McMaster University
Hamilton, Canada • Founded 1887 • World Rank #179
Updated Sep 2026
Overview
McMaster University is a public research university whose main campus sits in the west end of Hamilton, Ontario, next to the Royal Botanical Gardens and about an hour from Toronto.
It enrolled 37,592 students in the 2023-24 count, split between 32,105 undergraduates and 5,487 graduate students, with 6,385 international students making up 17 per cent of the total; the international undergraduate body is drawn heavily from China and India, while the graduate international cohort is led by India, China and Iran. Teaching and research are organised into six faculties - Business (the DeGroote School of Business), Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science and Social Sciences - alongside the interdisciplinary Arts & Science Program and the affiliated Divinity College, with graduate work coordinated by the School of Graduate Studies.
The university is closely identified with problem-based, self-directed learning, an approach its Faculty of Health Sciences developed for medical education and later extended to undergraduate programmes such as the Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences. Signature offerings include Health Sciences, the five-level Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences stream, the Integrated Business and Humanities commerce degree and the small Arts & Science Program.
Research intensity is high: 1,079 full-time faculty, 85 allocated Canada Research Chairs and roughly $370 million in sponsored research income were reported for the same period.
Undergraduate applications from Ontario are made through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre, and the alumni body numbered 244,336 people.
Location & Contact
Address book entry for McMaster University: location, phone, email, web, and social channels. The press or media office handles institutional inquiries; admissions handles student-specific queries.
Academic Details
A quick read on McMaster University's academic vitals — enrolment counts, faculty makeup, and recognition status. The combination determines class sizes, faculty access, and credential portability.
Academic Structures
The schools and colleges that constitute McMaster University's academic body are organised below. Each often controls its own admissions criteria, scholarships, and programme entry standards.
Unit 9 items
- Arts & Science Program
- DeGroote School of Business
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- McMaster Divinity College
- School of Graduate Studies
Programs Offered
McMaster University's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.
37 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Bachelor's Degree 17 programmes
Showing 10 of 17.
Honours Degree 7 programmes
Master of Business Administration 1 programme
Master's Degree 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
Professional Doctorate 1 programme
How to apply to McMaster University
A short guide to applying to McMaster University — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. McMaster University runs 37 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Before applying to McMaster University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Canada.
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3
Assemble your application package
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with McMaster University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Submit your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.mcmaster.ca). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (905) 525 9140. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about McMaster University
Frequently asked questions about McMaster University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
How old is McMaster University?
The institution opened in 1887 (approximately 139 years ago).
What city is McMaster University in?
McMaster University operates from Hamilton, Canada.
Is McMaster University public or private?
McMaster University is a public institution.
How big is McMaster University's student body?
McMaster University serves approximately 25,000-29,999 students.
How is McMaster University ranked?
McMaster University holds rank #179 globally and #6 in Canada.
What is McMaster University's academic structure?
McMaster University is organised into 9 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises McMaster University?
Yes, McMaster University is recognised by Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities of Ontario.
How do I find McMaster University online?
The institution's website is www.mcmaster.ca.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
Top Canada universities often run international branch campuses. McMaster University's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.
Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Faculty mobility within Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) networks often signals shared standards. