McMaster University

Program News and Changes

Wilson College of Leadership and Civic Engagement

The Wilson College Leadership and Civic Studies (WCLCS) program is Canada’s only Combined Honours degree that has students engage with real-life issues and learn to think critically and creatively about our collective future.

As a small cohort, students can expect an interdisciplinary approach to civic studies that combines topics in the humanities and social sciences with an exploration of diverse models of leadership. Our program integrates experiential learning, research, practical application and public engagement as we build our students’ understanding of how to foster an inclusive, ethical and sustainable civic culture in Canada and beyond.

Bachelor of Health Sciences (Integrated Rehabilitation and Humanities)

The new Level 2 program brings humanities education offered by the Faculty of Humanities and combines it with the clinical knowledge of rehabilitation. This will create a unique undergraduate program that is focused on training empathetic professionals and engaged citizens.

In this program, just over half of the content will be offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences; just over one-third by the Faculty of Humanities; and the remaining one-sixth from other university courses to fulfill the learning outcomes of the program. With this structure, students in the BHSc (Integrated Rehabilitation and Humanities) will encounter strong experiential learning components, options for clinical research and opportunities to participate in community engagement.

Faculty of Social Sciences: Dual Law Program (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Law Degree)

The new Level 2 program offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences will allow students to earn a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science from McMaster and a Bachelor of Law (LLB) from the University of Birmingham, one of the United Kingdom’s leading law schools and a member of the prestigious Russell Group.

This 6-year pathway offers students a unique academic experience across 2 globally recognized institutions. Students will complete their first 2 years at McMaster, building a strong foundation in Political Science and preparing for legal studies. They will then spend 3 years at the University of Birmingham completing their LLB, before returning to McMaster for a final year of study focused on transitioning into the Canadian legal system, building connections within the Hamilton legal community, and preparing for Canadian accreditation. For more information: McMaster/Birmingham Honours BA + LLB Degree Option - Political Science

STEP:

The Summer Transition through English Prep (STEP) program is an intensive 6-week academic English bridging program designed for English-Language Learners who wish to pursue their undergraduate studies at McMaster University and almost meet the university’s language proficiency requirements. During the STEP program, students will develop the academic English skills necessary for a successful transition in September, into their first-year undergraduate program.

Social Sciences Co-op:

The Faculty of Social Sciences has introduced 4 new co-op program options for current Level I students when applying to Level II programs:

Anthropology Co-op (Honours BA)
Environment & Society Co-op (Honours BA)
Health & Society Co-op (Honours BA)
Sociology Co-op (Honours BA)

In April of the student’s first year (Level I), all Social Sciences students will be asked to rank their Level II program choices.

Students applying to a co-op program are encouraged to ensure that they:

Have taken all required courses to be eligible to apply to their desired program(s).
Order selected programs with the most desired ranked first (i.e., ensure that you place the program you would most like to join first).

The Music I program will temporarily suspend admissions for the September 2027 intake as the program undergoes a redesign.

Prospective applicants with an interest in pursuing a degree in Music are encouraged to apply to Humanities I. Interested applicants can take relevant courses within this program to work toward obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Music.

Note: Auditions are not required for this program.

One of our Academic Advisors will be pleased to meet with you to discuss the program.

Contact [email protected] to set up a virtual appointment.

Scholarships and Awards

Most universities offer scholarships. Unlike having to pay back a loan, you do not need to pay back a scholarship. Universities award scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, extracurricular activities and other distinctions.

You can apply for some scholarships and may be automatically considered for others.

Browse Scholarships and Awards

University Events

Universities host events like open houses, campus tours, Student for a Day programs, and virtual tours to help you explore what student life is really like. These events are a great way to experience the campus, connect with current students and faculty, and get a feel for whether a university is the right fit for you.

Upcoming Events

Offers of Admission

Basic Requirements for Admission

If you have six Grade 12 U/M (4U/M) midterm grades or 3 final Grade 12 U/M (4U/M) grades, you will be considered for admission on a rolling basis beginning in February 2027. To be eligible, you must have six Grade 12 U/M courses, completed or in progress, including any program-specific requirements. Your application will be reviewed again once your second-semester midterm grades are received.

