McMaster logo
McMaster logo
Mechanical Engineering is an engineering discipline that involves the application of principles of physics for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems.
Faculty of Engineering
Program Contact
A MASc degree in Mechanical Engineering provides additional breadth and depth of knowledge, positioning graduates for technical leadership and specialization in industry, or to continue with a Ph.D. degree. M.A.Sc. candidates develop their skills in analysis, creative problem solving, critical thinking, experimental methods and/or analytical models, resourcefulness, responsibility and the ability to present their work to a variety of audiences. All M.A.Sc. students are supervised by a faculty member from the department. The research areas of the faculty members include: biomechanics; manufacturing; mechanics and design; and thermofluids.
A PhD in Mechanical Engineering extends all of the advantages of a Master’s degree and opens doors to research and development opportunities in industry, government and academia. PhD candidates develop independence, creativity and flexibility; and expand their skills in analysis, critical thinking, creative problem solving, data management, experimental methods and/or analytical models, resourcefulness, responsibility and perseverance. They also develop skills in critical analysis of others’ work, and the ability to present their work to a variety of audiences. All PhD students are supervised by a faculty member from the department. The research areas of the faculty members include: biomechanics; manufacturing; mechanics and design; and thermofluids.
Category:
External
Amount
$$
A scholarship through Zonta International. For women of any nationality pursuing a PhD, who demonstrate a superior academic record in the field of aerospace-related sciences or aerospace-related engineering.
For eligibility, application details and deadlines, visit the Zonta International website.
Category:
External
Amount
Varied values
ACUNS established its scholarship program, the Canadian Northern Studies Trust (CNST) in 1982 to advance knowledge and understanding of Canada’s North. The purpose of the CNST is to develop a cadre of scholars and scientists with northern experience and, at the same time, to enhance the educational opportunities available for northern residents.
For a list of scholarships and funding available, as well as eligibility criteria, award values, application details, and deadlines, visit the ACUNS website.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
May 22, 2024
Amount
$$
The CGS-MSFSS supports high-calibre Canadian graduate students in building global linkages and international networks through the pursuit of exceptional research experiences abroad. By accessing international scientific research and training, CGS-MSFSS recipients will contribute to strengthening the potential for collaboration between Canadian and foreign institutions.
Please review eligibility and criteria for more information about this travel award.
If you wish to apply, please contact your department graduate administrator.
Category:
External
Amount
The bi-national program is an educational exchange, with a mandate to enhance mutual understanding between the people of Canada and the people of the United States of America. Available to graduate students, faculty, professionals and independent researchers, successful applicants conduct research, lecture, or enroll in formal academic programs in the United States. Fulbright Canada offers various scholarship awards within this program, with further information on the various award opportunities made available through the Canada-US Fulbright Program website.
For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright website.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
December 1, 2023
Amount
$$$
The CGS M Awards Program supports students in all research disciplines and is administered jointly by Canada’s three federal granting agencies: the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The selection process and post-award administration are carried out at the university level, under the guidance of the three agencies.
For a recorded information session about the Fall 2023 application process, click on the Learn More button.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 31, 2024
Amount
$$
The purpose of the CSA Group Graduate Scholarship is to support graduate students in the pursuit of knowledge generation related to standards. Full-time graduate students at the Masters level studying at a publicly funded, accredited Canadian university are eligible to apply.
The research can be conducted in any field (e.g. engineering, social sciences, health sciences) and must include standards as a component of the research. The topic does not need to be related to an area in which CSA Group already has standards. The research may investigate aspects of an existing standard or may explore an area for future standards development.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
April 30, 2023
Amount
$$
The Dr. J. A. Campbell Young Investigator Award of $5,000 for any kind of research into celiac disease and / or gluten sensitivity is available to students and those who have recently completed degrees.
Eligibility criteria, application details and deadlines available on the Canadian Celiac Association website.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
November 15, 2023
Amount
$ – $$$
Traditional Fulbright Canada Student awards are intended for Canadian citizens who are graduate students, prospective graduate students, or promising young professionals who wish to study and/or conduct research in the United States. Awards may be held at any university, research centre, think tank, or government agency in the United States.
