McMaster University
Hamilton · Official website ↗
McMaster University is in Hamilton, Canada. Tuition for international students: C$69,354 (≈ US$48,700) per year (2026-27 figure). Standard entry requirements: A-levels Three distinct GCE Advanced Level (A2) subjects and two GCSE, IGCSE, or O Level subjects; American-Style Curriculum A minimum average of 80% (including all required subjects) is required for application eligibility.; IB Diploma Six subjects – three at HL and three at SL plus the TOK and EE.. Language: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 86. Applying: intake: Fall. Scholarships: 8 from the university.
✓ 37 facts from 14 official pages, each with the exact sentence it comes from · checked 2026-11-12 · How we verify
International students should also budget for health insurance, visa and travel costs not shown here.
Quick summary
| Cost per year | tuition C$69,354 per year (≈ US$48,700) (varies by programme) |
|---|---|
| Money from the college | Merit scholarships: international students can receive them. 8 named scholarship(s) confirmed open to international students. |
| Chances of admission | A-levels: Three distinct GCE Advanced Level (A2) subjects and two GCSE, IGCSE, or O Level subjects. American-Style Curriculum: A minimum average of 80% (including all required subjects) is required for application eligibility.. Requirements for other school qualifications differ by country — see the college's page ↗ English minimum: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL (1–6) 4.5, TOEFL 86, Duolingo 120, PTE 60. |
| Application deadlines | not yet determined |
| Where and how students live | Hamilton · 10 km from YHM airport |
| Housing | First-year housing: Guaranteed |
| Working while studying | Up to 24 hours per week during study terms (while meeting the study permit conditions); unlimited hours off campus during breaks scheduled by the school, such as summer and winter holidays. · co-op / paid work terms are part of degrees |
| After graduation | Post-graduation work permit (PGWP): up to the length of the study program (8 months to under 2 years), 3 years if the program was 2 years or more. |
Plain-language summary of the verified details below. Where it says “not yet determined”, we have not found it on an official page yet.
Financial aid & requirements for international students
| Merit scholarships | Yes — international students can receive merit scholarshipsSources (1)“International students are eligible for one award by application, one automatic award and multiple financial awards.”registrar.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
|---|---|
| English proficiency | English test required unless an exemption applies
Sources (6)“At the discretion of the university, you may be exempted from McMaster’s English proficiency testing requirements if you meet one of the following requirements (exemption is not automatic)”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“IBT: 4.5 overall with a minimum score of 4.0 in the Reading, Writing, Speaking components and a 4.5 Listening.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“IBT: 86 overall with a minimum score of 20 in each of the four components (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening); valid for 2 years”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four components (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening); results valid for 2 years”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“120 overall for all direct-entry undergraduate programs with a minimum score of 115 in Reading, 125 in Writing, 110 in Listening, and 115 in Speaking”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“60 overall with minimum score of 60 in Writing and Speaking; valid for 2 years”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Conditional admission / English pathway | Yes — conditional admission or an English pathway is offeredSources (1)“If you are a student who meets all academic requirements but does not meet the minimum English-language proficiency scores detailed above, you may still qualify for an offer of admission that is conditional upon the successful completion of the MELD program.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Degree programmes taught in English | YesSources (1)“The language of instruction at McMaster University is English.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Scholarships for first-year students
McMaster University Award of Excellence
- Who can receive it: International students only
- Amount: Up to C$200,000 (≈ US$140,500)
- Renewal: Renewable — up to 4 years
- How to apply: Separate scholarship application
- Deadline: Feb 19
Sources (4)
“The McMaster University Award of Excellence is our prestigious entrance award valued up to $200,000 in support for international fee-paying students who have excelled in the classroom, contributed to their communities and grown through their experiences.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Renewable each year in Level 2-4 for a total of four years.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Application deadline: February 19, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. ET.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Applicants must apply through AwardSpring”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Dean's Global Excellence Award
- Who can receive it: International students only
- Amount: C$25,000 (≈ US$17,600) / year
- Minimum grades / scores: High-school average 95%+
- Renewal: Renewable
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (3)
“to recognize incoming full-time international students with averages of 95 per cent or higher. $25,000 in the first year.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The scholarship is renewable at $20,000 for up to 3 years provided the recipient remains enrolled in the DeGroote School of Business and is in good standing.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“This award is automatic and does not require an application.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12DeGroote International Scholars Award
- Who can receive it: International students only
- Amount: C$15,000 (≈ US$10,500) / year
- Renewal: Renewable
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (3)
“to recognize incoming full-time international students with averages of 89.99 per cent or below. $15,000 in the first year.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The scholarship is renewable at $5,000 for up to 3 years provided the recipient remains enrolled in the DeGroote School of Business and is in good standing.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“This award is automatic and does not require an application.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Engineering International Scholar Award
- Who can receive it: International students only
- Amount: C$10,000 (≈ US$7,000) one-time
Sources (1)
“The Engineering International Scholar Award is a one-time, $10,000 award for international students enrolled full-time (Fall term) who are paying international tuition fees.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Science Global Scholars Award
- Who can receive it: International students only
- Amount: C$10,000 (≈ US$7,000) / year
- Renewal: Renewable
Sources (3)
“Science Global Scholars Award is a renewable award. Recipients are awarded $10,000 in Level 1 and $7,500 in Levels 2-4.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The award can then be renewed in Level 2-4 at $7,500/year provided the recipient remains enrolled in the Faculty of Science program and is in good standing.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“It sits alongside a variety of faculty-specific international awards in Business, Engineering, Humanities, Science, Social Sciences and the MELD program.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Social Sciences Scholars Award
- Who can receive it: International students only
- Amount: C$10,000 (≈ US$7,000) / year
- Minimum grades / scores: High-school average 85%+
- Renewal: Renewable
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (3)
