| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | - | |
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Established: 1821
Type: Public Research University
Motto: “Grandescunt Aucta Labore” (By work, all things increase and grow)
Ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide in most major rankings (QS, Times Higher Ed, U.S. News).
#2 in Canada, just behind or sometimes tied with the University of Toronto.
Known for academic excellence in:
Medicine
Law
Engineering
Sciences
Business
Arts & Humanities
Over 39,000 students from 150+ countries
International students make up ~30% of the total population
Known for its diverse, global and bilingual environment (English & French)
McGill has 11 faculties and schools:
Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Faculty of Law
Desautels Faculty of Management (Business School)
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Dentistry
School of Computer Science
School of Environment
Schulich School of Music
Offers 300+ programs at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Downtown Campus (Montreal) – Main campus, urban setting at the base of Mount Royal
Macdonald Campus (Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue) – Focuses on agriculture, environment, and nutrition
Major Entrance Scholarships – Up to $12,000/year
One-time Entrance Awards – $2,000 – $5,000
Need-based Financial Aid – Available to international students
Graduate funding – Especially strong for research-based programs (Master’s and PhD)
McGill is primarily English-speaking, though French is widely spoken in Montreal.
Students can thrive without knowing French but learning it can enhance daily life and job opportunities.
Strong alumni network worldwide
Career centers provide job search support, resume reviews, and employer networking
High post-grad employment rate and competitive salaries, especially in health, business, and tech fields
One of the best student cities in the world (QS rankings)
Affordable, safe, and multicultural
Festivals, food, music, nature, and bilingual charm
Faculty of Arts:
BA in Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, History, Economics, Linguistics, Anthropology, etc.
Faculty of Science:
BSc in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Math, etc.
Desautels Faculty of Management:
BCom (Bachelor of Commerce) – Specializations in Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Strategy, International Business
Faculty of Engineering:
BEng in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Bioengineering, Materials Engineering, Mining Engineering
Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (Macdonald Campus):
BSc (AgEnvSc) in Nutrition, Food Science, Agriculture, Environmental Biology
Faculty of Education:
BEd in Secondary, Elementary, TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), Physical & Health Education
Faculty of Music (Schulich School of Music):
BMus in Performance, Composition, Music Education, Theory, Jazz
Desautels Faculty of Management:
MBA (Full-Time, EMBA, Joint programs)
Master of Management in Finance (MMF)
Master of Management in Analytics (MMA)
PhD in Management
Faculty of Science:
MSc and PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Mathematics
Faculty of Engineering:
MEng, MASc, PhD in all engineering fields (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc.)
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences:
MSc and PhD in Epidemiology, Public Health, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering
MDCM (Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery)
Faculty of Law:
BCL/JD (dual degree)
LLM, DCL (Doctorate of Civil Law)
Faculty of Education:
MEd, MA (Counselling, Educational Psychology)
PhD in Education, Psychology
Public Policy & Interdisciplinary:
Master of Public Policy (MPP)
MA in International Development, Bioethics, Sustainability
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fee/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Arts (BA) |
3 – 4 years |
~$18,000 – $20,000 |
|
Bachelor of Science (BSc) |
3 – 4 years |
~$18,500 – $22,000 |
|
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) |
3 – 4 years |
~$25,000 – $30,000 |
|
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) |
4 years |
~$26,000 – $32,000 |
|
Bachelor of Software Engineering |
4 years |
~$28,000 – $32,000 |
|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) |
3 – 4 years |
~$20,000 – $23,000 |
|
Bachelor of Education (BEd) |
4 years |
~$18,000 – $20,000 |
|
Bachelor of Music (BMus) |
4 years |
~$18,000 – $21,000 |
|
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) |
3 – 4 years |
~$20,000 – $23,000 |
|
Bachelor of Agricultural & Env. Sciences |
3 – 4 years |
~$20,000 – $24,000 |
|
Bachelor of Science – Food Science |
3 – 4 years |
~$20,000 – $24,000 |
|
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) |
3 – 4 years |
~$19,000 – $21,000 |
Master’s Program |
Duration |
Tuition Fee/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
1–2 years |
~$45,000 – $55,000 |
|
Master of Management in Finance (MMF) |
12 months |
~$45,000 |
|
Master of Management in Analytics (MMA) |
12 months |
~$45,000 |
|
Master of Management in Retailing (MMR) |
12–16 months |
~$40,000 |
|
Master of Science in Computer Science (MSc) |
2 years |
~$18,000 – $22,000 |
|
Master of Engineering (MEng – various disciplines) |
1.5 – 2 years |
~$20,000 – $24,000 |
|
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
2 years |
~$20,000 – $24,000 |
|
Master of Science in Biology / Physics / Chem. |
2 years |
~$18,000 – $22,000 |
|
Master of Education (MEd) |
1.5 – 2 years |
~$17,000 – $20,000 |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
1 year |
~$20,000 – $24,000 |
|
Master of Urban Planning (MUP) |
2 years |
~$20,000 – $24,000 |
|
Master of Social Work (MSW) |
2 years |
~$18,000 – $21,000 |
|
Master of Music (MMus) |
2 years |
~$18,000 – $21,000 |
|
Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) |
2 years |
~$19,000 – $22,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Economics / Political Science |
2 years |
~$18,000 – $21,000 |
PhD Program |
Typical Duration |
Tuition Fee/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
PhD in Computer Science |
4 – 6 years |
~$7,000 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering |
4 – 6 years |
~$7,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Mechanical Engineering |
4 – 6 years |
~$7,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Biology / Chemistry / Physics |
4 – 6 years |
~$7,000 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Neuroscience |
4 – 6 years |
~$7,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Biomedical Engineering |
4 – 6 years |
~$7,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Psychology |
4 – 6 years |
~$7,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Economics |
4 – 6 years |
~$7,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Education |
4 – 6 years |
~$7,000 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Law (DCL – Doctor of Civil Law) |
4 – 5 years |
~$8,000 – $9,500 |
|
PhD in Social Work |
4 – 6 years |
~$7,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Music |
4 – 6 years |
~$7,000 – $8,500 |
|
PhD in Urban Planning |
4 – 6 years |
~$7,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Public Health / Epidemiology |
4 – 6 years |
~$7,500 – $9,000 |
McGill University, located in Montreal, Quebec, is one of the most internationally diverse universities in Canada. Around 30% of McGill’s student body is made up of international students, representing over 150 countries. It's a truly global community with a welcoming atmosphere for students from every corner of the world.
McGill is known globally for its strong academics and research, consistently ranked in the top 50 universities worldwide. It offers a wide range of programs across arts, sciences, engineering, business, medicine, and law. Professors are not only highly respected in their fields but are also approachable and supportive, especially toward international students.
Programs are taught entirely in English, though being in Montreal—a bilingual city—you’ll also hear a lot of French. Knowing French isn't a requirement, but learning it can definitely enrich your experience.
Tuition for international students at McGill is relatively affordable compared to U.S. or U.K. universities, especially in a city like Montreal. Fees typically range between $18,000 and $32,000 USD per year, depending on the program.
McGill offers merit-based entrance scholarships for top-performing students, as well as need-based financial aid for those who qualify. Graduate students, especially PhD candidates, often receive funding packages that cover tuition and provide a living stipend.
Montreal is consistently ranked as one of the best student cities in the world. It’s vibrant, multicultural, and relatively affordable compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver. You can expect to spend around $12,000 to $18,000 USD per year on housing, food, and transportation.
There’s always something happening—festivals, music, art shows, food events—and it's a very student-friendly city with lots of discounts and activities. Plus, the public transit system is great and easy to use.
McGill has a dedicated International Student Services (ISS) team that helps students adjust to life in Canada. They offer:
Orientation sessions
Immigration support (study permits, visas)
Social and cultural events
Health insurance guidance
Career support and academic workshops
You’ll never feel like you’re on your own. There are also international student clubs and associations where you can find people from your home country—or explore new cultures entirely.
