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Source verified September 19, 2026
Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG)
Education funding for eligible women from developing countries
Latest source updateLast Update: September 19, 2026Latest change: MMEG updated its award maximums, country eligibility list, and application links, including new program-specific contacts and a 2028 application endpoint.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 19, 2026
Latest change: MMEG updated its award maximums, country eligibility list, and application links, including new program-specific contacts and a 2028 application endpoint.
MMEG awards, eligibility list, and apply links updated
MMEG now lists higher maximum awards in the FAQ: up to US$18,000 for U.S.-Canada, US$8,000 for South Africa, US$9,000 for Latin America and the Caribbean, and US$9,000 for Trinity Washington University. The country-eligibility list was refreshed to 2025 World Bank income thresholds, with several country list changes including Togo removed from low-income, Jordan and Micronesia, Fed. Sts. removed from lower-middle-income, Venezuela, RB added there, and Micronesia, Fed. Sts., the Philippines, and Viet Nam added to upper-middle-income. On the Apply page, the US-Canada and Trinity Washington University sections now include program-specific application links to the 2028 endpoint and program-specific contact emails.
Funding available
$ 15,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Self-identifying women from countries on the MMEG country eligibility list
See full eligibility
Overview
MMEG supports women from eligible developing countries to continue their higher education. Grants can cover study-related costs, including academic supplies, living expenses, transportation, travel, research, field work, and childcare, with awards of up to US$15,000 depending on the program.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
Target groups
- Women & girls
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Post-secondary study in an eligible in-person program
- Education leading to community impact for women and children
Documents Needed
- A completed online application form
- Two reference letters
- Any documents listed in the application checklist
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Self-identifying women from countries on the MMEG country eligibility list
- Students registered in a post-secondary education institution
- Certificate, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students
- For the Trinity Washington University program, US citizens, green card holders, and undocumented US residents are also eligible
- Part-time students, with a minimum of 2 courses per semester or term, may apply to the South Africa, Latin America and Caribbean, and Trinity Washington University programs
Who is not eligible
- Exclusively online programs
- US-Canada applicants who hold US citizenship, permanent residency, Canadian citizenship, or Canadian landed immigrant status
- Applicants related to a World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund, or Inter-American Development Bank staff member, spouse, retiree, or MMEG Board member
- Recipients of the MMEG grant
Eligible expenses
- Academic expenses and supplies
- Living expenses
- Transportation and travel
- Research and field work
- Childcare
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Applications using generative AI in the essays
- Incomplete applications without all required documents
Eligible geographic areas
- Eligible countries listed by MMEG
- France
- South Africa
- United States and Canada, for the US-Canada program
- Trinity Washington University, for the Trinity program
Selection criteria
- Academic excellence
- Financial need
- Compelling personal narrative
- Clear career trajectory
- Concrete plan to create positive change in the community
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program requirements
- Read the application checklist before applying.
- Select the correct program in the online form.
- Step 2: Prepare references
- Contact two referees and obtain their confirmation.
- Provide the email addresses of both referees in the application form.
- Step 3: Complete the online application
- Submit the application through the Embark platform.
- Upload the required documents and complete all fields.
- Step 4: Wait for reference submission and notification
- Referees receive an email link to submit their recommendation.
- You are notified by Embark when recommendations are submitted.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are accepted through the Embark online platform
- Completed applications are reviewed and incomplete files are not considered
- Applicants may be notified by Embark when reference letters are submitted
- AI-generated applications are disqualified
Additional information
- There is no application or processing fee.
- Only complete applications with all required documents are considered.
- Applicants may reapply if unsuccessful, but recipients cannot apply again.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) Program
What is the Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG)?
MMEG supports women from eligible developing countries to continue their higher education. Grants can cover study-related costs, including academic supplies, living expenses, transportation, travel, research, field work, and childcare, with awards of up to US$15,000 depending on the program.
How much funding can be received?
Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) Funds up to $15,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) program?
To be eligible for the Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) program, you must:
Self-identifying woman, 25+
National of an eligible country
Registered in an in-person program
What expenses are eligible under Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG)?
Post-secondary study in an eligible in-person program
Education leading to community impact for women and children
Who can I contact for more information about the Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG)?
You can contact Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) by email at info@mmeg.org.
Where is the Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) available?
The Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) program is available across Canada.