2026 Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) for Women from Developing Countries -Undergraduate and Postgraduate Program

Location: USA, Canada, France, South Africa, Latin America & Caribbean

Program: Undergraduate and Postgraduate Program

Eligibility: Women from Developing Countries

Duration: Not Specified

Deadline: Varies by program

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The Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) is a nonprofit, public charity that has been empowering women since 1981 by supporting their higher education so they can build a better world. The program provides education grants to exceptional women from developing and middle-income countries who are committed to improving the lives of women and children in their home countries or other developing nations. Named after Margaret McNamara—wife of Robert McNamara, the World Bank’s fifth president—the organization honors her advocacy for gender equality and education inclusion in development programs. Margaret received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian distinction in the United States, in recognition of her important contributions.

MMEG operates five distinct regional programs across the United States-Canada, France, Latin America-Caribbean, South Africa, and Trinity Washington University. All programs are volunteer-led and managed by all-volunteer independent selection committees, with grants awarded by the Board of Directors. Grantees have focused on diverse fields including engineering, information technologies, health, science, education, social studies, and law.

Benefits of the Grant

This grant program provides financial support including:

Up to $15,000 per grantee for the US-Canada Program candidates
Grant amount varies for the Latin America & Caribbean, France and the Trinity Washington University Programs

Up to US$7,000 (approximately R126,000) for the South African Program.
May vary depending on availability of funds and exchange rates (South African Program)

Support for women committed to working for well-being of women and children.
Recognition as a MMEG grantee with access to alumni network.
Financial assistance to complete education and achieve goals.
Platform to catalyze change in developing countries.
Other benefits

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General Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following general criteria:

Be or self-identify as a woman.
Be at least 25 years old at time of application deadline.
Be a national of a country listed on the MMEG Country Eligibility List
Be registered at an accredited academic institution when submitting.
Have demonstrated financial need.
Be committed to working for the well-being of women and children in developing countries.
Intend to return to or remain in developing countries upon degree completion to improve lives of women and/or children.
Not be related to a World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund, or Inter-American Development Bank staff member, spouse, retiree, or MMEG Board member.
Note: Kindly check the official website for full and complete requirements

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Selection Criteria

The MMEG selection process is highly competitive and evaluates candidates comprehensively through all-volunteer independent selection committees. Primary considerations include demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of women and children in developing countries, with clear intentions to return to or remain in developing nations after graduation to catalyze positive change. Academic excellence and exceptional performance at current institution are crucial. Financial need must be clearly demonstrated to ensure grants reach women who require support to complete their education. Candidates must show strong leadership potential and the capacity to become change agents in their communities.