For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright Canada website.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are funded from the proceeds of the Graduate Students Association Development Fund, which receives contributions from graduate students and the University. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants fund is administered through the School of Graduate Studies. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are designed to enable graduate students to travel to undertake research or present at conferences relevant to their field of study. There are a fluctuating number of awards available each semester.
The successful recipients will be determined randomly by selecting one recipient from each faculty (Health Sciences, Engineering, Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business) and the balance of the awards left in a given period will be randomly selected from a list of the remaining applicants from all faculties combined.
Application dates:
Category:
External
Amount
$$
The H.G. Hilton Master’s Scholarships were established by the income from a bequest in the estate of Hugh G. Hilton, at one time Chief Executive Officer of Stelco and member of the McMaster Board of Governors support a Master’s scholarship. The scholarship is tenable for one year, and is awarded annually to incoming Canadian citizens, permanent residents or, international students from departments which offer full-time Master’s graduate studies. Priority will be given to students intending research in Canadian industry or industrial problems. Other things being equal, preference will be given to deserving children of employees or former employees of Stelco Ltd.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 14, 2024
Amount
$$-$$$
The Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis Students was established in 2009 in honour of Harvey E. Longboat, and in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to McMaster University and to the broader community. The School of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the Indigenous Studies program and the Indigenous Education Council, will award the scholarship annually to a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis student(s) who has demonstrated high academic achievement and exceptional promise.
The scholarship is tenable for one year, although previous award winners may re-apply.
Incoming students are eligible to apply.
Category:
External
Amount
A comprehensive list of funding sources and agencies for postdoctoral fellows in the Faculty of Health Sciences and those doing health-related research can be found on the Health Sciences website.
Category:
External
Amount
$$$$
The Hugh C. Morris Experiential Learning Fellowship, valued at $40,000 Cdn, is open to any graduate student studying in Canada who is working in a field related to
or the social impact, social sciences or design sciences related to these areas, and is designed to provide a unique experiential, international travel program designed by the student to engage diverse sectors, advance their research, learn from a range of contexts and cultures, and bring their learning back to Canada.
Review deadlines and all associated information on the Kimberley Foundation website.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in honour of McMaster Faculty of Engineering PhD students Iman Aghabali and Mehdi Eshaghian, and a former Faculty of Health Science Post-Doctoral Fellow, who lost their lives on the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the Associate Deans responsible for graduate studies, to international graduate students from Iran who demonstrate academic excellence.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
February 1, 2024
Amount
The JSPS provides opportunities in universities or other research institutions in Japan for:
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
December 1, 2023
Amount
$$$
In honour of the achievement of John Charles Polanyi, recipient of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the Government of the Province of Ontario has established a fund to provide annually up to five prizes to outstanding researchers in the early stages of their career who are continuing to postdoctoral studies or have recently started a faculty appointment at an Ontario university.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
April 30, 2024
Amount
$
This award is through the True Sport Foundation of Canada. Open to applicants who are
All questions should be directed to the True Sport Foundation of Canada.
Visit their website for all details and contact information.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 15, 2021
Amount
$$
The advent of large collection of data and ensuing development in data analysis techniques has made collaboration between data scientists and content experts necessary for cutting-edge research. Furthermore, there is a need for trainees to be exposed to both aspects of such research, namely for data science trainees to learn about real life practical projects and for content expert trainees to gain experience in data analysis and management. The aims of the MacDATA Graduate Fellowship Program are:
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
February 1, 2024
Amount
$$-$$$
The Mackenzie King Scholarships were set up under the will of the Rt. Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King (1874-1950), who was Prime Minister of Canada 1921-26, 1926-30, and 1935-48.
Two types of the Mackenzie King Scholarship are available to graduates of Canadian universities: the Open Scholarship and the Travelling Scholarship. Both are to support graduate study.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 31, 2023
Amount
$$
Manulife has introduced the first Life Lessons Scholarship Program in Canada, for students who’ve experienced the death of a parent or guardian with little to no life insurance. The Scholarship Program helps combat the financial burden of paying for post-secondary education during an emotional time and recognizes the perseverance that so many youth show in such adversity.
The next application call for this scholarship opens on February 1, 2024. Visit the Manulife website for details on that date.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
February 23, 2024
Amount
$$$
Four scholarships open to master’s and PhD students who are conducting research on determinants, impacts, and policy or program interventions into food insecurity in Canada.
