Our Graduate Student Community will be welcoming its newest members very soon. The Orientation Hub is the place where you will find step-by-step information, as well as links to resources, supports, online activities, events and sessions to help you navigate your graduate journey. We update this page regularly, so please check back for the latest information!
Before joining our graduate community ...
Step 1: Register How to enrol
On-time registration opens June 25 and runs until August 1. To avoid late fees, please register before the on-time registration deadline.
Step 2: About your Mac ID Learn more about Mac ID
Your Mac ID is essentially your username for accessing services and systems at McMaster.
Step 3: Your McMaster email address
Once you have your Mac ID set up and have enrolled in your courses, your McMaster email will become active. A link to your McMaster email will be sent to your applicant email address. Please continue to monitor your applicant email address in the meantime.
Step 4: Upload your photo for your student card Visit MacCard for details
Visit the MacCard website to
- review photo upload guidelines and a helpful video tutorial
- learn about the different card pickup dates and locations
Please upload your photo no later than August 1, to ensure your card is ready for pickup at the scheduled delivery sites.
Step 5: Update your personal information Go to Mosaic now
It’s important to update your personal and contact information – especially your address – in Mosaic, so that you receive all important information. You can add a new address or revise an existing one. Your “Mailing Address” will be the address to which you receive any mail from the university.
Step 6: How to enrol in – and complete – SGS 101, 201 SGS 101 and 201
All new graduate students must complete SGS 101 and 201. Learn more about enrolling and completing the courses by the Fall deadline: September 30, 2024.
Step 7: Receiving your scholarship monies, research funds and TA pay Fees and payment
Make sure you update and/or set up your information to ensure you receive your scholarship and research funds when expected, as well as your teaching assistant (TA) pay on time (for those students have have a TA position).
Step 8: Review all dates and deadlines See dates and deadlines
Dates and deadlines to help you
- avoid late fees and interest payments
- receive your first grad pay on time
- more
NOTE: The Graduate Calendar is the most accurate source for sessional dates and deadlines.
Quick links
Graduate Calendar Learn More
2024-25 Graduate Calendar available soon. Please check back.
Resources, supports, events and sessions to help you navigate your grad journey!
2024 Orientation Calendar Visit the calendar
Visit our calendar of online workshops, information sessions and virtual socials.
Campus Maps
Use one of our maps – available in a variety of formats – to navigate your way across campus:
International / New-to-Hamilton area Learn more
Are you an international graduate student? Perhaps you are joining us from another part of Ontario or from beyond this province? Visit our International Students section for information about
- study permits, visas, UHIP
- travelling to and living in Hamilton
- more
Off-Campus Housing Off-campus housing
Check out Mac Off-Campus Housing to learn more about
- finding a place to live and
- local rental listings.
McMaster Graduate Residence Grad Residence
For all information about the residence, visit the 10 Bay Graduate Residence website.
If you have any questions, contact Housing and Conference Services through their live chat available on the residence site.
Building a strong supervisory relationship Supervisory relationship
Learn more about expectations, communication and building a strong relationship with your supervisor.
Students with disabilities Grad disability
McMaster offers many services, supports and resources for students with disabilities.
Orientation webinar library Webinar library
A repository of past webinars for graduate students beginning their academic journey in fall 2024.
International and Exchange Student Experience Visit IESE
Whether joining us from across the globe or from just down the road, you’re an integral part of our campus community. The IESE team is here to support your transition during your graduate journey.
Black Student Success Centre Learn More
The Black Student Success Centre is dedicated to supporting and championing the holistic success and overall well-being of Black/African descent students and fostering a positive Black student and athlete experience.
Indigenous Student Services Learn More
Explore the Indigenous Student Services site to discover support and opportunities available for all Indigenous Students at McMaster.
McMaster Library grad student support Library support
The Library provides a number of services and resources to help you navigate academic sources and information you will need to complete your studies.
Note: This link will open in a new tab and take you to another website.
Digital Research Kickstarter Go to the Libguide
Your starting point for digital research at McMaster, offering guidance on common research functions and directing to available resources and services. The Kickstarter is a sharable online resource accessible via the AskResearch website or directly at the LibGuide.
Resources for teaching assistants MacPherson Institute
The MacPherson Institute provides a wide range of teaching and learning resources for TA’s, including:
McMaster Teaching Assistant Guide (Pressbook)
Note: These links will take you to another website.
MS Office 365 Hub Visit the hub
All McMaster students have access to Microsoft Office 365 products and Zoom. Using your Mac ID, you will have access to: Word/Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Teams and more.
Note: This link will open in a new tab and take you to another website.
Graduate Students Association Visit the GSA
The GSA advocates for the graduate student community at McMaster, providing support and services, including
- health and dental benefits
- personal and professional development opportunities
- social events
Note: This link will open in a new tab and take you to another website.
HSR Bus Pass Bus pass
New and returning graduate students can learn more about getting their bus pass on the GSA website.
Tech tips to get ready for your studies Technology resources
McMaster’s University Technology Services – UTS – has created a page to help all McMaster students learn more about tools, set up, and online security.
McMaster University Guidance for illness prevention Guidance for illness prevention
McMaster University is committed to providing and maintaining healthy, physically and psychologically safe working and learning environments for all workers, students, volunteers and visitors.
Student Wellness Centre Student Wellness Centre
The Student Wellness Centre is the place on campus to address your wellness needs. Services include:
- counselling and mental health supports
- medical care
- wellness programs and education
Note: This link will open in a new tab and take you to another website.
Open Circle McMaster Open Circle
Open Circle McMaster is a diverse and consensus-based community where McMaster students can discuss life, spiritual and societal issues, as well as find volunteering opportunities available in the broader Hamilton community.
Graduate Wellness Newsletter Subscribe online
The Graduate Wellness team at the Student Wellness Centre, delivers information about programs, as well as tips and strategies to help you stay well during your graduate journey. The newsletter is delivered to your email inbox every two weeks.
Note: This link will open in a new tab and take you to another website.
Working in Canada Getting your SIN
All individuals who work in Canada MUST have a Social Insurance Number — commonly known as a SIN. International students can get their SIN at a Service Canada location or online.
SIN clinics will be set up on campus in September.
Note: This link will open in a new tab and take you to another website.