McGill University
Montreal, Quebec · 28,167 undergraduates
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Is it hard to get into McGill?
What McGill asks of an applicant from a high school in Ontario. Its own province's students apply with their own courses and, often, a different tuition rate.
Programs listed
52
48 publish an average or minimum
Lowest published average
Mid to high 70s
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the school's own figure
Highest published average
Low to high 90s
Architecture, the school's own figure
Back for second year
Not published
Share of first-year students who return
| Field | School says | First-year tuition | Graduates working | Co-op |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer science | Low 90s (Top 6); high 80s to low 90s (math and science) | $12,986 | Not published | No |
| Engineering | High 80s to high 90s (Top 6), depending on program | $15,749 | Not published | Yes |
| Business and commerce | Mid 90s (Top 6) | $16,427 | Not published | Unknown |
| Nursing | Low 80s (Top 6) | $12,986 | Not published | No |
| Health sciences and kinesiology | Mid 80s to mid 90s (Top 6) | $12,986 | Not published | Unknown |
| Life sciences | Low to mid 90s (Top 6) | $12,986 | Not published | Unknown |
| Math and physical sciences | Low 90s (Top 6) | $12,986 | Not published | Unknown |
| Social sciences | High 80s to low 90s (Top 6) | $12,986 | Not published | Unknown |
| Arts and humanities | High 80s to low 90s (Top 6) | $12,986 | Not published | Unknown |
| Education (teaching) | Low to mid 80s (Top 6) | $12,986 | Not published | No |
| Fine and performing arts | Minimum 75% (performance) or 80% (music research) Grade 11 and 12 average, plus audition | $12,986 | Not published | No |
Graduates working: two years after graduating.
What are the easiest programs to get into at McGill?
The programs with the lowest bar in the school's own figures: its published minimum or range. A low bar is not an easy program; competitive programs can take students well above it.
Lowest bar
- 1Agricultural and Environmental SciencesThe school says mid to high 70s (top 6); mid to high 70s (math and science courses)
- 2Bioresource EngineeringThe school says mid to high 70s (top 6); mid to high 70s (math and science courses)
- 3Food ScienceThe school says mid to high 70s (top 6); mid to high 70s (math and science courses)
- 4Food Science and Nutritional Science (concurrent)The school says mid to high 70s (top 6); mid to high 70s (math and science courses)
- 5CompositionThe school says minimum 75% (performance programs) or 80% (music research programs) Grade 11 and 12 average, plus audition
- 6Early Music (Instruments)The school says minimum 75% Grade 11 and 12 average (performance program), plus audition
- 7Early Music (Voice)The school says minimum 75% Grade 11 and 12 average (performance program), plus audition
- 8Faculty ProgramThe school says minimum 75% (performance programs) or 80% (music research programs) Grade 11 and 12 average, plus audition
Highest bar
- 1ArchitectureThe school says low to high 90s (top 6); low to high 90s (math and science courses)
- 2BioengineeringThe school says mid to high 90s (top 6); mid 90s (math and science courses)
- 3Electrical EngineeringThe school says mid to high 90s (top 6); mid 90s (math and science courses)
- 4Mechanical EngineeringThe school says mid to high 90s (top 6); mid 90s (math and science courses)
- 5Bio-Physical-Computational Sciences GroupThe school says low to mid 90s (top 6); low to mid 90s (math and science courses)
- 6Biological, Biomedical and Life Sciences GroupThe school says low to mid 90s (top 6); low 90s (math and science courses)
- 7Chemical EngineeringThe school says low to mid 90s (top 6); low 90s (math and science courses)
- 8Civil EngineeringThe school says low to mid 90s (top 6); low 90s (math and science courses)
What average do you need for each McGill program?
52 first-year programs you can apply to straight from Grade 12, grouped by field. Open one for its required courses, extra steps, cost and the same program elsewhere.