Visit Maple Leaf Centre for Food Insecurity to learn more and apply.
Questions can be directed to info@feedopportunity.com.
Category:
External
Amount
$
A bursary is based solely on financial need. In most cases, information from your OSAP application is used to determine your financial need (some students who don’t receive OSAP can still apply for a bursary).
The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program application opens mid-August in AwardSpring. Funding is paid out in mid-February.
Graduate students who demonstrate financial need can apply for the McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program.
Please note: The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program is not open to international students enrolled in graduate studies, MBA, medicine or physician assistant programs.
Bursary eligibility requirements:
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
July 15, 2020
Amount
$$$$
Prospective postdoctoral fellows are invited to submit a research plan that focuses on interdisciplinary, impact-driven approaches in the study of optimal aging through one or more of the following research areas:
The applicant and principal supervisor are expected to involve at least two other researchers from two different McMaster faculties (outside of the principal supervisor’s faculty) as mentors in the development of an interdisciplinary research plan.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
February 28, 2002
Amount
$$$
The MIRA and Labarge Scholarship program offers awards at the master’s and PhD level in two distinct streams. The Labarge Mobility Scholarship supports applicants whose research on aging includes a focus on mobility. The MIRA Scholarship in Aging Research supports interdisciplinary aging research in one of MIRA’s identified areas of focus.
The scholarships are open to master’s students beginning a new McMaster graduate degree in the 2022/2023 school year and PhD students entering year one or two of their studies. Interested candidates must develop and submit a research proposal in collaboration with a MIRA supervisor and an interdisciplinary mentor from outside the primary supervisor’s Faculty. MIRA requires confirmation that the supervisor and/or program will commit to matching the minimum level of support for the recipient for the duration of the graduate degree. See call for proposals and application form for more information.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 15, 2020
Amount
$
The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging funds up to 10 graduate student travel awards per year – five in each round – valued at $500 each for students working with MIRA researchers. Graduate students travelling to an academic conference to present an accepted abstract in aging research are eligible for up to $500 in travel funding.
For details about this and other funding opportunities, visit MIRA.
Deadlines for 2020: March 15 and September 15
Category:
External
Amount
Established in 2020 the McMaster University Retirees Association (MURA). To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a graduate student researching technological advances related to seniors, and who demonstrates academic excellence.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
October 2, 2023
Amount
$$$-$$$$
Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS D) and NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships – Doctoral (PGS D) programs provide financial support to high-calibre scholars who are engaged in eligible doctoral programs in the natural sciences or engineering. This support allows these scholars to fully concentrate on their studies and seek out the best research mentors in their chosen fields. There is a single application and review process for the CGS D and the PGS D programs. The top-ranked applicants are awarded the CGS D (tenable only in Canada) and highly ranked applicants in the next tier are awarded the PGS D (tenable in Canada and abroad).
Both programs are administered through a single application.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
October 17, 2019
Amount
$$$$
The NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowships (PDF) program provides support to a core of the most promising researchers at a pivotal time in their careers. The fellowships are also intended to secure a supply of highly qualified Canadians with leading-edge scientific and research skills for Canadian industry, government and academic institutions.
For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship website.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 14, 2024
Amount
$$$
Two OGS-I scholarships are awarded to Indigenous graduate students at McMaster University who face significant financial hardship, with particular priority given to women with family responsibilities.
This criteria has been established in consultation with the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) and is adjudicated by a committee chaired through the Indigenous Studies Program.
Category:
External
Amount
$$$
Ontario Graduate Fellowships (OGF) provide funding to full-time students in graduate studies at the masters and doctoral level. It’s a merit-based scholarship for students with an A- or above.
Value: $12,000 ($4,000 per term)
Duration: 1 year
Category:
External
Amount
$$$
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and The Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) programs provide funding to full-time students at the master’s and doctoral levels. They are merit-based scholarships for students with an A- or above average.
Category:
External
Amount
$$$
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship for International Students is by nomination only. Applicants to this award must contact their department for application instructions
Category:
External
Amount
$
To be granted to graduate students enrolled in any program who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ students and demonstrate financial need.