“Social Sciences Scholars Award will be automatically given to international students entering Level 1 who have an academic average of 85 per cent and above.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Students in Level 1 will receive $10,000.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The award can then be renewed in Level 2-4”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Faculty of Social Sciences Global Gateway Award
- Who can receive it: International students only
- Amount: C$2,500 (≈ US$1,800) one-time
Sources (1)
“Faculty of Social Sciences Global Gateway Award is $2,500 one-time award for full-time international students with an incoming average below 85 per cent are eligible.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Global Dean's Excellence Award
- Who can receive it: International students only
- Amount: C$7,500 (≈ US$5,300) total
- Renewal: Renewable — up to 4 years
Sources (2)
“The Global Dean’s Excellence Award is a renewable award for international students enrolled full-time (Fall term) who are paying international tuition fees.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Recipients are awarded $7,500 over 4 years in the Bachelor of Technology; Computer Science; Engineering; Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences programs.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Programmes
| Bachelor's programme | Commerce (BCom) Source (1)“As a future Commerce student at DeGroote, you will be the agent of transformation in the years ahead”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Commerce with Co-op (BCom) · 5 years Source (1)“This 5-year degree program, with a mandatory co-op, is now open to all international students.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Computer Science Engineering (BEng) Source (1)“Dive into our dynamic suite of FUSE courses within the Bachelor of Engineering program.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
|---|
Applying
| Academic entry requirement for your school qualification |
Requirements for other school qualifications differ by country — see the college's page ↗ |
|---|---|
| Intakes (start months) for first-year entry | Fall Source (2)“For the September 2027 entry, we will accept a test result as long as it is valid at the time you submit your application.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“results must be submitted by April 1 for programs beginning in September”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Application requirement | English proficiency test: Required Source (1)“IELTS, TOEFL and other English Language proficiency results must be sent to McMaster directly from the testing center.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Admission test scores (SAT/ACT/ATAR…): Optional School transcript / academic records: Required Source (1)“High School Transcript with Interim and/or Final Grades”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Deadlines (fall 2027 entry)
| Application deadlines | Not yet determined — check the college site ↗ |
|---|---|
| Scholarship application | Feb 19Source (1)“Application deadline: February 19, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. ET.”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Dates as published by the college; check the official page for time zones and supporting-document deadlines.
Costs for international students
| Tuition | Engineering I: C$69,354 per year (≈ US$48,700) (2026–27 figure) |
|---|---|
| Housing and meals | Not yet determined — check the college site ↗ |
| Living costs (college estimate) | Not yet determined — check the college site ↗ |
| Student health insurance | C$948 per year (≈ US$666) (2026–27 figure) |
| Living costs you must show for the student visa (government amount, excluding tuition and travel) | C$23,448 per year (≈ US$16,500) (reference) |
Sources (6)
“"Estimated tuition" / "Full-Time" "$69353.54"”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“"Please note that the fees shown are unofficial estimates for the 2026/2027 school year and are subject to change."”future.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The UHIP cost for 12 months of coverage for the 2026-2027 year is $948 for a single member.”studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Rates for September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027:”studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“If you apply on or after September 1, 2026 All provinces and territories except Quebec Number of family members (including the applicant) Amount required per year (excluding tuition and transportation costs) (in CAN$) 1 $23,448”www.canada.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“This chart tells you how much money you will need to support yourself and your family members in Canada for the first year of your program of studies.”www.canada.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-11US$ figures are approximate, converted at the European Central Bank reference rate of 2026-11-11; the college charges in its own currency.
Where students live
| First-year on-campus housing | Guaranteed Source (2)“You are guaranteed residence if you are:”housing.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“An International and out-of-province students coming directly from high school, based on your admission status as determined by the Admissions Office”housing.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
|---|---|
| Years of guaranteed campus housing | 4 Source (1)“Students who come to McMaster directly from high school and are required to pay international tuition fees are eligible to live in McMaster’s university-managed housing for up to four years of undergraduate study.”housing.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Work and after graduation
| Work allowed while studying (rule as stated by the government) | Up to 24 hours per week during study terms (while meeting the study permit conditions); unlimited hours off campus during breaks scheduled by the school, such as summer and winter holidays. government rule Source (2)“You can work up to 24 hours per week. You can work more than 1 job to make up these hours as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your study permit.”www.canada.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“If you’re working during a break scheduled by your DLI, such as summer and winter holidays, or a reading week, you can work unlimited hours off campus”www.canada.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
|---|---|
| Work hours allowed per week during term (student visa) | 24 government rule Source (1)“You can work up to 24 hours per week. You can work more than 1 job to make up these hours as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your study permit.”www.canada.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
| Co-op / paid work terms built into degrees | Yes Source (2)“The co-op program combines academic study with alternating work terms of durations from 4 to 16 months in length.”www.eng.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Co-op jobs are paid.”www.eng.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Post-study work visa (name and length) | Post-graduation work permit (PGWP): up to the length of the study program (8 months to under 2 years), 3 years if the program was 2 years or more. government rule Source (2)“If your program was 2 years or more We may give you a PGWP that’s valid for 3 years.”www.canada.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“If your program was at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), but less than 2 years We may give you a PGWP that’s valid for up to the same length as your study program.”www.canada.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
| Accelerated bachelor's + master's programme | Yes Source (1)“An accelerated MASc option is available to students currently enrolled at McMaster University, whereby the degree may be completed in 12 months of full-time study.”www.eng.mcmaster.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Location
| City / state | Hamilton |
|---|---|
| Nearest major airport | John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM), about 10 km in a straight line |
| Map | View on OpenStreetMap ↗ |
Location from Wikidata Q632891 (CC0); airport from OurAirports (public-domain data).