| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | - | |
Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Established: 1887
Type: Public research university
Motto: "All things cohere in Christ"
Total Students: ~37,000+
International Students: Over 5,000 from 120+ countries
Campus Size: ~300 acres of green space near the Niagara Escarpment
McMaster is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is a member of Canada’s prestigious U15 Group of Research Universities.
QS World University Ranking: Top 150 globally
Times Higher Education (THE): Top 100 globally
U.S. News & World Report: Among top Canadian institutions
Especially known for excellence in Health Sciences, Engineering, Business, and Social Sciences
McMaster is organized into 6 main faculties:
Faculty of Health Sciences – Home to the renowned Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine
Faculty of Engineering
DeGroote School of Business
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Social Sciences
Undergraduate Degrees: BA, BSc, BEng, BCom, BHealthSci, etc.
Graduate Degrees: Master’s, PhD, MBA, MD, etc.
Co-op programs available in many disciplines including Business and Engineering
Undergraduate: CAD $30,000 – $45,000 per year (varies by program)
Graduate: CAD $10,000 – $20,000 per year (plus other fees)
Lively student experience with over 300 student clubs
Excellent sports and fitness facilities (Marauders varsity teams)
Campus includes modern labs, libraries, green spaces, and residence halls
Located near Toronto, giving access to many job and internship opportunities
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) – Highly competitive and research-focused
Nursing (BScN)
Medical Radiation Sciences
Midwifery
Biomedical Discovery & Commercialization
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Software Engineering
Engineering Physics
Mechatronics
Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences (iBioMed)
Many of these include co-op options and specialized five-year programs.
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)
Options in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Strategic Management, etc.
Co-op available
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Mathematics & Statistics
Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB)
Life Sciences
Earth & Environmental Sciences
Political Science
Economics
Sociology
Anthropology
Labour Studies
Health, Aging & Society
Social Psychology
Indigenous Studies
English & Cultural Studies
Philosophy
History
Languages & Linguistics
Music
Art History
Communication Studies & Multimedia
McMaster offers a wide range of Master's (MA, MSc, MBA, MEng, MASc, etc.) and PhD programs in areas like:
Engineering (MEng, MASc, PhD)
Business (MBA, Executive MBA)
Health Sciences (MSc, PhD, MHM)
Social Sciences and Humanities (MA, PhD)
Physical and Life Sciences (MSc, PhD)
Computer Science and Software Engineering
Public Health and Health Policy
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) |
4 years |
$35,000 – $38,000 |
|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) |
4 years |
$30,000 – $32,000 |
|
Bachelor of Engineering |
4–5 years |
$37,000 – $40,000 |
|
Bachelor of Applied Science (Integrated Biomedical) |
5 years |
$38,000 – $41,000 |
|
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom – Business) |
4 years |
$31,000 – $35,000 |
|
Bachelor of Science (Life Sciences, Biology, etc.) |
4 years |
$30,000 – $33,000 |
|
Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences, Humanities) |
4 years |
$28,000 – $32,000 |
|
Bachelor of Social Work |
4 years |
$30,000 – $32,000 |
|
Bachelor of Computer Science |
4 years |
$33,000 – $36,000 |
|
Bachelor of Mathematics & Statistics |
4 years |
$30,000 – $33,000 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
20 months |
$36,000 – $40,000 |
|
Master of Engineering (MEng) |
1–2 years |
$25,000 – $28,000 |
|
Master of Applied Science (MASc) |
2 years |
$12,000 – $16,000 |
|
Master of Science (MSc – Science disciplines) |
2 years |
$12,000 – $16,000 |
|
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
2 years |
$23,000 – $26,000 |
|
Master of Social Work (MSW) |
1–2 years |
$20,000 – $23,000 |
|
Master of Arts (MA – Humanities/Social Sciences) |
1–2 years |
$12,000 – $16,000 |
|
Master of Health Management (MHM) |
2 years (online) |
$18,000 – $21,000 |
|
Master of Biomedical Engineering (MBiomedE) |
2 years |
$24,000 – $27,000 |
|
Master of Global Health |
16 months |
$25,000 – $28,000 |
|
Master of Finance |
20 months |
$35,000 – $38,000 |
|
Master of Nursing (MN) |
2 years |
$14,000 – $17,000 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
PhD in Engineering (Various disciplines) |
4–6 years |
$6,500 – $8,500 |
|
PhD in Computer Science |
4–6 years |
$6,500 – $8,500 |
|
PhD in Health Sciences |
4–6 years |
$6,500 – $8,500 |
|
PhD in Biomedical Engineering |
4–6 years |
$6,500 – $8,500 |
|
PhD in Physics and Astronomy |
4–6 years |
$6,500 – $8,500 |
|
PhD in Chemistry & Chemical Biology |
4–6 years |
$6,500 – $8,500 |
|
PhD in Biology |
4–6 years |
$6,500 – $8,500 |
|
PhD in Social Work |
4–6 years |
$6,500 – $8,500 |
|
PhD in Economics |
4–6 years |
$6,500 – $8,500 |
|
PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour |
4–6 years |
$6,500 – $8,500 |
|
PhD in Political Science |
4–6 years |
$6,500 – $8,500 |
|
PhD in English and Cultural Studies |
4–6 years |
$6,500 – $8,500 |
McMaster University is one of Canada’s top-ranked public research universities, located in Hamilton, Ontario—just an hour from Toronto. It’s known for its innovative teaching, interdisciplinary programs, and inclusive community. With more than 5,000 international students from over 120 countries, it’s a popular choice for students seeking a high-quality, globally recognized education.
