Second Chance Entry: Mcgill University's Open Door Policy

McGill University is a competitive institution with a limited number of spaces available for applicants. The university considers applicants on the basis of their university, college, or CEGEP work and may also consider previous studies. For many programs, applicants should present well above-average academic records and the required prerequisites. The availability of transfer credits for online courses or distance education is limited, with most programs allowing a maximum of six transfer credits. Applicants are advised to consult the specific admission requirements for their desired program, as some programs may require additional supporting documents such as proof of French proficiency, CASPer test results, recommendation letters, or a personal statement. It is important to note that applications submitted after the deadline may be cancelled, and late applicants will not be considered for scholarships or limited enrolment programs.

What are the admission requirements for second-chance students?

The admission requirements for McGill University vary depending on the program and the applicant's educational background. Here are the detailed admission requirements for second-chance students:

Transfer Students:

Transfer students are those who have previously attended a university or college and are seeking to continue their studies at McGill. The specific requirements for transfer students include:

• Submission of supporting documents: Transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other relevant documents are required.
• Completion of a minimum number of credits: Transfer students must have completed a minimum of 60 credits at their previous institution to qualify for a McGill undergraduate degree.
• Demonstration of academic performance: McGill University considers applicants' academic records from previous institutions. Well above-average academic records and the completion of relevant prerequisite courses are generally expected.
• Coursework duplication: Applicants will not be eligible for admission if they have already completed a significant number of courses in their intended program, as McGill expects students to undertake new coursework.
• Science and mathematics course requirements: For science-based programs, science and mathematics courses must typically be completed within the last five years to form a basis for admission or to receive credit or exemption.
• English proficiency: Applicants who have not lived and studied in an English-speaking country for at least four years must provide proof of English proficiency through accepted tests.
• Additional program-specific requirements: Certain programs, such as Dietetics, Education, Music, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Religious Studies, and Social Work, may have additional requirements like CASPer test results, language tests, or personal statements.

Second Degree Students:

Second degree students are those who have already obtained a bachelor's degree and wish to pursue another undergraduate degree at McGill. The requirements for second degree applicants include:

• Submission of supporting documents: Transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other relevant documents are required.
• Meeting program prerequisites: Second degree applicants must meet the specific prerequisites for their chosen program, which may include certain coursework, standardized test scores (e.g., ACT or SAT for U.S. applicants), or other requirements.
• English and French proficiency: Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements may need to provide proof of proficiency. Additionally, some programs may require proof of French proficiency.
• Application deadlines: Second degree applicants must adhere to the specified deadlines for their desired program and ensure that all required documents are submitted on time.

Special Students:

Special students are those who have already obtained an undergraduate degree or are in their final year of an undergraduate program. The requirements for special students include:

• A completed undergraduate degree or enrolment in the final year of an undergraduate program with a minimum of 120 credits over eight semesters (or equivalent).
• A plan of study that is acceptable to the chosen faculty, including any stipulated prerequisite coursework.
• Meeting course load requirements: Special students typically have a maximum course load of 15 credits per term for a maximum of two terms, except for Architecture, which has a maximum of six credits per term.
• Submission of supporting documents: Transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other relevant documents may be required, depending on the chosen program.

Visiting Students:

Visiting students are currently enrolled in a degree program at another university and wish to take courses at McGill for a limited time. The requirements for visiting students include:

• Submission of a letter of permission from the home university, approving the proposed program of study at McGill.
• Completion of at least two semesters of study at the home university.
• Meeting the same prerequisite requirements as transfer students.
• Submission of supporting documents: Transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other relevant documents may be required.

What are the deadlines for applications?

Application deadlines for McGill University vary depending on the program and the student's educational background. For instance, the application deadline for most undergraduate programs is January 15, but specific programs may have different deadlines.

For Fall 2025, the application deadline for the Bachelor of Arts in Music program is currently open, with no specified deadline. However, there are various deadlines for supporting documents, such as audition or portfolio recordings, self-reported grades, transcripts, and supporting materials.

Some programs have early deadlines, such as December 1 for the Fall term. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify their program-specific deadline and submit their application on time. Current McGill students must adhere to application deadlines based on their student status (domestic or international).

Additionally, applicants to Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy should be mindful that the last available CASPer test date may be before the McGill application deadline.

It is recommended to start the application process early, especially for international students, as obtaining a study permit in Canada can take several months.

What supporting documents are required?