McGill grads are highly respected by employers globally. The university provides career services, job fairs, resume building, and internship help. After graduation, international students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and work in Canada for up to 3 years.
Montreal also has a growing job market, especially in sectors like tech, engineering, health sciences, and AI.
1. Choose Your Program Visit McGill’s official website and explore undergraduate programs. Make sure to note the campus (Downtown or Macdonald) and faculty requirements.
2. Check Admission Requirements Requirements vary depending on your:
Country and education system (e.g., A-Levels, IB, CBSE, WAEC, U.S. High School)
Program (some like Engineering and Medicine are more competitive)
McGill looks at grades only — no essays, references, or extracurriculars are required for most programs (except Music, Education, etc.).
3. English Language Proficiency Required if your first language is not English or if you haven’t studied in English for at least 4 years. Accepted tests include:
IELTS: minimum 6.5 overall (6.0 in each component)
TOEFL iBT: minimum 90 overall (21 in each section)
Duolingo English Test: accepted for many programs
4. Apply Online
Apply through McGill’s Minerva portal (not OUAC like other Canadian universities)
You can apply for up to two programs
Application fee: $95 CAD ($70 USD)
5. Upload Required Documents
High school transcripts or predicted grades
English test scores (if applicable)
Passport ID page
Some programs (like Music or Architecture) may require portfolios, auditions, or interviews
6. Track Application Status You’ll receive a login to McGill’s system where you can:
Check if documents were received
See updates on your application status
7. Receive Your Offer Decisions are sent between January and May, depending on your region and program.
8. Accept Offer & Apply for Study Permit Once admitted, accept your offer and use the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to apply for a Canadian study permit (student visa).
1. Choose a Graduate Program Check requirements and deadlines on McGill’s Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.
2. Meet Academic Requirements
Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) or Master’s (for PhD)
Minimum GPA: 3.0/4.0 or equivalent (some programs require higher)
GRE/GMAT only if required by the program
3. Prepare Documents
Transcripts
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (usually 2–3)
Resume/CV
English proficiency test (if applicable)
Research proposal (for research-based programs)
4. Apply Online
Applications are submitted via McGill’s graduate portal
Application fee: $130 CAD ($95 USD)
5. Interview (if applicable) Some graduate departments may invite you for an interview or virtual meeting.
6. Await Decision Most decisions are made between February and April for Fall intake.
Here’s everything you need to know about the intake periods and eligibility criteria at McGill University, Canada — especially for international students looking to apply for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs.
Fall Intake (September)
This is the main and only intake for most undergraduate programs.
Applications open in October and close around January 15.
All high school and international students apply for this session.
Winter (January) & Summer (May) Intake
Not available for most undergraduate programs.
Only a few special cases or transfer students might qualify for these intakes.
Fall Intake (September) – Main intake for all graduate programs.
Winter Intake (January) – Available for some programs only.
Summer Intake (May) – Rare, but open in select research-based programs or by supervisor arrangement.
Each graduate department sets its own deadlines and intake periods—always check program-specific pages.
Academic Requirements:
Must have completed high school equivalent to Canadian Grade 12.
Required high school credentials (based on country):
India: Class XII (CBSE/ISC) with strong academic performance (85–90%+ for top programs)
USA: High school diploma + SAT/ACT (optional for many programs now)
UK: A-levels with strong grades (AAB–AAA)
IB: Minimum 32–36 points for competitive programs
English Language Proficiency: Required if English isn’t your first language or language of instruction.