McMaster offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across six faculties: Health Sciences, Engineering, Business, Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The university is particularly renowned for its Health Sciences and Engineering programs, including the prestigious Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) and Integrated Biomedical Engineering (iBioMed) program.
Many programs offer co-op (internship) options, allowing students to gain valuable work experience in Canada during their studies.
McMaster provides extensive support for international students through its International Student Services (ISS). These include:
Orientation programs to help students settle in
Visa and immigration support
Academic advising and tutoring
English language support services
Cross-cultural and social events
Career workshops and job search assistance
McMaster has a beautiful campus surrounded by nature and close to waterfalls, parks, and the Niagara Escarpment. The student community is vibrant, with 300+ clubs and societies, cultural events, athletics, and student-led initiatives. Whether you're into sports, gaming, music, or activism—there’s a place for you.
Residence options are available for first-year students, with modern housing and meal plans. Off-campus housing is also common for upper-year and grad students, and Hamilton offers more affordable living compared to Toronto or Vancouver.
McMaster is known for strong career outcomes. Through co-op programs, networking events, and partnerships with industry, students can connect with employers even before graduating. International students are eligible for Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to work in Canada for up to 3 years after completing their degree.
The university also offers career services such as:
Resume and cover letter workshops
Career counseling
Employer events and job fairs
Ranked among the Top 150 universities worldwide
Research-focused and innovation-driven
Strong global reputation in Health, Engineering, Business, and Sciences
Safe, green, and student-friendly city
Welcoming and inclusive campus culture
Start by exploring programs on McMaster’s official website (https://future.mcmaster.ca).
Each program has specific admission requirements, deadlines, and prerequisites.
Completion of senior secondary school (high school diploma or equivalent)
Required subjects based on the program (e.g., Math and Physics for Engineering)
Competitive academic averages (usually 80% or higher for competitive programs)
Recognized Bachelor’s degree with strong academic standing (usually B+ average or higher)
Program-specific requirements (may include research proposal, portfolio, or test scores)
IELTS: 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT: 86+, with no section below 20
Duolingo English Test: 115+
Some programs (e.g., Health Sciences, Engineering) may have higher language score requirements.
Typical required documents include:
Academic transcripts (translated if needed)
English test scores
Passport or ID
Resume/CV (for graduate programs)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (grad level)
Some programs may ask for additional items like:
Personal statement
Portfolio (e.g., for design/media programs)
Undergraduate applicants apply via the OUAC (Ontario Universities' Application Centre) at www.ouac.on.ca
Graduate applicants apply directly via McMaster’s online graduate portal
Undergraduate: CAD $110 (via OUAC)
Graduate: CAD $110–150, depending on program
January 15 (for most programs beginning in September)
Some competitive programs (e.g., Health Sciences, Nursing) have earlier deadlines
Varies by program (generally December to March for Fall intake)
Check specific program pages for exact deadlines.
After applying, you’ll receive a MacID to log into Mosaic (McMaster's student portal)
Upload any remaining documents and monitor your application status
If admitted, you’ll receive an Offer of Admission
Accept the offer by the deadline listed in your student portal
Pay any required tuition deposit (varies by program)
Use your offer letter and McMaster documents to apply for a Canadian Study Permit via IRCC.
