McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario · 31,547 undergraduates
Counsellors: add notes to this page for a student
Is it hard to get into McMaster?
How McMaster's first-year students came in (official figures, fall 2022), then what the school publishes for each program.
Entering average
92.6%
First-year students from Ontario high schools, fall 2022; 77% came in at 90 or above. Official figure, Common University Data Ontario
Lowest published average
Low 80s
Automation Systems Engineering Technology I Co-op, the school's own figure
Highest published average
Mid 90s
Life Sciences Gateway, the school's own figure
Back for second year
91.5%
started in 2021
| Field | Entering average | School says | First-year tuition | Graduates working | Co-op |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer science | 97% | Low 90s minimum | $9,108 | 100% | Yes |
| Engineering | 93.4% | High 80s minimum | $10,091 | 93.3% | Yes |
| Business and commerce | 91.3% | Not published | $9,355 | 95.3% | Yes |
| Nursing | Not reported | 85% minimum | $6,043 | 98.9% | No |
| Health sciences and kinesiology | 95.6% | 90% minimum | $6,043 | 96.6% | Yes |
| Life sciences | 94.8% | Not published | $6,043 | 94.2% | Yes |
| Math and physical sciences | 91.1% | Not published | $6,043 | 88.1% | Yes |
| Social sciences | 89% | Not published | $6,043 | 91.2% | Unknown |
| Arts and humanities | 89.4% | Not published | $6,043 | 91% | No |
| Fine and performing arts | 89.6% | Not published | $6,043 | 100% | No |
Entering average: the official fall 2022 figure (Common University Data Ontario) for the program group that holds the field, shown by group below. Graduates working: graduates of 2021.
What averages did McMaster's first-year students come in with?
Every new full-time first-year student at McMaster who came straight from an Ontario high school in fall 2022, by program group: the share in each average band and the group's overall average. This is who enrolled, not a cut-off, and a group holds several programs.
| Program group | Average | 95 and up | 90 to 94 | 85 to 89 | 80 to 84 | 75 to 79 | 70 to 74 | Below 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and information science | 97% | 94% | 7% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Health professions | 95.6% | 69% | 29% | 3% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Biological and biomedical sciences | 94.8% | 57% | 40% | 3% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Engineering | 93.4% | 52% | 30% | 13% | 5% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Physical science | 93% | 33% | 53% | 12% | 2% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| General science | 91.6% | 18% | 61% | 18% | 2% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Commerce, management and business | 91.3% | 16% | 55% | 29% | 1% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Mathematics and statistics | 91.1% | 19% | 47% | 30% | 4% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Fine and applied arts | 89.6% | 38% | 19% | 19% | 5% | 19% | 0% | 0% |
| Liberal arts, general studies and humanities | 89.4% | 31% | 23% | 18% | 18% | 10% | 0% | 0% |
| Social sciences | 89% | 12% | 33% | 38% | 16% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
| All of McMaster | 92.6% | 41% | 36% | 17% | 5% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
Source: Council of Ontario Universities, Common University Data Ontario (CUDO) section B3, fall 2022 entering class, read 2026-10-25. The council's CUDO report tool (opens in a new tab). Shares are rounded; the table gives them to one decimal. A blank in the source means no students in that band, shown here as 0%.
What are the easiest programs to get into at McMaster?
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
- 1Automation Systems Engineering Technology I Co-opThe school says minimum average range in the low 80s for consideration
- 2Automotive and Vehicle Engineering Technology I Co-opThe school says minimum average range in the low 80s for consideration
- 3Biotechnology I Co-opThe school says minimum average range in the low 80s for consideration
- 4Business IThe school says anticipated admission range: mid to high 80s
- 5Chemical and Physical Sciences GatewayThe school says mid 80s
- 6Environmental and Earth Sciences GatewayThe school says mid 80s
- 7Leadership and Civic Studies IThe school says mid-80s or higher
- 8Mathematics and Statistics GatewayThe school says mid 80s
Highest bar
- 1Honours Medical Radiation Sciences (Level I)The school says mid 90s
- 2Life Sciences GatewayThe school says mid 90s
- 3Honours Kinesiology (Level I)The school says low 90s
- 4Integrated Business and Humanities IThe school says anticipated admission average 88-92%
- 5Computer Science IThe school says minimum average of 90% for consideration (Fall 2027)
- 6Honours Health Sciences IThe school says minimum overall average of 90% for consideration
- 7Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences I: Chemical and Biomedical Engineering TrackThe school says minimum 90% for an offer (87% to be considered)
- 8Business IThe school says anticipated admission range: mid to high 80s
What average do you need for each McMaster program?
