Online Application
The School of Graduate Studies at McMaster University uses an online application system (SynApps).
Click here to start your application »
To submit an online application, you must first create an account using your email address as your username. It normally takes 30-45 minutes to complete an online application. For security reasons, you will be logged out of the online application if you take more than 45 minutes on any one page.
Enquiries about graduate work should be made directly to the department of interest. Note: Students interested in the M.B.A. program can obtain information from the School of Business.
Please check departmental websites for application deadlines. Also, most University scholarships and awards are adjudicated in late March or early April, so students applying later than March cannot be considered for these awards.
Applications from outside Canada should be completed at least five months before the desired date of entry in order to allow for any delays and for obtaining the necessary visa.
Required Documents
The following items are required before your online application will be considered complete. These documents should be sent to the department chair concerned.
- One official transcript of academic work completed to date, sent directly from the issuing institution. If the final transcript does not show that a completed degree has been conferred, an official copy of your diploma is also required.
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from instructors most familiar with your academic work. Please note that McMaster University uses the 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 here »
- If English is not your native language, an official copy of your TOEFL score, or other evidence of competency in English. A minimum TOEFL (iBT) score of 80 (550 on the paper-based TOEFL test or 213 on the computer-based TOEFL test) is needed for the Faculty of Engineering, and a minimum of 92 (580 or 237) for all other Faculties. Some departments may require higher scores.
- Statement of interest in pursuing graduate studies.
Application Fee
Applications must be accompanied by the required $100 application fee. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid in Canadian dollars by means of a credit card payment or a cheque (or world money order) drawn on a Canadian bank made payable to McMaster University. Cheques (or world money order) drawn on Canadian banks should also include a $15 processing fee, for a total of $115.
If you pay the application fee by cheque or world money order, please send the cheque (or world money order) to the following address:
School of Graduate Studies
McMaster University
Gilmour Hall, Room 212
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario Canada L8S 4L8
Your application will not be considered for admission until your application fee has been received.
Additional Information
Applicants are urged to declare any disabilities, as well as to provide details concerning accommodations provided by their previous educational institutions, at the time of application. Such declaration is encouraged particularly in cases where it is felt that the disability may have affected past academic performance, and/or where accommodation may be required in order for the student to be successful in his/her graduate program.
The School of Graduate Studies' policy with regard to students with disabilities can be found in Section 6.5 of the School of Graduate Studies Calendar. The full policy and further information may be obtained from the School of Graduate Studies or the Centre for Student Development (x24711).
