McMaster University’s graduate programs include a wide-range of specialties in more than 100 Master’s and PhD level programs.

Application deadlines vary between programs. Students must complete their applications by the deadlines noted in order to be considered admissible.

Find more information about the graduate programs McMaster University offers.

Master’s Degree/Diploma/Post-Degree

• Honours Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
• B+ (B- for Engineering) minimum average, based on a full year equivalent of final year courses (3rd/4th level) relevant to the program
• Each program may set additional/higher requirements. Please review the program website for details.
• Degrees and grades from foreign universities are evaluated for their equivalency to McMaster’s. Please contact the program for specific details.
• Departments or programs may establish additional requirements, such as scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Admission is competitive: meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission
• The admission decision is not subject to appeal
• Applicants who do not meet the above mentioned requirements, should consult the Graduate Calendar to determine the requirements for exceptional cases

Doctoral (PhD) Degree

• Master’s Degree
• B+ minimum average, based on previous graduate work
• Each program may set additional/higher requirements. Please review the program website for details.
• Admission to a graduate program is based on a judgement by the University that the applicant can successfully complete the graduate degree program
• Degrees and grades from foreign universities are evaluated for their equivalency to McMaster’s. Please contact the program for specific details.
• Departments or programs may establish additional requirements, such as scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Admission is competitive: meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission
• The admission decision is not subject to appeal
• Applicants who do not meet the above mentioned requirements, should consult the Graduate Calendar to determine the requirements for exceptional cases

Applicants are required to submit evidence of their proficiency in the English language as part of their application. The most common evidence is a score on one of the following exams:

• TOEFL: minimum score of 92 (internet based), 237 (computer based) or 580 (paper based), minimum of 20 per band; for the Faculty of Engineering a minimum score of 88 (internet based) or 213 on the (computer based) or 550 (paper based)
• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each section
• CAEL: minimum overall score of 70, with at least 60 per band
• MELAB: minimum score of 85
• PTE Academic: minimum score of 63; for the Faculty of Engineering a minimum score of 70
• York University course: YUELI Level 6 with a minimum final grade of B
• University of Toronto course: Academic Level 60 with a minimum final grade of B

Each program may set additional/higher requirements. Please review the program website for details.

The following items are required before your online application will be considered complete. Send all documentation to the program office. Review the program website for mailing information.

Official Transcripts

• All post-secondary academic work completed to date.
• Transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the program office.
• If the final transcript does not show that all degree requirements have been met or the degree is conferred, an official copy of your diploma is also required.

Two academic references

• From instructors most familiar with your academic work.
• McMaster University uses an Electronic Referencing System. By entering the email address of your referee through the online application, the system will automatically send an e-Reference request on your behalf.
• If for some reason you are unable to use the Electronic Referencing System, you can download the Reference form.
• Some McMaster programs may have different reference requirements. Please review the program website for details.

English language proficiency

• Review Language Requirements for acceptable tests.
• Applicants who have completed a university degree where the primary language of instruction is English may have this requirement waived. Please contact the program of interest for more information.

Statement of Interest

• Please review program website for specific details and requirements.

Additional documents

• Programs may require additional documents as part of the application. Please review program website for details.