46 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science IHamilton | Minimum average of 90% for consideration (Fall 2027) | Yes, optional | $9,108 |
Engineeringevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automation Systems Engineering Technology I Co-opHamilton | Minimum average range in the low 80s for consideration | Yes, required, 3 work terms | $7,973 |
| Automotive and Vehicle Engineering Technology I Co-opHamilton | Minimum average range in the low 80s for consideration | Yes, required, 3 work terms | $7,973 |
| Biotechnology I Co-opHamilton | Minimum average range in the low 80s for consideration | Yes, required, 3 work terms | $7,973 |
| Engineering I: Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering TrackHamilton | 87% average required for consideration (Fall 2027) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Engineering I: Chemical Engineering TrackHamilton | 87% average required for consideration (Fall 2027) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Engineering I: Civil Engineering TrackHamilton | 87% average required for consideration (Fall 2027) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Engineering I: Computer Engineering TrackHamilton | 87% average required for consideration (Fall 2027) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Engineering I: Discovery TrackHamilton | 87% average required for consideration (Fall 2027) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Engineering I: Electrical Engineering TrackHamilton | 87% average required for consideration (Fall 2027) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Engineering I: Engineering Physics TrackHamilton | 87% average required for consideration (Fall 2027) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Engineering I: Materials Engineering TrackHamilton | 87% average required for consideration (Fall 2027) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Engineering I: Mechanical Engineering TrackHamilton | 87% average required for consideration (Fall 2027) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Engineering I: Mechatronics Engineering TrackHamilton | 87% average required for consideration (Fall 2027) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Engineering I: Nuclear Engineering TrackHamilton | 87% average required for consideration (Fall 2027) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Engineering I: Software Engineering TrackHamilton | 87% average required for consideration (Fall 2027) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences I: Chemical and Biomedical Engineering TrackHamilton | Minimum 90% for an offer (87% to be considered) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences I: Civil and Biomedical Engineering TrackHamilton | Minimum 90% for an offer (87% to be considered) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences I: Discovery TrackHamilton | Minimum 90% for an offer (87% to be considered) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences I: Electrical and Biomedical Engineering TrackHamilton | Minimum 90% for an offer (87% to be considered) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences I: Engineering Physics and Biomedical Engineering TrackHamilton | Minimum 90% for an offer (87% to be considered) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences I: Health, Engineering Science and Entrepreneurship TrackHamilton | Minimum 90% for an offer (87% to be considered) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences I: Materials and Biomedical Engineering TrackHamilton | Minimum 90% for an offer (87% to be considered) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences I: Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering TrackHamilton | Minimum 90% for an offer (87% to be considered) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences I: Mechatronics and Biomedical Engineering TrackHamilton | Minimum 90% for an offer (87% to be considered) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
| Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences I: Software and Biomedical Engineering TrackHamilton | Minimum 90% for an offer (87% to be considered) | Yes, optional | $12,446 |
Business and commerceevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business IHamilton | Anticipated admission range: mid to high 80s | Yes, optional, 3 work terms | $9,355 |
| Integrated Business and Humanities IHamilton | Anticipated admission average 88-92% | Yes, optional, 3 work terms | $10,091 |
Nursingevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing I (B.Sc.N.): McMasterHamilton | Minimum overall average of 85% for consideration | No | $6,043 |
| Nursing I (B.Sc.N.): MohawkHamilton (Mohawk College site) | Minimum overall average of 85% for consideration | No | $6,043 |
Health sciences and kinesiologyevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honours Health Sciences IHamilton | Minimum overall average of 90% for consideration | No | $6,043 |
| Honours Kinesiology (Level I)Hamilton | Low 90s | Yes, optional | $6,043 |
| Honours Medical Radiation Sciences (Level I)Hamilton | Mid 90s | No | $6,043 |
| Midwifery IHamilton | Average range in the mid to high 80s has been required to reach the interview stage in recent years; minimum 85% overall and 85% in each required course | No | $8,426 |
Life sciencesevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Sciences GatewayHamilton | Mid 90s | Yes, optional | $6,043 |
Math and physical sciencesevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical and Physical Sciences GatewayHamilton | Mid 80s | Yes, optional | $6,043 |
| Environmental and Earth Sciences GatewayHamilton | Mid 80s | Yes, optional | $6,043 |
| Honours Integrated Science (Level I)Hamilton | Overall average in the high 80s or higher to be considered | No | $6,043 |
| Mathematics and Statistics GatewayHamilton | Mid 80s | Yes, optional | $6,043 |
Arts and humanitiesevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humanities IHamilton | No average published | No | $6,043 |
Fine and performing artsevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| iArts (Integrated Arts) IHamilton | No average published | No | $6,043 |
General arts and science (major chosen later)every university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arts & Science IHamilton | Minimum overall average of 88% for consideration | No | $6,043 |
How much does McMaster 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
$6,043 to $12,446
Depends on the program
Fees on top of tuition
$1,669
Compulsory student fees
Residence and meals
$16,960
First year, shared room, usual meal plan
Rent after first year
$830 a month
Half a two-bedroom in Hamilton, 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 McMaster?
The same whatever program you pick.
- Who gets a room
- No promise published
- Money just for your marks
- $3,000 for 98% and up (McMaster University Entrance Award), 11 programs only
- $1,000 for 98% and up (McMaster University Entrance Award), Honours Health Sciences I only
- $3,000 for 97% and up, 20 programs only
- $3,000 for 95% and up, Leadership and Civic Studies I only
- $3,000 for 94% and up, 5 programs only
- $1,000 for 93% and up (McMaster University Entrance Award), Nursing I (B.Sc.N.): McMaster, Nursing I (B.Sc.N.): Mohawk, Midwifery I only
- $500 for 93 to 97.99% (Faculty-Specific Achievement Award), Honours Health Sciences I only
- $3,000 for 92% and up (McMaster University Entrance Award), Business I, Integrated Business and Humanities I only
- $2,000 for 92% and up (DeGroote School of Business Award of Excellence), Business I, Integrated Business and Humanities I only
- $1,000 for 91 to 93.99% (Faculty-Specific Achievement Award), Social Sciences I, Honours Economics I, Honours Health and Society I only
- $500 for 91 to 92.99% (Faculty-Specific Achievement Award), Nursing I (B.Sc.N.): McMaster, Nursing I (B.Sc.N.): Mohawk, Midwifery I only
- $3,000 for 90% and up (McMaster University Entrance Award), Automation Systems Engineering Technology I Co-op, Automotive and Vehicle Engineering Technology I Co-op, Biotechnology I Co-op only
- $1,000 for 90 to 93.99% (Faculty-Specific Achievement Award), Humanities I, iArts (Integrated Arts) I only
- $1,500 for 90 to 91.99% (DeGroote School of Business Deans Entrance Award), Business I, Integrated Business and Humanities I only
- First-years who rate it good or excellent
- Not published
- Finish their degree
- 85.2%, started in 2015
- Ways in without the usual marks
- Mature student admission. People who cannot be considered as high school or post-secondary applicants can be assessed as mature students. Status depends on time away from school and no earlier university study, not on age. Mature students take a limited course load at first and are then reviewed by their faculty. Who: Never attended university, and not in secondary school or college full-time for at least two years.
Support at McMaster, and other ways in
For students with a disability, Indigenous students, and anyone who needs another route in. Quoted from McMaster's own pages.
