University of Cape Town (UCT) graduate Muhammed Coker has been named a global finalist for the prestigious McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
Coker, who recently completed a postgraduate diploma in management and entrepreneurship at UCT as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, is among the top 38 international candidates selected from a pool of applicants representing over 2,300 universities worldwide.
The Path to Montreal
Having advanced through initial interviews in late 2025, Coker will journey to Montreal to participate in the final round of interviews from March 25 to 28, 2026. These interviews will pair international finalists with 53 Canadian finalists for comprehensive evaluations by leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector.
“Being a finalist for the McCall MacBain Scholarships is indeed a lifetime opportunity for me,” said Coker. “It inspires me to amplify my commitment to empowering youth and women smallholder farmers and continue driving sustainable impact in my community.”
Empowering Agricultural Communities
Coker’s leadership experience aligns closely with the scholarship’s focus on community impact. He is the founder and executive director of the Agro Incubation Hub, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and women smallholder farmers through sustainable farming practices.
At McGill, Coker intends to pursue a master’s programme in agricultural economics and management, aiming to leverage this education to develop global solutions for food security.
About the McCall MacBain Scholarships
Established in 2019 through a landmark C$200 million gift, the McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies.
- Support Structure: Scholars receive substantial funding covering tuition and fees, a living stipend, and mentorship opportunities.
- Finalist Support: International finalists not selected for the final cohort will still receive C$20,000 toward their studies at McGill.
