McMaster University
Home of problem-based learning and Canada's most coveted health sciences program.
McMaster University is a research powerhouse best known for pioneering problem-based learning and for its Health Sciences program, which is widely regarded as the single most competitive undergraduate program in Canada. Located in Hamilton, Ontario, McMaster has a strong culture of collaborative inquiry and is particularly respected in health sciences, engineering, and business.
What average do you need to get into McMaster?
There is no single McMaster acceptance rate - admission is program-by-program. Top competitive programs like Health Sciences (BHSc) require high 90s (95-99%+), while programs at the more accessible end admit students with averages around high 80s. A competitive overall average for most McMaster programs is roughly the mid-80s and up. Check the per-program admission averages below to find your target.
Key Facts
- Location: Hamilton, ON
- Founded: 1887
- Students: 37,000
- Maclean's ranking: #4
- QS World ranking: #173
- Approximate domestic tuition: $11500/year
- Co-op available: Yes
Top Strengths
- Health Sciences
- Engineering
- Medicine (MD program)
- Business (DeGroote)
- Science
- Nursing
Admission Averages by Program
Real admission average ranges for McMaster programs, from most accessible to most competitive:
- Health Sciences (BHSc) — admission average: high 90s (95-99%+) (Canada's single most competitive undergrad program. Character counts as much as grades.)
- Nursing (BScN) — admission average: high 90s (92-96%+) (Extremely competitive, strong clinical placement network across Hamilton.)
- iBioMed (Biomedical Eng.) — admission average: mid-to-high 90s (Fiercely competitive integrated engineering and health sciences program.)
- Life Sciences — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (Common pre-med pathway, very competitive internally for MD.)
- Chemical Engineering — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (Strong research program, good pharma and energy co-op placements.)
- Electrical Engineering — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (Strong co-op program, good grad school pipeline.)
- Mechanical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Solid program with manufacturing and automotive connections.)
- Mechatronics Engineering — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (Modern mechanical/software fusion with auto industry applications.)
- Software Engineering — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (Growing program, Hamilton tech community connections.)
- Computer Science — admission average: high 80s (Solid CS program, increasingly competitive.)
- Commerce (DeGroote) — admission average: high 80s (Respected Ontario business school with co-op options.)
- Biochemistry — admission average: high 80s (Strong research, common pre-pharmacy and grad school pathway.)
- Arts & Science (IntArts) — admission average: high 80s (Interdisciplinary honours program - rigorous and unique.)
- Kinesiology — admission average: high 80s (Strong sports medicine and physiotherapy pathway.)
- Psychology (Honours) — admission average: high 80s (Strong research program, common pre-grad and pre-med path.)
Things to Know
- Health Sciences receives thousands of applications for ~200 spots. A 95% average still doesn't guarantee admission.
- The supplemental component for Health Sciences asks about community, leadership, and personal challenges - grades alone won't get you in.
- McMaster's MD program uses a lottery system among qualified applicants - Health Sciences undergrad is a common but not guaranteed pathway.
- Hamilton is an increasingly vibrant city with lower cost of living than Toronto.
Notable Alumni
- Goldie Hawn (honorary)
- Norman Bethune (influenced)
- David Braley