The supporting documents required for admission to McGill University vary depending on the applicant's educational background and the program they are applying to. Here is a general overview of the supporting documents that may be needed:

• Academic records and transcripts: Applicants must submit their academic records, including high school transcripts, college/university transcripts, and course syllabi for mathematics and science courses. The specific requirements depend on the program and the applicant's educational background.
• Standardized test scores: Some programs may require applicants to submit standardized test scores, such as the ACT or SAT. McGill University has an 'opt-out' policy for ACT/SAT test scores for specific undergraduate programs for Fall 2025 admissions.
• Proof of English proficiency: Applicants who have not lived and attended school in an English-speaking country for at least four years will need to provide proof of English proficiency through accepted tests or other exemptions.
• Additional supporting documents: Depending on the program, applicants may need to provide additional supporting documents such as proof of French proficiency, CASPer test results, recommendation letters, or a personal statement. Certain programs, such as Dietetics, Education, Music, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Religious Studies, and Social Work, typically require these additional documents.
• Application fee: There is a non-refundable application fee of $133.41 CAD for each application submitted. Applicants can submit a second application for a different program or faculty/school without an additional fee, as long as it is for the same term and level of study.

It is important to note that the admission requirements and supporting documents needed can change from year to year, so applicants should refer to the McGill University website for the most up-to-date information.

What are the minimum grades for entry?

Admission requirements for McGill University are determined by your educational background and the program(s) you are applying to. The minimum grades for entry may fluctuate in any given year, depending on the availability of space.

For U.S. high school applicants, grades 10, 11, and 12 academic results will be considered, including prerequisites for the program to which you applied. All results are taken into consideration, including those for failed or repeated courses.

• Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: 3.0 average (unweighted) in each of grades 11 and 12, with a B in each prerequisite math and science course.
• Bioresource Engineering: 3.9 average (unweighted) in each of grades 10, 11, and 12, with an A- in each prerequisite math and science course.
• Food Science: 3.9 average (unweighted) in each of grades 10, 11, and 12, with an A- in each prerequisite math and science course.
• Bachelor of Arts and Science: 3.7 average (unweighted) in each of grades 11 and 12, with an A- in each English and each prerequisite math and science course.
• Chemical Engineering: 3.8 average (unweighted) in each of grades 11 and 12, with an A- in each prerequisite math and science course.
• Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, and Materials Engineering: 3.3 average (unweighted) in each of grades 11 and 12, with a B+ in each prerequisite math and science course.
• Bachelor of Theology: Biological, Biomedical, and Life Sciences Group: 3.7 average (unweighted) in each of grades 11 and 12, with an A- in each prerequisite math and science course.
• Physical, Earth, Math, and Computer Sciences Group: 3.7 average (unweighted) in each of grades 11 and 12, with an A- in each prerequisite math and science course.

In addition to academic results, U.S. high school applicants must have taken either the ACT or the SAT (unless applying to Music).

For applicants from other educational backgrounds, please consult the McGill University website for specific admission requirements and minimum grades.

How can I reapply if my first application is unsuccessful?

If your first application to McGill University is unsuccessful, you can reapply by creating a new application.

Before Reapplying

Before you reapply, it is important to review the reasons why your previous application was rejected. McGill University's admissions process is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Consider reaching out to the admissions office or the relevant department to gain a better understanding of why your application was unsuccessful. This will help you identify areas for improvement and increase your chances of success in your next application.

Steps to Reapply

• Create an Account: If you have never applied to McGill University before, you will need to create an account on the McGill Applicant Portal. Go to future.mcgill.ca/apply, click 'Create an account', and enter your email, name, and birth date. A temporary PIN will be sent to your email, which you will use to activate your account.
• Start a New Application: Log in to your McGill Applicant Portal, click 'Start New Application', and select the appropriate application term and level (e.g., Fall 2025 Undergraduate Admissions).
• Select Your Language: Choose the language in which the application form will be displayed. This will also determine the language in the Applicant Portal. You can change your language selection at any time during the application process and in your Applicant Portal after submitting your application.
• Select Your Application Type: Choose the type of application based on the faculty or school you wish to apply to. This section is optional, and you can use it to explore programs and save a list of programs that interest you.
• Complete the Application Sections: Provide your personal information, such as your name, address, email, and educational history. You can save your application as a draft and come back to it at any time before submitting it or until the application deadline.
• Submit Your Application: Once you have completed all the required sections, click 'Submit' and enter your payment information. The application fee is payable by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) and is non-refundable.
• Upload Supporting Documents: After submitting your application and paying the fee, you will be able to access your Applicant checklist via the McGill Applicant Portal. Upload all the required supporting documents, except for official transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation, if applicable.

Additional Considerations

• Application Fee: McGill University allows applicants to submit a second application to a different program or faculty/school without an additional fee as long as it is for the same term and level of study. Any subsequent applications will incur an additional fee.
• Deadlines: Ensure that you submit your application and all supporting documents by the specified deadlines. Applications submitted after the deadline may be cancelled and will not be considered for scholarships or limited enrolment programs.
• Changes to Application: Once you have submitted your application, you cannot make changes online. If you need to correct any mistakes or make updates to your personal information, you must submit a request through the appropriate channels, such as the ''Get Help' button in your Applicant Portal or by contacting Service Point.

By following these steps and meeting the necessary requirements, you can increase your chances of a successful application to McGill University.

Frequently asked questions