Computer scienceevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineering (Co-op)Montreal | Low to mid 90s (top 6); low to mid 90s (math and science courses) | Yes, required, 4 work terms | $15,749 |
Engineeringevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioengineeringMontreal | Mid to high 90s (top 6); mid 90s (math and science courses) | Yes, optional | $15,749 |
| Bioresource EngineeringSainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Macdonald campus) | Mid to high 70s (top 6); mid to high 70s (math and science courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Chemical EngineeringMontreal | Low to mid 90s (top 6); low 90s (math and science courses) | Yes, optional | $15,749 |
| Civil EngineeringMontreal | Low to mid 90s (top 6); low 90s (math and science courses) | Yes, optional | $15,749 |
| Computer EngineeringMontreal | Low to mid 90s (top 6); low 90s (math and science courses) | Yes, optional | $15,749 |
| Electrical EngineeringMontreal | Mid to high 90s (top 6); mid 90s (math and science courses) | Yes, optional | $15,749 |
| Global EngineeringParis-Saclay, France (years 1 and 2), then Montreal (years 3 and 4) | No average published | School doesn't say | Not published |
| Materials Engineering (Co-op)Montreal | High 80s to low 90s (top 6); high 80s to low 90s (math and science courses) | Yes, required, 3 work terms | $15,749 |
| Mechanical EngineeringMontreal | Mid to high 90s (top 6); mid 90s (math and science courses) | Yes, optional | $15,749 |
| Mining Engineering (Co-op)Montreal | Low to mid 90s (top 6); high 80s to mid 90s (math and science courses) | Yes, required, 3 work terms | $15,749 |
Business and commerceevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| ManagementMontreal | Mid 90s (top 6); low to mid 90s (math course); high 80s to low 90s (English or French course in the top 6) | School doesn't say | $16,427 |
Nursingevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| NursingMontreal | Low 80s (top 6); low 80s (math and science courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
Health sciences and kinesiologyevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| KinesiologyMontreal | Mid 80s to mid 90s (top 6); mid 80s to low 90s (math and science courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Nutrition (Human Nutrition)Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Macdonald campus) | High 70s to low 80s (top 6); high 70s to low 80s (math and science courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Population and Global HealthMontreal | Not printed | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
Life sciencesevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural and Environmental SciencesSainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Macdonald campus) | Mid to high 70s (top 6); mid to high 70s (math and science courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Bio-Physical-Computational Sciences GroupMontreal | Low to mid 90s (top 6); low to mid 90s (math and science courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Biological, Biomedical and Life Sciences GroupMontreal | Low to mid 90s (top 6); low 90s (math and science courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Food ScienceSainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Macdonald campus) | Mid to high 70s (top 6); mid to high 70s (math and science courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Food Science and Nutritional Science (concurrent)Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Macdonald campus) | Mid to high 70s (top 6); mid to high 70s (math and science courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
Math and physical sciencesevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earth, Geographic, and Climate Sciences GroupMontreal | No average published | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Physical, Earth, Math and Computer Sciences GroupMontreal | Low 90s (top 6); high 80s to low 90s (math and science courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
Arts and humanitiesevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| TheologyMontreal | Not printed | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
Education (teaching)every university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education in Global ContextsMontreal | Low 80s (top 6); low 80s (English or French courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Kindergarten and Elementary EducationMontreal | Low to mid 80s (top 6); low 80s (English or French courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Kindergarten and Elementary Education: Pédagogie de l'immersion françaiseMontreal | Low to mid 80s (top 6); low 80s (English or French courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Physical and Health EducationMontreal | Low 80s (top 6); low 80s (English or French courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Secondary Education: EnglishMontreal | Low to mid 80s (top 6); low 80s (English or French courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Secondary Education: MathematicsMontreal | Low to mid 80s (top 6); low 80s (English or French courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Secondary Education: Science and TechnologyMontreal | Low to mid 80s (top 6); low 80s (English or French courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Secondary Education: Social SciencesMontreal | Low to mid 80s (top 6); low 80s (English or French courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)Montreal | Low 80s (top 6); low 80s (English or French courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL): Greek Language and CultureMontreal | Low 80s (top 6); low 80s (English or French courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
Fine and performing artsevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompositionMontreal | Minimum 75% (performance programs) or 80% (music research programs) Grade 11 and 12 average, plus audition | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Early Music (Instruments)Montreal | Minimum 75% Grade 11 and 12 average (performance program), plus audition | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Early Music (Voice)Montreal | Minimum 75% Grade 11 and 12 average (performance program), plus audition | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Faculty ProgramMontreal | Minimum 75% (performance programs) or 80% (music research programs) Grade 11 and 12 average, plus audition | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Faculty Program (Jazz Concentration)Montreal | Minimum 75% (performance programs) or 80% (music research programs) Grade 11 and 12 average, plus audition | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Jazz (instruments and voice)Montreal | Minimum 75% Grade 11 and 12 average (performance program), plus audition | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Licentiate in Music (L.Mus.)Montreal | Minimum 75% Grade 11 and 12 average (performance program), plus audition | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Music History/MusicologyMontreal | Minimum 80% Grade 11 and 12 average (music research program), plus audition | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Music StudiesMontreal | Minimum 75% (performance programs) or 80% (music research programs) Grade 11 and 12 average, plus audition | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Music TheoryMontreal | Minimum 80% Grade 11 and 12 average (music research program), plus audition | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Orchestral Instruments (Brass, Percussion, Strings, Woodwinds)Montreal | Minimum 75% Grade 11 and 12 average (performance program), plus audition | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| Organ / GuitarMontreal | Minimum 75% Grade 11 and 12 average (performance program), plus audition | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| PianoMontreal | Minimum 75% Grade 11 and 12 average (performance program), plus audition | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
| VoiceMontreal | Minimum 75% Grade 11 and 12 average (performance program), plus audition | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
Architecture and designevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| ArchitectureMontreal | Low to high 90s (top 6); low to high 90s (math and science courses) | Yes, optional | $12,986 |
General arts and science (major chosen later)every university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arts and ScienceMontreal | High 80s to low 90s (top 6); high 80s to low 90s (math and science courses); mid to high 80s (English or French courses) | School doesn't say | $12,986 |
How much does McGill cost?