Accepted Tests:
IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 90 (minimum 21 in each section)
Duolingo English Test: 115–120+ (accepted for many programs)
Other Requirements:
Some programs require additional components (e.g., portfolio for Music or Architecture, auditions for Music, teacher interviews for Education)
Academic Requirements:
Master’s: A 4-year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0
PhD: A Master’s degree in a related field with a strong research background
English Proficiency (same as undergrad):
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English scores are accepted
Program-Specific Requirements:
Some may ask for GRE/GMAT scores (e.g., MBA, MMF)
Must submit: Statement of Purpose, Academic CV, Letters of Recommendation, Research Proposal (for PhD)
Ranking Agency |
Global Rank |
Category |
|---|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
#30 |
Overall Global University |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
#49 |
Best Global Universities |
|
Times Higher Education (THE) |
#46 |
World University Rankings |
|
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) |
#78 |
Global Academic Performance |
Scholarship Name |
Type |
Value (USD) |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Major Entrance Scholarship |
Merit-based (Entrance) |
Up to $12,000/year (renewable) |
Outstanding academic achievement; apply with application form |
|
One-time Entrance Scholarships |
Merit-based (Entrance) |
$2,000 – $5,000 (one-time) |
Automatically considered; no separate application needed |
|
Need-Based Entrance Financial Aid |
Need-based (Entrance) |
based on need |
For students with documented financial need; separate app required |
|
In-Course Scholarships |
Merit-based (After 1st Year) |
$1,000 – $5,000/year |
Based on academic performance after first year at McGill |
|
PBEEE – Quebec Government Scholarships |
Government-funded (Graduate) |
Up to $25,000/year |
For international graduate students; competitive and program-specific |
|
Graduate Fellowships (Master’s/PhD) |
Departmental funding |
Tuition + stipend ($18K–$30K/year) |
Automatically considered for research-based programs |
|
McGill International Student Bursary |
Need-based (All levels) |
up to full tuition |
For students in financial difficulty; renewable in some cases |
Campus |
Residence Options |
Room Types |
Cost (USD/year) |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Downtown Montreal Campus |
Royal Victoria, New Residence Hall, McConnell, Carrefour, MORE |
Single, Double, Suite, Apartment-style |
~$7,500 – $14,000 |
Close to main campus, libraries, metro stations; optional meal plans |
|
Macdonald Campus |
Laird Hall Residence |
Single and Double Rooms |
~$5,500 – $8,500 |
Quieter, nature-focused setting near agriculture/environment programs |
Meal Plans: Optional for apartment-style housing; included for traditional dorms. Meal plans cost around $4,000–$5,000 USD/year.
Furnishings: Rooms are fully furnished and include internet, utilities, and basic services.
Amenities: Study lounges, laundry, kitchens, social areas, 24/7 security.
Application: Apply for housing once you receive admission. First-year international students are guaranteed a residence spot if applying by the housing deadline.
Montreal offers many affordable off-campus options.
Shared apartments range from $500–$900 USD/month.
McGill's Off-Campus Housing Office helps students find rentals and roommates.
With students from over 150 countries, McGill has a truly international and inclusive campus culture. Whether you're looking to connect with people from your home country or dive into new cultural experiences, you'll find communities and clubs that make you feel at home.
McGill's Downtown Campus sits at the base of Mount Royal, blending urban city life with peaceful green spaces. The iconic red-brick buildings and busy student areas like the McLennan Library and Roddick Gates give it a classic yet modern university atmosphere.
The Macdonald Campus, about 40 minutes away, offers a more nature-focused environment for students in agricultural and environmental sciences.
With over 300 student clubs and organizations, there's something for everyone — from academic and professional societies to cultural clubs, sports teams, debate societies, and music or drama groups. McGill also hosts major student-led events like:
Frosh Week (Orientation Week)
Culture Shock and Multicultural Nights
Open-Air Pub (OAP) — a legendary McGill outdoor concert and beer garden event
Guest speaker series, film nights, and more
McGill is academically challenging, but it fosters collaboration. Students often work in groups, engage in research projects early, and have access to top-tier libraries and labs. Professors are supportive, and many offer open office hours and mentorship.
Whether you’re a serious athlete or a weekend jogger, McGill has something for you:
McGill Athletics offers gyms, swimming pools, ice rinks, and workout classes.
You can join intramural sports leagues or support the McGill Redbirds & Martlets, the university’s varsity teams.
The campus is also next to Mount Royal Park, a great place for hiking, running, or winter sledding.
Montreal is consistently ranked among the best cities for students globally. It’s affordable, artistic, multicultural, and bilingual. There’s always something to do: festivals (jazz, comedy, film), food tours, museums, outdoor skating, and more.