Note: Co-op courses are not included in any admission or final admission average calculations.

Admission to all programs requires the completion of English (ENG4U).

Failed and Repeated Courses

For students who have repeated up to 2 courses, the highest mark reported will be used in the calculation of the admission average. Students repeating more than 2 courses, or an individual course 3 or more times, may be asked to provide a letter explaining the need for the repeats. This information may be considered when determining admission. Courses completed after June 30 will not be included in the admission average calculation.

Timing and Process for Admission Decisions

Be sure to check the university's Admissions Tool for information and updates about the admission process, estimated cut-offs, enrollment targets, application deadlines and more. McMaster will begin making offers of admission at the end of February until early May on a rolling basis, based on a minimum of 3 final 4U/M grades and registration in sufficient 4U/M courses to a total of 6; or 6 interim and/or final 4U/M grades, including any required courses.

All offers are conditional upon completing the OSSD with at least six 4U/M courses and an acceptable final admission average, which will be specified in the offer of admission.

Notes:

Most offers to the By-Selection Programs will be made in May. All of these programs require supplementary application information (except Midwifery, where an interview is part of the application process). Contact McMaster for details about application deadlines, timing of offers and more.
We do not automatically make alternative offers of admission. Instead, we encourage you to apply to all of the McMaster programs you are interested in (up to 3). We will give full consideration to each program selection.
We may not accept your application if you do not pay the OUAC application fee by the program deadline date.

Extenuating Circumstances

If you have extenuating circumstances that may impact your academic performance, please contact us through our live chat to submit McMaster's Request for Special Consideration form. We will direct students on the process and requirements as part of their admission.

Get Ready: Resources to help you prepare for University

Student Success Resources

Student Success Centre

Academic Skills Workshops:
- Being an Online Learner
- Reading Academic Articles and Textbooks
- Note-taking for University
- Time Management and Beating Procrastination
- Setting Goals for Success
- Study Smarter, Not Harder
- Mastering the Multiple Choice Test
- Mastering Short Answer Questions

Communication Skills Workshops:
- Improved Presentations
- Effective Group Work

Online Learning Support:
- A comprehensive web page featuring information, guidance, tips, tools and resources to support your academic performance online.

SSC Virtual Front Desk Live Chat:
- Get answers to questions about SSC programs and services. The live chat is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 2 pm.

Writing Skills Workshops:
- Making the Most of Your Sources
- University Essays 101
- Writing a Clear, Concise and Contentious Thesis Statement
- Strategies for Essay Revision
- Taking Research Notes
- How To Write a Lab Report

Contact McMaster University

Residences and Meal Plans

Residence Price(s)

$6,550 - $13,990 (meals not included)

Room Types

Most first-year students are housed in double, gender-specific rooms. Both co-ed and all-female buildings are available, although the majority of buildings are co-ed.

Amenities

Themed Community options include: Alcohol-Free, All Female, Quiet.

Living Learning Communities include:

Health & Wellness
Engineering Innovation
Women in Leadership
Leaders & Influencers
Entrepreneurs in Residence
Sustainable Futures
Wilson College

Every residence has secured entrances (that require a key card for entry, specific to the given building) and every residence room has its own secure lock.

Every student in residence is provided with their own internet connection.

Our campus is smoke-free.

Residence Guarantee

The admission average required for guaranteed residence is reviewed annually and will be confirmed in February to March of 2027. Guaranteed residence status is determined by academic performance (provided the deposit and residence application are received by the June deadline).

A wait list is established for those below the cut-off mark.

Deposit Required

$600

Meal Plans

Declining balance system with 4 options, from option A to option D ($7,280-$7960). Meal plans are required for all students in residence.

Students living in the Bates or Mary E. Keyes buildings have the option of selecting a reduced meal plan ($4,590-$5,310).

Note: Prices indicated are for the 2026-2027 academic year and may be subject to change.

McMaster University

The Campus

Special Characteristics

Important Information