First year, at this year's prices, for a student from Ontario. Each program's page adds up its own total.
Tuition, first year
$12,986 to $16,427
Depends on the program
Fees on top of tuition
$2,177 to $3,083
Compulsory student fees
Residence and meals
$17,346
First year, shared room, usual meal plan
Rent after first year
$673 a month
Half a two-bedroom in Montréal, CMHC Rental Market Survey, October 2025
Tuition over the years
First-year arts tuition for a student from the school's own province, as the school published it each year.
What is it like at McGill?
The same whatever program you pick.
- Who gets a room
- All newly admitted first-year undergraduates aged 22 or under on 1 September who accept McGill's offer and apply to residence by the deadline; out-of-province students included (no province condition)
- Money just for your marks
- No automatic entrance scholarships published
- First-years who rate it good or excellent
- 81% (National Survey of Student Engagement)
- Finish their degree
- 87%, started in 2018, within 6 years
- Ways in without the usual marks
- Mature student admission. For people with no conventional basis for admission (no high school or CEGEP (a Quebec public college) diploma, or not meeting the minimums with no studies in the last five years). Applicants must show academic potential by completing specific CEGEP or university courses within the three years before admission, which also cover the program's prerequisites. Who: Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 23 or older by the start of classes (21 for Music; the Desautels Faculty of Management is not admitting mature applicants), with no high school, college or university studies in the last five years that would form a basis for admission.
- Indigenous Admissions Protocol. First Nations, Inuit and Metis applicants can ask to be reviewed under a protocol for applications 'not evaluated through the University's standard practices', based mainly on a personal statement (up to two pages) and one or two reference letters, with an optional resume. Who: Applicants who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Metis (also American Indian, Alaskan Native or Hawaiian Native communities); self-identifying is optional.
What do McGill graduates earn?
Statistics Canada does not publish pay by university, only by field for each province's graduates. Figures are for Quebec bachelor's graduates, the class of 2022 two years after and the class of 2019 five years after, in 2024 dollars.
| Field | Two years after (class of 2022) | Five years after (class of 2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer science | $81,000 | $95,300 |
| Engineering | $79,200 | $92,300 |
| Business and commerce | $66,400 | $80,800 |
| Nursing | $76,000 | $82,000 |
| Health sciences and kinesiology | $51,800 | $61,300 |
| Life sciences | $48,000 | $64,300 |
| Math and physical sciences | $67,700 | $84,300 |
| Social sciences | $55,900 | $69,500 |
| Arts and humanities | $45,200 | $56,100 |
| Education (teaching) | $63,500 | $68,200 |
| Fine and performing arts | $39,200 | $47,700 |
What careers do McGill programs lead to?
Two careers per field the school teaches, each with its pay, training and what the work is like.
- Software DeveloperBuild apps, websites and systems. No licence required, many roads in.$100kTypical pay1 to 4 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Data ScientistTurn piles of data into predictions and decisions. Math, code and a lot of cleaning up.$96kTypical pay4 to 7 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Civil EngineerRoads, bridges, water and buildings. A four-year degree, then a licence that lets you sign the drawings.$101kTypical pay4 to 8 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Mechanical EngineerMachines, engines, heating systems and factories. The biggest engineering discipline, with the widest choice of employers.$95kTypical pay4 to 8 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Accountant (CPA)The money behind every business. A degree, a national exam, and a designation that travels.$84kTypical pay6 to 7 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Financial AnalystRead the numbers behind a company or a deal and tell people what they mean. A degree, then years of exams.$90kTypical pay4 to 7 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Registered NurseCare for patients in hospitals, clinics and homes. In demand everywhere in Canada.$90kTypical pay4 yearsTo qualifyVery highDemand
- Nurse PractitionerA nurse with a master's degree who can diagnose, order tests and prescribe. Two degrees, six figures, huge demand.$128kTypical pay8 to 9 yearsTo qualifyVery highDemand
- PhysiotherapistGet people moving again after injury, surgery and illness. A tough master's to get into, then steady work everywhere.$96kTypical pay6 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
Compare McGill with other universities
Side by side: programs, averages, costs and outcomes.
Where these numbers come from
Checked 2026-10-18. Every figure is from the school's own pages or a government table; nothing is estimated.
- Residence: mcgill.ca (opens in a new tab) (mcgill.ca (opens in a new tab))
- Who gets a room: mcgill.ca (opens in a new tab) (mcgill.ca (opens in a new tab) ; mcgill.ca (opens in a new tab))
- Scholarships: mcgill.ca (opens in a new tab) (mcgill.ca (opens in a new tab))
- Fees: mcgill.ca (opens in a new tab) (mcgill.ca (opens in a new tab) ; mcgill.ca (opens in a new tab))
- Satisfaction: mcgill.ca (opens in a new tab) (mcgill.ca (opens in a new tab))
- Rent: www150.statcan.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Pay by field: www150.statcan.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: mcgill.ca (opens in a new tab)
How every figure in this part of the site is sourced, and the check of every link.
Careerhelp is not affiliated with any school. Check the program page before you apply; requirements change every year.
Social sciencesevery university, ranked