A recording of our May 2026 Prepping for Grad School webinar is now available in the Orientation Webinar Library.
Information Box Group
Step 1: About your Mac ID Learn more about Mac ID
Your Mac ID is essentially your username for accessing services and systems at McMaster.
Link goes to another website.
Step 2: Register How to enroll
On-time registration opens March 26 and runs until April 9. To avoid late fees, please register before the on-time registration deadline.
Step 3: Your McMaster email address Mac Email
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.
Link goes to another website.
Step 4: Upload your photo for your student card MacCard
All May incoming graduate students will receive a printed MacCard student identification.
To receive your MacCard, you must first upload a passport-style photo and a piece of government-issued ID. If you have not submitted your photo yet, please complete this essential step as soon as possible.
For pickup location or if you have questions, visit MacCard or email maccard@mcmaster.ca.
Link goes to another website.
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.
Link goes to another website.
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 Spring deadline: May 31, 2026.
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.
Orientation events, webinars and past session recordings
Graduate Orientation Calendar of Events Calendar of Events
Join us for sessions to help you navigate your new life in our graduate community.
Orientation webinar library Learn more
A repository of past webinars for graduate students
Quick links for International Grad Students
Getting your Graduate degree in Canada Learn more
Helpful information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
UHIP for international students UHIP
UHIP is a mandatory comprehensive health insurance plan providing health coverage for international students. Visit our UHIP site for all details.
Resources to support the graduate student journey
Campus Maps
Use one of our maps – available in a variety of formats – to navigate your way across campus:
International / New-to-Hamilton area international students travelling to Hamilton
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
McMaster's 10 Bay Residence 10 Bay Residence
McMaster offers a year-round housing option in downtown Hamilton.
For all information about the residence, visit the 10 Bay Residence website. If you have any questions about 10 Bay, contact the Housing team through their live chat available on the residence site.
Link goes to another website.
Off-Campus Housing Off-Campus housing
Check out Mac Off-Campus Housing to learn more about finding a place to live.
Link goes to another website.
Building a strong supervisory relationship The supervisory relationship
Learn more about expectations, communication and building a strong relationship with your supervisor.
Graduate Guide to Research Library support
The McMaster Library has created an online resource to help graduate students throughout their studies.
Link goes to another website.
Digital Research Kickstarter digital research kickstarter
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 shareable online resource accessible via the AskResearch website or directly at the LibGuide.
This link goes to another website.
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.
Link goes to another website.
Students with disabilities Grad disability
McMaster offers many services, supports and resources for students with disabilities.
Working in Canada
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.
Tech tips to get ready for your studies Tech tips
McMaster’s University Technology Services has created a page to help all Mac students learn more about tools, set up, and online security.
This link will take you to another website.
MS Office 365 Hub MS Office 365 for students
All McMaster students have access to Microsoft Office 365 products and Zoom. Using your Mac ID, you will have access to a full suite of Microsoft products, including Outlook and Teams.
Link goes to another website.
International and Exchange Student Experience IESE
Whether joining us from across the globe or from just down the road, the IESE team is here to support your transition during your graduate journey.
This link goes 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
Link goes to another website.
Black Student Success Centre Black Student Success Centre
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.
Link goes to another website.
Indigenous Student Services Learn More
Explore the Indigenous Student Services site to discover support and opportunities available for all Indigenous Students at McMaster.
Link goes to another website.
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.
Link goes to another website.
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
Link goes to another website.
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.
Link goes 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.