* The precise start dates of courses are determined by programs. Please contact your program for details. Graduate Studies maintains the 13-week graduate instruction period; if a course does not fall into the traditional instruction period, however, the program will inform students of important dates and deadlines in the course syllabus. There is no official fall break or reading week for graduate students (except for MBA). Students should check with their program and their course instructors as to whether classes will be held during these times. Please see sections 1.3 (Responsibilities of Graduate Students to the university) and 2.5.8 (Vacations) of the Graduate Calendar for more information.
The university welcomes and includes students, staff, and faculty from a wide range of cultural, traditional, and spiritual beliefs. As per the Policy on Academic Accommodation for Religious, Indigenous and Spiritual Observances, the university will arrange reasonable accommodation of the needs of students who observe religious holy days other than those already accommodated by ordinary scheduling and statutory holidays.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Supplementary fees must be paid in full at the beginning of the academic year.
Interest is charged at a monthly rate of 1.2% (compounded to 14.4% annually) on any unpaid balance due, on the second-to-last business day of each month, beginning September and ongoing until paid in full. Subject to change.
Please note: Deadlines for the final summer term of the current academic year, appear in the final column after new sessional dates for the upcoming academic year are finalized and added to this page.
Note: Scholarship monies will be paid within 3 to 5 days of these dates.
All scholarship monies will be paid to you directly via e-transfer, in ONE lump sum per term. You are responsible for paying your tuition and fees. If you have an outstanding balance from a previous term, your e-transfer may be held. Questions about a hold on your account should be directed to studbill@mcmaster.ca.
Looking for more information about writing, defending and submitting? Visit Completing your degree and choose your path.
* Blackout periods apply. Standard PhD defences cannot be scheduled during the following blackout periods:
* Not applicable for students starting their graduate journey in January 2026.
** Not applicable for students starting their graduate journey in May 2026.
This schedule covers open dates and deadlines for awards, scholarships and bursaries that are available for application through AwardSpring.
IMPORTANT: For all external, government and Indigenous awards, please review dates, deadlines and application procedures available with those award descriptions found on our website or through links to the funding agencies.