar circumstances, learn from setbacks and grow independently.

• Cultural Curiosity: Genuine motivation to learn a new language and engage respectfully with another culture.

• Character and Integrity: Demonstrated honesty, empathy and commitment to responsible behaviour.

• Willingness to Learn: Interest in developing intercultural skills and moving beyond familiar experiences.

• International Experience: Spend a year experiencing everyday life, education and work in another country.

• Language Development: Build practical communication skills through intensive language study and cultural immersion.

• Academic Exposure: Study at a recognised international university and explore different approaches to education.

• Career Development: Gain experience through an international work placement or internship.

• Leadership Growth: Develop adaptability, independence, critical thinking and cross-cultural understanding.

• Community Engagement: Participate in volunteering and establish meaningful connections with local communities.

• Professional Networking: Build international relationships that may benefit future academic and career opportunities.