Quick Summary
McMaster University is a public research university founded in 1887, located in Hamilton, Canada. Ranked #176 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 37370 students including 17.2% from outside Canada. Known for strengths in Life Sciences and Medicine, Nursing, Anatomy & Physiology, it maintains an acceptance rate of 58%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
McMaster is world-renowned for its innovative medical training and problem-based learning (PBL) model. It is one of Canada's most research-intensive universities, consistently ranked in the global top 100-150.
Subject Strengths
Life Sciences and MedicineNursingAnatomy & PhysiologyMaterials ScienceCivil EngineeringSocial Policy and Administration
Founded1887
TypePublic Research University
Total Students37370
Intl Students17.2%
Faculty Ratio20.5
CampusSuburban
Campus Size300 acres
Affiliated HospitalsHamilton Health Sciences (McMaster University Medical Centre, Juravinski Hospital, Hamilton General Hospital), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
AccreditationUniversities Canada, IAU, AACSB (Business), CEAB (Engineering), CASN (Nursing)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#176
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#103
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101-150
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
150
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
David Braley Health Sciences Centre, Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research, Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster Nuclear Reactor
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Universities Canada, IAU, AACSB (Business), CEAB (Engineering), CASN (Nursing)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate58%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL86
Min GPA3.0/4.0 (80% or program-specific requirements)
GRERequired for specific graduate programs (e.g., Economics, Psychology)
GMATRequired for MBA (minimum 600 typically)
SATOptional (Recommended for US applicants: 1200+)
ACTOptional (Recommended for US applicants: 27+)
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline Β· January 15 (OUAC general), February 1 (Supplemental applications)
SPRINGApplication Deadline Β· October 1 (Varies by program)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program is extremely competitive; focus heavily on the supplemental application. Engineering applicants should prepare for a mandatory video interview.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Canadian Dollar
UG Tuition
C$48,000/yr
per year Β· CAD
Living Cost
C$20,000/yr
per year Β· CAD
PG Tuition
C$38,000/yr
per year Β· CAD
Application Fee
$115
one time Β· USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
C$68,156/yr
tuition + living + essentials Β· CAD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 150 programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Health Sciences (BHSc) | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Nursing | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Commerce (DeGroote School of Business) | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Integrated Science (iSci) | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$58,000
Average Salary After Graduation
90%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh placement through Engineering Co-op and DeGroote Commerce internships
Industry Connections
Strong links with ArcelorMittal DofascoIBMMicrosoftand Hamilton Health Sciences
Notable Alumni
Donna Strickland (Nobel Laureate), Roberta Bondar (Astronaut), Myron Scholes (Nobel Laureate), Eugene Levy (Actor/Honorary), Tihomir OreΕ‘koviΔ
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
David Braley Athletic Centre, Ron Joyce Stadium, Olympic-sized swimming pool
Student Clubs
300
Library Resources
Mills Memorial Library, Innis Library, Health Sciences Library, H.G. Thode Library of Science and Engineering
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available