McMaster offers pre-arrival support for international students:
Airport pickup
Housing assistance
International student orientation
Health insurance guidance (UHIP)
Main intake for all undergraduate and graduate programs
Most courses and program seats are available
Application deadlines: Usually between January 15 – March 1 (varies by program)
Limited intake for select graduate programs only
Undergraduate intake generally not available in January
Very limited courses, usually for continuing students
Not common for new international students
Academic Requirements:
High school/senior secondary school diploma with competitive grades (generally 80% or above)
Prerequisite subjects depending on program (e.g., Math and Physics for Engineering)
English Language Proficiency (if applicable):
IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 86, with at least 20 in each section
Duolingo English Test: 115+
Some programs (like Health Sciences) may require higher scores or additional assessments
Academic Requirements:
A recognized bachelor’s degree (usually with a B+ average or GPA of 3.3/4.0 or higher)
For PhD programs, a Master’s degree may be required depending on the department
English Language Proficiency:
Same basic requirements as undergrad (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
Some departments may have stricter requirements or ask for additional documents
Additional Requirements:
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Resume/CV
Letters of Recommendation (usually 2–3)
Research proposal (for research-based programs)
GRE/GMAT: Only required for select programs, such as the MBA
Ranking Organization |
Global Rank |
National Rank (Canada) |
Category |
|---|---|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Top 150 |
Top 6–7 |
Overall |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Top 140 |
Top 4–6 |
Global Universities |
|
Times Higher Education (THE) |
Top 100 |
Top 4–5 |
World University Rankings |
|
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) |
Top 100 – 150 |
Top 4–6 |
Academic/Research Performance |
|
QS Graduate Employability |
Top 150 – 200 |
Top 6–8 |
Graduate Employability Outcomes |
Scholarship Name |
Level |
Value (CAD) |
Eligibility Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
|
McMaster Entrance Scholarships |
Undergraduate |
$1,000 – $5,000 |
Automatic based on academic performance |
|
The McMaster President’s Award |
Undergraduate |
$2,500 |
Based on final admission average of 95%+ |
|
Provost International Scholarship |
Undergraduate |
$7,500 |
High academic achievement; international students only |
|
Faculty-Specific Awards |
Undergraduate |
(up to $5,000+) |
Based on program (Engineering, Business, etc.) |
|
International Student Entrance Awards |
Undergraduate |
$2,000 – $5,000 |
For international students entering full-time studies |
|
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship |
PhD (External) |
$50,000/year for 3 years |
National-level award for top doctoral students |
|
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) |
Graduate |
$5,000 per term (max $15,000) |
For full-time graduate students in any discipline |
|
Trillium Scholarship (PhD only) |
PhD (Ontario-wide) |
$40,000/year (renewable) |
Top-tier international PhD students in Ontario |
|
McMaster Graduate Awards (MGA) |
Graduate (All) |
$10,000 – $18,000 |
Funding packages often include teaching/research roles |
Residence Name / Area |
Accommodation Type |
Room Style |
Cost/Year (CAD) |
Features & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Brandon Hall |
Traditional Residence |
Single or Double Room |
$7,500 – $9,000 |
Close to dining hall and academic buildings |
|
Les Prince Hall |
Modern Traditional |
Single Rooms with Semi-Private Bath |
$8,000 – $9,500 |
Largest residence, co-ed, popular with first-years |
|
Moulton Hall |
Traditional |
Single or Double Room |
$7,000 – $8,500 |
Close-knit, quiet atmosphere |
|
Woodstock Hall |
Suite-Style Residence |
4-bedroom Suites |
$9,000 – $10,500 |
Independent-style living, upper-year students |
|
Edwards Hall |
Traditional |
Single or Double Room |
$7,000 – $8,500 |
Co-ed, central campus location |
|
Whidden Hall |
Traditional |
Single or Double Room |
$7,000 – $8,500 |
Quiet, close to library |
|
Mary E. Keyes Residence |
Suite-Style (Modern) |
4–6 Bedroom Suites |
$9,000 – $11,000 |
Private kitchenettes, upper-year preference |
Plan Type |
Cost/Year |
Details |
|---|---|---|
Full Meal Plan |
$5,000 – $5,500 |
Required for first-year traditional housing |
|
Reduced Meal Plan |
$3,000 – $4,000 |
Optional for suite-style residences |
McMaster offers an engaging student experience with more than 300 clubs and student organizations. Whether you're into music, gaming, activism, robotics, or entrepreneurship, there’s a group for you. Cultural and religious clubs also create a sense of belonging for international students, with events celebrating Diwali, Lunar New Year, Eid, and more.
The McMaster campus is beautiful and compact, blending nature with cutting-edge architecture. You'll find:
The McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) at the heart of student life
Study spaces, cafés, libraries, and a bookstore
Museums and art galleries right on campus
Nap rooms, lounges, and wellness centers for relaxation and recharging
McMaster students enjoy access to the David Braley Athletic Centre, which includes:
A full gym, indoor track, pool, climbing wall, and squash courts
Fitness classes like yoga, Zumba, and martial arts
Intramural sports leagues and varsity athletics (the McMaster Marauders)
The International Student Services (ISS) team helps you settle in and succeed. Services include:
Pre-arrival webinars and orientation programs
Immigration advising (study permits, PGWP info, etc.)
