How many projects can I apply for?
Students can apply for up to two projects. In the application form, you will indicate your first and second choices from the list of projects offered. If you want to pick only one project, select it as both your first and second choice.
Can I apply to the Global Health Scholars Undergraduate Program with my own project?
No. This program matches students with vetted existing projects with ۲ݮƵ professors, so you must choose from the list of available projects. If you are looking for funds to support travel for your own global health project, you may want to look into our Travel Awards program.
What kinds of students are selected?
We seek students who are genuinely eager to learn about health inequities and committed to understanding innovative solutions to global health challenges. Ideal candidates value a broad skill set, possess humility, and demonstrate a capacity for self-reflection. Make sure to look at our evaluation criteria as well. Additionally, since each project requires a unique combination of technical and transferable skills, be sure to consider the specific requirements of the projects you're applying for.
Where can I read about past undergraduate Global Health Scholars and their projects?
That’s easy! Visit our Awards winner page!
Do I need to have previous global health experience?
Nope! Students do not need prior global health experience to apply to the program.
Is there a minimal GPA to apply?
Nope! There is no minimum GPA requirement. However, your academic track record is considered as part of the overall evaluation process.
I really want to apply to a specific project, but I don’t have all the skills listed. What can I do?
Indicate in your essay a willingness to learn by demonstrating how you taught yourself a skill or learned quickly in previous experiences. You can also try to pick up some skills and knowledge on your own. For example, at ۲ݮƵ, the Library,CaPS,SKILLS21ԻStudent Services offer workshops that might be relevant.
I really want to apply to a specific project, but I don’t speak the required language(s). What can I do?
If a project requires specific languages, it’s because you’ll likely need to use them professionally—for example, in team meetings, interviews with participants, or reviewing specialized documents. If you don’t already have proficiency in the required language(s), it will be difficult to reach the necessary level before the project begins.
Since language proficiency is critical for these tasks, we recommend focusing on projects where you meet the language requirements. Be sure to check the project description carefully, as it may explain how the language will be used, helping you decide whether to apply.
I have not taken either the Interprofessional Global Health Course or PPHS 511 - Fundamentals of Global Health. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can! Students do not need to have taken either course to apply for the Global Health Scholars program. Many selected Scholars have not taken either course at the time that they submit their application. However, if you are selected, we strongly encourage you to take at least one of these courses in the academic year following your summer project. If you intend to do so, you could note this in your essay.
I'll be unavailable for part of the Summer. Can I still participate in the program?
Yes! Selected students must complete 240 hours of work (the equivalent of 6 weeks full-time) between May 1 and August 31, 2025. Each project has its own timeline, and many are flexible. 240 hours can mean anywhere from six weeks working 40 hours per week on the project to 16 weeks spending 15 hours per week. We encourage you to pick projects that work with your schedule. If you are invited to participate in an interview, you should definitely discuss the work schedule at that time with the faculty supervisor.
I'm a medical or dental student. Am I considered an undergraduate student? Can I still participate in the program?
Yes. MDCM/medical students and DMD/dentistry students are considered undergraduate students and are eligible for the Global Health Scholars - Undergraduate Program.
I'm not studying health or science; can I still apply?
Yes! There is no program restriction. All undergraduate students are eligible for the Global Health Scholars - Undergraduate Program, as long as you are not graduating in May-June 2025. In other words, you must be registered for a credited course either in the Summer 2025 or Fall 2025 term.
Can I work remotely on the Montreal-based projects?
Global Health Scholars working on local Montreal-based projects are expected to work on-campus (or in an affiliated location) for the majority of the time.
Do students receive funding?
Yes! Students completing their project on campus or in the Montreal/Gatineau area will receive a stipend of $3,000. If a student is selected for a project that involves travel (either Internationally or in Northern Canada), they will receive an additional $3,000 to contribute towards travel costs. If a student does not travel, the stipend will not exceed $3,000.
When will the funds be distributed to selected Scholars?
Payment of the awards will be in two installments: 90% of the amount will be paid in May 2025 and the remaining 10% will be paid in March 2026 upon completion of all program deliverables as confirmed by the Scholar’s supervisor and the GHP office.
What happens if the stipend does not cover all travel costs?
GHP cannot provide funding beyond the stipend for Scholars. While some faculty supervisors may offer financial support, it is not guaranteed. If you are invited to an interview with a faculty supervisor for a project that involves travel and you believe the funding will not cover your costs, you should discuss what additional support they can provide. If you are considering a project that involves travel, we strongly encourage you to check if you are eligible for funding via ۲ݮƵ's Enriched Educational Opportunities Program.
Are there any opportunities for additional funding to support my participation in the Global Health Scholars program?
Students may be eligible for additional funding from the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid. We encourage students to contact them early to see what funding is available for their unique situation. Please review this document and if eligible, you can apply AFTER your selection into the Global Health Scholars program. Note that the Global Health Scholars program has prior approval for Enriched Educational Opportunities (EEO) bursaries.
What happens if I am accepted into the Global Health Scholars program, but then cannot complete my required 240 project hours?
If a student selected for a project is unable to fulfill the required 240 hours by August 31, 2025 due to seen or unforeseen circumstances, GHP reserves the right to adjust funding accordingly on a pro-rated basis. Such decisions will be made at the discretion of GHP and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Will my participation in the Global Health Scholars program appear on my transcript?
When you complete this program, your participation in this project will be included in your ۲ݮƵ Co-Curricular Record.
Is there an online information session for the 2025 Global Health Scholars program?
Yes, we will have an online information session on January 21, 2025, from 12:00-1:00 PM. A recording of the session will be posted online afterwards.
How do I turn my unofficial transcript into a PDF file to include in my application?
You can create a PDF version of your unofficial transcript by choosing the "print" option in your web browser and then choosing “Save as PDF” or “Print to PDF”.
How should I format my essay?
As long as you follow the Essay Guidelines in the "How to apply" section on the main Scholars page, you can format your essay as you please. Given that many projects seek students with strong writing skills, it's worth spending time writing and reviewing your essay to demonstrate your skills in this area!
If I am choosing two projects, should I write two essays?
That is up to you if you want to write one or two essays. Whatever you choose:
- The page limit is still 3 pages;
- We will not be separating essays before forwarding them to faculty supervisors. They will receive the full PDF that you uploaded with your application.
Is there a Global Health Scholar - Graduate program for 2025?
Unfortunately, the Global Health Scholars - Graduate program is not running in 2025. We encourage graduate students to check out our Travel Awards page instead.
I have a question about a specific project. Who should I contact?
Please email studentaffairsghp.med [at] mcgill.ca and we will forward your question to the faculty member. Please do not contact the faculty supervisor on any given project. Students who contact faculty supervisors for more information may be disqualified.
My question isn't listed here. Who should I contact?
Please send any additional inquiries to studentaffairsghp.med [at] mcgill.ca. Please do not contact the faculty supervisor on any given project. Students who contact faculty supervisors for more information may be disqualified. For more information on the program or to review what projects were part of the 2025 Global Health Scholars - Undergraduate Program,please go to the main page.