Category:
External
Amount
Value varies
This fellow is awarded to female students who are citizens of a developing country or emerging economy. Applicants should be preparing for doctoral or postdoctoral research in the in the physical sciences, engineering, technology and related disciplines.
Deadline is usually during the Fall months. For all details – eligibility, value, deadlines, etc. – go to the Schlumberger Foundation website.
Category:
External
Amount
$$
At least three awards, each in the amount of $4000, will be awarded annually to the women graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the university or general community while maintaining exemplary academic records.
Women registered in master’s or PhD programs within a designated region. Regions and number of awards rotate each year. SWAAC has designated Ontario as the region for this 2023 competition. There are five awards available for this competition. Each university may nominate one person for the award.
Read about McMaster PhD student Liza-Anastasia DiCecco, who received the 2023 SWAAC Award of Merit.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The Barkley’s of Avonmore Scholarship was established in 1977 through the generosity of Fred Barkley to assist a student from a developing country to pursue advanced studies at McMaster University. Each year the Dean of Graduate Studies will identify a worthy graduate student from one of the developing countries to receive the award.
Category:
External
Amount
$$
The Cecil and Yvette Yip Graduate Bursaries were established in 2003 by Dr. Cecil Yip (Class of 1959) and Mrs. Yvette Yip to recognize and encourage graduate students whose innovative work in the physical sciences and engineering crosses formal disciplinary boundaries. Preference will be given to students in any graduate program in the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Engineering, whose thesis research demonstrates excellence in integrating engineering science within the study of biology. The students must also demonstrate financial need to be eligible. A variable number of bursaries are to be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in 2022 by David Feeny and George Torrance, founding members of the Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (CHEPA). To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to doctoral students enrolled in any program, who are conducting research under the supervision of faculty members belonging to CHEPA and who demonstrate academic and research excellence. The scholarship will support PhD students who have successfully completed their comprehensive examinations. Preference will be given to students with research interests that include health-related quality of life, health technology assessment, health economics, health services research, or health policy.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The Dante Cosma Graduate Memorial Scholarship was established in 1997 by family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Dante Cosma, in recognition of his years of service in the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University, and to his support of engineering students in their pursuit of higher education. To be awarded to a graduate student in the Faculty of Engineering by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Dean of Engineering. Preference will be given to a student studying metallurgy.
Category:
External
Amount
$$
Established in 2013 to honour the memory of Dr. Colin Webber, McMaster University professor, physicist, radiation safety expert, teacher, mentor, and leader in the field of bone research. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to master’s or doctoral students. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate interest in bone research.
Value: Minimum $1,600
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
April 15, 2024
Amount
$$$
Awarded by The Gunhard A.E. Oravas Educational Fund, The Dr. Gunhard A.E. Oravas Memorial Scholarship is granted to doctoral students at McMaster University involved in research in the area of Computational Mechanics of Deformable Solids.
Annual award; up to three scholarships of maximum $12,000 each.
The quality of the proposed research and academic background of the PhD student.
Please submit:
Email completed application to Dr. S. Pietruszczak at pietrusz@mcmaster.ca.
Dr. Gunhard A.E. Oravas was a professor in the department of Civil Engineering, whose research interests included engineering mechanics and structural engineering. He was an outstanding scholar and dedicated teacher who greatly contributed to the quality of engineering education at McMaster University. This award is established from a charitable donation by the beneficiary of his estate.
Email Dr. S. Pietruszczak at pietrusz@mcmaster.ca or visit The Gunhard A.E. Oravas Educational Foundation website for more information.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in 2022 by the family of Edna Howard, this bursary honours the support Edna offered graduate students through her work as a cook at The Phoenix Bar and Grill, owned and
operated by the Graduate Students Association. Her food warmed the hearts of the McMaster campus community for many years until her retirement. To be granted by the School of
Graduate Studies to full-time students in any program who demonstrate financial need.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The Graduate Students Association Bursary was established in 1999 by the Graduate Students Association at McMaster University under the McMaster Student Opportunity Fund initiative. To be granted to a full-time or part-time graduate student in one of the following faculties: Engineering, Health Sciences, and Humanities, Science, Social Sciences, or the PhD program in Business. The bursary will be awarded annually by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Graduate Students Association.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The H.Vincent Elliott Memorial Travel Bursary was established in 2010 by Dr. Susan J.Elliott (MA `97 and PhD`92), esteemed former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, professor of Geography and Earth Sciences, and senior research fellow at the United Nations Institute on Water (UNU-IWEH), Environment and Health, in memory of her father, H.Vincent Elliott. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation on the program director of ‘Water Without Borders’ to students registered in a Master’s or PhD program will be given to students in financial need.
