Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG)
Education grants of up to US$15,000 from the Margaret McNamara Education Grants fund for women from developing countries enrolled at approved universities in the US, Canada, France, South Africa, or Latin America.
Quick Facts
Status
Applications OpenFunding
Partial FundingDeadline
US-Canada & Trinity Washington: September 15-January 15 | France: October 15-January 15 | South Africa: May 15-September 14 | Latin America & Caribbean: June 1-September 30
Country
United States / Canada / France / South Africa / Latin AmericaAbout the Margaret McNamara Education Grants
Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG), founded in 1981 and historically known as the Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund, is a nonprofit closely associated with the World Bank Group that has supported more than 600 women from over 80 developing countries in pursuing higher education abroad. Its mission centers on funding women whose studies are aimed at improving the lives of women and children in their home countries - a criterion that shapes both who applies and what fields tend to be funded.
The program runs several regional grant cycles rather than a single global one: a US-Canada program, a dedicated program for Trinity Washington University, a French-language program for students studying in France, and separate cycles for South Africa and for Latin America and the Caribbean. Each has its own application window, so applicants need to identify which regional program matches where they are (or will be) studying.
Grants have historically reached up to US$15,000 and are awarded based on financial need, academic merit, and the applicant's clear plan to use her education to benefit women and children in her home community or country upon return. Eligible fields are broad - engineering, IT, public health, science, education, social studies, and law have all been funded - but the underlying thread is always applied, development-oriented purpose rather than pure academic interest.
Because MMEG requires enrollment at an approved university within one of its regional programs (chiefly in the US, Canada, France, South Africa, or Latin America), it is best suited to Pakistani women who are already admitted to, or currently studying at, a university in one of these regions and need a targeted top-up grant rather than full program funding.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Long-established program (since 1981) with a strong track record and World Bank Group affiliation
Explicitly prioritizes women from developing countries like Pakistan
Broad field eligibility across engineering, health, education, law, and social sciences
Values real-world impact on women and children, rewarding applicants with clear development goals
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in United States / Canada / France / South Africa / Latin America
MMEG does not fund study in Pakistan or at large - grants apply only to women already studying (or accepted) at approved universities within its US-Canada, France, South Africa, or Latin America/Caribbean programs.
Eligibility Requirements
5 requirements
Documents Checklist
6 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Step 1: Confirm which MMEG regional program matches your country of study (US-Canada, France, South Africa, or Latin America/Caribbean).
Step 2: Check your specific program's application window, since deadlines differ by region.
Step 3: Submit the online application with transcripts, proof of enrollment, personal statement, and recommendation letters.
Step 4: Applications are reviewed by MMEG committees for need, merit, and development impact.
Step 5: Successful applicants are personally notified, generally around April for the US-Canada cycle.
Application Timeline
September 15 - January 15
US-Canada/Trinity Washington window
October 15 - January 15
France program window
May 15 - September 14
South Africa program window
June 1 - September 30
Latin America & Caribbean window
April
US-Canada notifications
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Apply to the specific regional program matching where you study - applications to the wrong region are not considered
Be explicit and specific in your personal statement about how your degree will benefit women and children in your home country
Gather financial need documentation early, since it is a core eligibility factor
Note the different deadlines by region and start your application well before the window opens
If applying to the France program, prepare application materials in French where required
Important Links & Contacts
🔗 Official Links
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions - click any to expand
Yes, Pakistan is included among MMEG's eligible developing countries, provided the applicant is enrolled at an approved university in one of MMEG's regional programs.
No, MMEG only funds women already enrolled at, or admitted to, approved universities in the US, Canada, France, South Africa, or Latin America/Caribbean.
Grants have historically reached up to US$15,000, depending on the program and need.
A broad range including engineering, IT, public health, education, law, and social sciences, with priority given to applicants whose studies benefit women and children at home.
Ready to Apply?
Head to the official portal and start your application today.
Apply on Official Website →More Scholarships to Explore
Other opportunities you may qualify for
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
China · China Scholarship Council
Fully funded scholarship by the China Scholarship Council - covering tuition, accommodation, stipend, and medical insurance for international students at Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels. Two application routes available: bilateral government track and direct university route.
📅Deadline: Type A (HEC Route): December-January | Typ…
Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS)
China · Shanghai Municipal Government - administered through individual Shanghai universities
Shanghai Municipal Government scholarship for international students at 30+ top universities in Shanghai. Two funding tiers: Type A (fully funded - tuition, housing, insurance, and monthly stipend) and Type B (partial - tuition and insurance only). Available for Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD. Rolling deadlines from January to May across participating institutions.
📅Deadline: January-May (varies by university - check …
Russian Government Scholarship
Russia · Government of Russia / Ministry of Education and Science of Russia
Fully funded scholarship by the Russian Government offering thousands of seats annually for international students at federal Russian universities. No IELTS required. Covers tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipend across all major fields.
📅Deadline: January 15, 2026
Deadline: US-Canada & Trinity Washington: September 15-January 15 | France: October 15-January 15 | South Africa: May 15-September 14 | Latin America & Caribbean: June 1-September 30
Ready to Start Your Medical Journey?
Get expert guidance from our team and secure your spot at a top university. Free consultation - no obligation.