International Students: Applying To Mcgill University

McGill University is a diverse and inclusive institution that welcomes students from all over the world. As an international student, you can apply to McGill University by completing the necessary steps, including submitting the required documents, meeting the academic requirements, and demonstrating English proficiency. The application process involves an online application, a personal information form, and a study permit application for Canada. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and admission requirements vary depending on your educational background and chosen program. The cost of attending McGill is highly competitive, and the university provides various funding opportunities for international students.

Application process and requirements

The application process and requirements for international students at McGill University depend on whether you are applying for an undergraduate or graduate program.

Undergraduate Admissions

The normal basis for admission is the completion of the credentials that lead to university admission in your country of study. McGill University accepts Advanced Placement (AP) exam results and International Baccalaureate (IB) results. You will need to submit official score reports and fill out a personal information form. The admission review process may take into account your complete academic record, including marks for failed or repeated courses, as well as any other required supporting documents. Admission requirements are determined by your educational background and the program(s) you are applying to. You can use the program finder tool to explore over 300 undergraduate programs and find your best match.

Graduate Admissions

All applicants, regardless of country of origin or educational background, must meet the minimum academic requirements. These include a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent as recognized by McGill University) in a subject closely related to the one selected for graduate studies. The Master's program at McGill requires the completion of a four-year undergraduate degree in a related area at a recognized institution. Admission to a doctoral (PhD) program typically requires the completion of a Master's degree in a related area, although outstanding applicants with an undergraduate degree and extensive research experience may be admitted without a Master's. The minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA) is 3.0 out of 4.0, or a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies.

General Application Process

You can apply online starting October 1st. The application fee is $133.41 CAD (non-refundable). If you are applying to more than one program, you can submit a second application at no extra cost, as long as both applications are for the same term and level of study. Each additional application thereafter will incur a fee of $133.41 CAD. All applications must be submitted before the application deadline. A key tip for international students is to start the application process early, as applying for a study permit in Canada can take several months.

Funding and scholarships

McGill University offers various funding opportunities and scholarships to support international students in their academic pursuits. The university recognises the challenges faced by international students studying abroad and is committed to providing financial assistance to qualified students from all geographic regions.

Undergraduate Scholarships

For undergraduate students, McGill offers two types of scholarships: Entrance Scholarships and In-Course Financial Aid. First-time university students entering a full-time undergraduate degree program are automatically considered for a one-year entrance scholarship if they meet the minimum academic requirements. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, and no separate application is required. However, students must still submit their application for admission by the deadline of October 1st.

Additionally, McGill offers a Merit-based Entrance Scholarship Program and a Need-based Entrance Bursary Program for all newly accepted, first-year, first-degree undergraduate students. The Merit-based Entrance Scholarship is for high school students with strong academic performance, while the Need-based Entrance Bursary Program is designed for students from low to modest-income families. To be eligible for McGill University scholarships, applicants must demonstrate financial need and enrol in a full-time degree program.

Graduate Scholarships

For graduate programs, scholarships and financial aid are typically offered by the respective academic departments. Students should inquire directly with their department to explore funding opportunities. Scholarships and Student Aid at McGill can provide supplemental support to meet modest deficits for graduate students who demonstrate financial need. Additionally, students pursuing full-time master's and doctoral studies with dependent care may be eligible for the PGSS Need-based Bursary Program.

External Scholarships

In addition to scholarships offered by McGill University and its academic departments, there are various scholarships available from external funding agencies, charitable trusts, and individual donors. For example, the McCall MacBain Scholarship is a full graduate scholarship that covers tuition and fees for eligible full-time master's or professional programs. The scholarship provides mentorship, interdisciplinary learning, and a global community for its scholars.

Work Study Program and Fee Deferrals

McGill University also offers a Work Study Program that provides on-campus job opportunities for students seeking to supplement their income. Additionally, international students experiencing delays in funding transfers can initiate a fee deferral by submitting a Fee Deferral application through Minerva. This allows students to postpone tuition payments without incurring interest or penalties.

Student life and community

Student life at McGill University is what you make of it. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, services, and events to keep students engaged throughout the year. Whether you prefer to stay active in student life or enjoy a low-key campus experience, there is something for everyone.

The university has over 300 undergraduate programs, and students come from diverse backgrounds, representing over 150 countries. This diversity fosters a supportive community where students can explore new directions and discover their passions. McGill students can take advantage of the many clubs on campus, ranging from journalism to dragon boating, dance, K-pop, trivia, and even Quidditch! The fitness and recreation centres are also available for students who want to stay active, and the nearby Mount Royal mountain offers a refreshing outdoor experience.

Montreal, where McGill University is located, is known for being one of the most affordable places to live in Canada. Students can choose to live in residences, share apartments with roommates, or find their own cosy studios. The city is also considered one of the best student cities globally, with English and French as its primary languages. You will hear many other languages on campus, reflecting the diverse student population.

As an international student, you can access various funding sources for your first undergraduate degree, and the International Student Services can provide assistance with study permits, immigration, and health insurance. The university also offers opportunities to learn French, and an English proficiency test may be required if English is not an official language in your country.

McGill University provides a vibrant and supportive environment for international students to thrive academically and socially. With a diverse student body, affordable living costs, and a range of extracurricular activities, students can look forward to a well-rounded and engaging student life during their time at McGill.

English language proficiency

As an international student, you may need to demonstrate English language proficiency as part of your application to McGill University. This is because the language of instruction at McGill is English.

If you meet any of the following criteria, you are exempt from submitting proof of English proficiency:

• Your mother tongue (language first learned and still used daily) is English.
• You have obtained (or will obtain) an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognised foreign institution where English is the language of instruction.
• You have obtained (or will obtain) an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognised institution in Canada or the United States of America (anglophone or francophone).
• You have lived and attended high school and/or university for at least four consecutive years in a country where English is the acknowledged primary language.

If you do not meet any of the above criteria, you must demonstrate your proficiency in English through one of the accepted English language tests. McGill University accepts the following tests as proof of English proficiency:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): McGill University accepts the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition with a minimum score of 125.
• Duolingo English Test: a score of 125 or better is required.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): a band score of 6.5 or better, with individual component scores of 6.0 or better, is required.
• PTE Academic: an overall score of 65 or better, with individual component scores of 60 or better, is required.

It is important to note that McGill University only accepts scores submitted electronically by the official testing institutions. Paper TRFs (Test Report Forms) are not accepted from test centres or candidates. The results must be sent directly to the university from the examining institution.

Application fees and deadlines

As an international student, you must meet the minimum academic requirements for admission to McGill University. These include a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent as recognized by McGill University) in a subject closely related to the one selected for graduate studies. The Master's program at McGill requires a four-year undergraduate degree in a related area, while a doctoral (PhD) program generally requires the completion of a Master's degree in a related field. However, outstanding applicants with only an undergraduate degree and extensive research experience may be admitted to a PhD program.

The primary language of instruction at McGill is English, so proficiency in English is required. If English is not an official language in your country, you may need to complete an English proficiency test.

The application fee for undergraduate admissions is $133.41 CAD (non-refundable). The deadline to apply is October 1st. You can submit your application online. If you are applying to more than one program, faculty, or school, you can submit a second application at no extra cost, as long as it is for the same term and level of study. Each additional application thereafter will incur a fee of $133.41 CAD.

The application deadlines for graduate programs vary, so be sure to contact your Graduate Program Coordinator for more information.

Frequently asked questions