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Prerequisites

• ENG4U

IB and AP Requirements

Additional Admission Criteria

OUAC Application Deadline: January 15, 2026

To be considered, you must provide an . Initial round of submissions are due February 2, 2026.

This is similar to a portfolio or audition, this can include creative work and/or practice that you've done either in school, at home or in the community. 

Language Requirements

You are not required to submit an English-language test if you:

• resided in an English-speaking country for at least 4 years immediately prior to September 2026 or
• attended an English-speaking educational institution in a full-time academic (non-ESL) program for at least 4 years immediately prior to September 2026. Official documentation from the school is required for this exemption.

The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request more information about your test score results and you may be required to take another English-language test at the university's discretion. Acceptable tests are currently under review.

Offers of Admission

Basic Requirements for Admission

If you present 6 midterms or 3 finals at the 4U/M level, you will be considered for admission on a rolling basis, beginning in February 2026. You must have six 4U/M courses, completed or in progress, including program-specific requirements. You will be reviewed again upon receipt of second-semester midterm grades.

Note: Co-op courses are not included in any admission or final admission average calculations.

Admission to all programs requires the completion of English (ENG4U).

Failed and Repeated Courses

For students who have repeated up to 2 courses, the highest mark reported will be used in the calculation of the admission average. Students repeating more than 2 courses, or an individual course 3 or more times, may be asked to provide a letter explaining the need for the repeats. This information may be considered when determining admission. Courses completed after June 30 will not be included in the admission average calculation.

Timing and Process for Admission Decisions

Be sure to check the university's for information and updates about the admission process, estimated cut-offs, enrollment targets, application deadlines and more. McMaster will begin making offers of admission in March, based on a minimum of 3 final 4U/M grades and registration in sufficient 4U/M courses to a total of 6; or 6 interim and/or final 4U/M grades, including any required courses. 

All offers are conditional upon completing the OSSD with at least six 4U/M courses and an acceptable final admission average, which will be specified in the offer of admission.

Notes:

1. Most offers to the Bachelor of Arts and Science, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences, Integrated Science, Midwifery, and Nursing programs will be made in May. All of these programs require supplementary application information (except Midwifery, where an interview is part of the application process).  for details about application deadlines, timing of offers and more.
2. We do not automatically make alternative offers of admission. Instead, we encourage you to apply to all of the McMaster programs you are interested in (up to 3). We will give full consideration to each program selection.
3. We may not accept your application if you do not pay the OUAC application fee by the program deadline date.

Alternative Offers

If you are interested in specific alternative programs, include your choice(s) on your OUAC application (up to the maxiumum of 3). McMaster will give full consideration to each program selection.