Social and cultural events
English language support and academic workshops
Living on campus is a great way to meet people and immerse yourself in university life. McMaster's residences offer various styles of accommodation, and residence life staff organize fun events to help students bond. There are also resources to help you find off-campus housing if you prefer living independently.
Academic success is a top priority at McMaster. You can access:
Peer tutoring and study groups
Writing and communication skills workshops
Academic advising
Career counseling and co-op/internship placements
Career fairs, networking events, and resume clinics help students prepare for life after graduation—and international students are supported with resources to apply for work permits and job opportunities in Canada.
McMaster supports holistic student well-being through:
Mental health counseling and drop-in services
Peer support programs
On-campus medical clinic and pharmacy
Nutrition workshops and wellness events
Hamilton is known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, art scene, and coffee culture. You can explore local neighborhoods or take short trips to Toronto, Niagara Falls, or even the U.S. border. Public transit is student-friendly, and your McMaster ID gives you access to a local bus pass (HSR).
McMaster has an excellent reputation among employers in Canada and globally. It consistently ranks among the top Canadian universities for graduate employability. According to surveys, a significant percentage of students find full-time employment within 6 months of graduation — especially in fields like engineering, business, health sciences, and computer science.
The university’s Student Success Centre (SSC) offers robust support to help students connect with job opportunities:
Resume and cover letter writing help
Interview preparation and mock interviews
Networking workshops and job fairs
One-on-one career coaching
Access to job and internship portals (e.g., OSCARplus)
McMaster is well known for its co-op (paid internship) programs, particularly in:
Engineering (mandatory co-op streams available)
Business (Commerce Co-op Program)
Computer Science and Software Engineering
Integrated Biomedical Engineering
Select Science and Social Sciences programs
Students complete 12–20 months of paid work experience during their degree, often leading to post-graduation job offers.
International students at McMaster get help with:
Finding co-op and internship placements
Understanding Canadian workplace culture
Navigating post-graduation work permits (PGWP)
Building LinkedIn profiles and preparing for career fairs
Some of the companies and institutions that regularly recruit from McMaster include:
IBM
Microsoft
Amazon
Deloitte
RBC, TD, and Scotiabank
General Electric (GE)
Siemens
Government of Ontario
Hamilton Health Sciences
McKinsey & Company
Canadian Tire Tech
Local startups and research labs
International graduates of McMaster are eligible to apply for a PGWP, allowing them to work in Canada for up to 3 years after finishing their program. This is a major advantage for gaining Canadian work experience and pursuing permanent residency.
If you're business-minded, The Forge is McMaster’s startup incubator where students can get mentorship, funding, and workspace to launch their own ventures.
Engineering & Computer Science: High placement rates; co-op programs are highly valued by employers
Business (Commerce): Competitive salaries and placements through DeGroote’s co-op and internship programs
Health Sciences: Strong job outcomes in research, clinical, and public health sectors
Humanities & Social Sciences: Career development programs focused on transferable skills and real-world applications
Overall acceptance rate: Approximately 50% – 60%
This means that while McMaster is accessible to strong applicants, it is selective, especially in high-demand programs.
Some programs are much more competitive than others. Here’s a general sense:
Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc): Extremely competitive; acceptance rate around 10% – 15%
Nursing, Engineering, and Computer Science: Competitive with higher academic requirements
Business (Commerce): Moderately competitive; solid academic record and math background required
Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities: More accessible with a good academic profile
Strong academic averages (typically 80%+ or higher for competitive programs)
Completion of prerequisite subjects
High English language proficiency scores
A strong Supplementary Application (required for programs like BHSc or Engineering iBioMed)
Timely application with complete and accurate documentation
International applicants are assessed based on their country-specific academic systems
A competitive academic average and required documentation can give you a strong chance
McMaster actively supports diversity and welcomes international students, but top-tier programs remain selective
Address:
1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
Setting:
Urban campus nestled in a natural setting, surrounded by the Niagara Escarpment, close to the shores of Lake Ontario
Campus Size:
Over 300 acres of green space, trails, academic buildings, residence halls, and recreation facilities
Hamilton is a mid-sized city with a population of around 550,000
Known for its natural beauty, waterfalls, and hiking trails
Located about 1 hour from Toronto, Canada’s largest city
Accessible by GO Transit and VIA Rail for easy travel to and from Toronto, Niagara Falls, and beyond
Ron Joyce Centre (Burlington, Ontario):
Home to DeGroote School of Business's MBA and executive education programs
Downtown Hamilton Health Sciences Campus:
Affiliated with McMaster’s Faculty of Health Sciences, this includes hospitals and research centers like McMaster Children’s Hospital and Hamilton General Hospital