- Students with a disability
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) (opens in a new tab)
- “You must register to request academic accommodations at McMaster. The SAS registration process has six parts.” Source (opens in a new tab)
- “We accept most forms of documentation except IEPs, prescription notes, ER discharge forms or documentation in other languages different from English.” Source (opens in a new tab)
- “If you do not have documentation, you can provide the SAS Standard Documentation Form to your health care professional for them to complete on your behalf.” Source (opens in a new tab)
- Indigenous students
Getting in: Facilitated Admissions for Self-Identifying Indigenous Students (opens in a new tab)
- “Individuals applying through the Facilitated Admission Process must meet the same academic requirements as all other applicants, and complete the same supplementary application.” Source (opens in a new tab)
- “Applicants wishing to apply through McMaster’s FIAP need to complete the self-identification application in addition to McMaster University and program-specific application processes.” Source (opens in a new tab)
Support: Indigenous Student Services (opens in a new tab)
- “Discover support and opportunities for all Indigenous students at McMaster.” Source (opens in a new tab)
- “The Gaǫdadęihwahni:ya:s Transition Program is designed for Indigenous students starting at McMaster in September.” Source (opens in a new tab)
- Other ways in
Access Program and Access Award (opens in a new tab). Students from groups that are under-represented at university, such as first-generation students, students from low-income families and adult learners new to post-secondary.
- “McMaster’s Access Program connects equity-deserving students and those from historically underrepresented backgrounds with information and supports to set them up for success in university.” Source (opens in a new tab)
- “The Access Award provides up to $20,000 per year for four years of post-secondary education at McMaster.” Source (opens in a new tab)
2+2 Indigenous Studies pathway with Mohawk or Lambton College (opens in a new tab). Students who want to start in Indigenous Studies at Mohawk or Lambton College and finish a McMaster degree.
- “Students can receive both a certificate and bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies within a four-year period of study at Mohawk or Lambton College and McMaster University.” Source (opens in a new tab)
- Mature students
- “If you aren’t eligible for admission consideration under the high school or post-secondary categories, McMaster will assess your eligibility as a mature student, provided these conditions are satisfied: You have never attended university.” Source (opens in a new tab)
- “You have not attended secondary school or college on a full-time basis for at least two years.” Source (opens in a new tab)
Every quote was found word for word on the page it links to on 29 October 2026. Rules change: confirm with the office before you rely on one. Compare every school's support and access routes.
What do McMaster graduates earn?
Statistics Canada does not publish pay by university, only by field for each province's graduates. Figures are for Ontario 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 | $79,700 | $106,600 |
| Engineering | $81,000 | $95,900 |
| Business and commerce | $63,900 | $82,200 |
| Nursing | $80,200 | $86,300 |
| Health sciences and kinesiology | $44,200 | $68,900 |
| Life sciences | $43,000 | $71,300 |
| Math and physical sciences | $61,000 | $84,200 |
| Social sciences | $51,400 | $68,400 |
| Arts and humanities | $41,700 | $60,500 |
| Fine and performing arts | $33,300 | $49,300 |
What careers do McMaster 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 McMaster with other universities
Side by side: programs, averages, costs and outcomes.
Where these numbers come from
Checked 2026-10-10. Every figure is from the school's own pages or a government table; nothing is estimated.
- Residence: academiccalendars.romcmaster.ca (opens in a new tab) ((2026-2027 Undergraduate Calendar, Academic Advising Edition PDF), Financial Information, Residence and Meal Plan Fees)
- Who gets a room: wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Scholarships: registrar.mcmaster.ca (opens in a new tab) (academiccalendars.romcmaster.ca (opens in a new tab) (2026-2027 Undergraduate Calendar, Academic Advising Edition PDF), Aid & Awards, The McMaster University Entrance Awards)
- Fees: web.archive.org (opens in a new tab)
- Satisfaction: ira.mcmaster.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Rent: www150.statcan.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Books: future.mcmaster.ca (opens in a new tab) (read by the site owner in a browser, 10 October 2026)
- Pay by field: www150.statcan.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Entering averages (Common University Data Ontario, fall 2022): couprodpublicreports.tgtsolutions.com (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