Category:
External
Amount
$$
The Howard P. Whidden Graduate Scholarship was established in 1987, and is open to non-Canadian students from countries of the British Commonwealth. This prestigious award is open to students who qualify for admission into any graduate program that extends to the doctorate, although the student’s initial registration may be at the Master’s level. The award is once renewable contingent upon satisfactory academic performance. It will be awarded at the discretion of the School of Graduate Studies.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in 1995 with funds from the estate of Helen S. Harvey. James F. Harvey was a member of the first McMaster graduating class in Hamilton in 1935. This travel scholarship will enable students to engage in research requiring travel. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Bursary was established in 1997 by The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. To be granted to graduate students in the faculties of Business, Engineering, Science or Social Science who demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to graduate students who are conducting research related to commercial transportation issues and policy, specifically the role of transportation in stimulating regional economic development and trade.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The John H.T. Wade Scholarship was established in 1986 by Dr. John H.T. Wade, who made valuable contributions over many years as a professor and chair of Mechanical Engineering and as acting dean of Engineering. The medal is awarded to a student in Mechanical Engineering on the basis of his or her contribution to Mechanical Engineering as exemplified by the Master of Engineering thesis submitted within the academic year. The medal is awarded annually by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the chair of Mechanical Engineering.
Category:
External
Amount
Established in 2022 by the Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a graduate student who is currently enrolled in their first year of any program who identifies as a member of the queer, trans community and is Black, racialized, or Indigenous.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in 2005 by the Surgical Associates in memory of Myra Baillie. To be granted to a graduate student in any degree program who attains and “A” average and demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to a female graduate student.
Award Value: 2 awards of $1,000 each
Category:
External
Amount
$
The Robert John Morris Graduate Studies Bursary was established in 1996 by family, friends and colleagues of Robert John Morris. To be granted to graduate students in good academic standing who demonstrate financial need. Whenever possible, preference will be given to Engineering students studying in the area of nuclear engineering or advanced energy systems or, students in the Faculty of Humanities or Faculty of Social Sciences.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 8, 2024
Amount
$-$$
The SGS Grant is intended to be a grant in aid of research; students should not expect the grants to cover the full cost of travel or field work.
The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Grant is not intended for conference or course work travel.
It is not meant to replace sources of funding already available from the tri-agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC), other external granting sources, or internal scholarships and bursaries.
It is not intended to fund the research itself, but the travel to do the research.
The application will open in Mosaic on January 8, 2024, and close on March 8, 2024.
Category:
External
Amount
$$
The Stelco Graduate Bursaries were established in 1996 by Stelco – a market-driven, technologically advanced group of businesses committed to maintaining leadership roles as steel producers and fabricators – in support of graduate students pursuing their educational goals. These bursaries will be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to students enrolled in any graduate program who demonstrate financial need. Preference may be given to graduate students in the Faculty of Engineering.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
September 6, 2023
Amount
$$$$
The Vanier CGS program aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students to establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. Vanier Scholars demonstrate both leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering and health.
It is valued at $50,000 per year for three years during doctoral studies.
Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents of Canada, and foreign citizens are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 28, 2022
Amount
$$-$$$
The Wilson Leader Scholarship Award for graduate students is different. Valued at $12,000 in direct funding and up to $2,000 for experiential funding, it’s a leadership development and career launcher program that builds on your studies. It involves about 15 hours/month, including time for synchronous group events between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET.
Awarded to up to three graduate students annually.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The Yates Scholarship Fund (up to $500) was established in 1963 by the bequest of William Henry Yates. This fund support upper-level doctoral students with research activities and conference travel when a paper is being delivered. Applicants must have completed their comprehensive exam.
Daily News
Daily News