You don’t need to speak French to live or study in Montreal, but learning a bit will definitely enhance your experience and open more local job opportunities.
McGill takes student wellness seriously. Services include:
Mental health counseling
International Student Services (ISS) for immigration and cultural support
Academic advising
Peer mentorship programs
The Student Wellness Hub combines physical and mental health services in one place, making it easy to access help when needed.
McGill has a centralized Career Planning Service (CaPS) that provides students with:
Job and internship postings through myFuture portal
Resume and cover letter review sessions
Career fairs, employer panels, and networking events
Mock interviews and career workshops
Connections to alumni and professionals across industries
Each faculty (like Management, Engineering, Arts, etc.) may also have its own career development office with tailored services.
Over 85–90% of McGill graduates are employed or in graduate/professional school within 6 months to 1 year after graduation.
McGill has one of the strongest reputations among Canadian employers and ranks highly for graduate employability in global rankings.
Graduates are competitive for positions in Canada, the U.S., and internationally.
McGill grads find jobs in diverse sectors:
Tech & Engineering: Google, Microsoft, IBM, Shopify, Amazon
Finance & Consulting: Deloitte, BCG, RBC, TD, McKinsey, EY
Health & Research: McGill Health Centre, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), WHO
Media & Arts: CBC, Ubisoft, Bell Media
Academia: Many go on to top graduate programs worldwide
Field |
Average Starting Salary (USD/year) |
|---|---|
Computer Science / IT |
$60,000 – $80,000 |
|
Engineering |
$60,000 – $75,000 |
|
Business / Commerce |
$55,000 – $70,000 |
|
Life Sciences / Public Health |
$50,000 – $65,000 |
|
Arts & Humanities |
$40,000 – $55,000 |
|
Law |
$85,000 – $110,000+ |
|
MBA |
$90,000 – $120,000+ |
Eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years.
Montreal is a growing hub for tech, AI, aerospace, and creative industries.
Many international grads stay in Canada and transition to permanent residency.
While McGill doesn’t have co-op for all programs, many offer internship options, especially in Engineering, Computer Science, and Management.
Students in the Desautels Faculty of Management have structured internship programs as part of their degree.
You can also do part-time work (up to 20 hours/week during semesters) as a student.
General acceptance rate: ~46%
For international students, it’s more competitive, especially for high-demand programs.
McGill is a grades-first university — admissions decisions are mostly based on academic performance (your grades/GPA), with limited emphasis on extracurriculars or essays (except in some programs like Music or Education).
Program |
Estimated Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
|
Computer Science (BSc) |
~15% – 25% |
|
Engineering |
~20% – 30% |
|
Desautels BCom (Management) |
~20% – 30% |
|
Health Sciences (e.g., Medicine) |
Very competitive (~5% or less) |
|
Arts / Social Sciences |
~40% – 50% |
|
Science (General) |
~35% – 45% |
|
Law |
~10% – 15% |
|
Graduate Programs (Master’s/PhD) |
~15% – 25% |
It attracts top students globally — especially from the U.S., India, China, and Europe.
Some programs, like Computer Science and Business, receive thousands of applications.
McGill often does not require essays or reference letters, so your grades carry the most weight.
Maintain a high GPA or average (above 85% or 3.7/4.0 for competitive programs)
Score well on IELTS/TOEFL, if required
Apply early and submit all required documents on time
For graduate programs: have a strong SOP, research proposal, and recommendations
Address: 845 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
Setting: Right in the heart of downtown Montreal, at the base of Mount Royal
Programs Located Here:
Arts
Science
Engineering
Management (Desautels)
Law
Music
Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies
This campus is surrounded by cafés, museums, metro stations, shopping, and parks — giving you the full city + campus experience.
Address: 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
Setting: A peaceful, rural environment along the shores of the St. Lawrence River
Programs Located Here:
Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Nutrition and Dietetics
Food Science
Natural Resource Sciences
Macdonald Campus is about 40–45 minutes from the downtown campus by car or shuttle bus, and has its own residences, student services, and green spaces.
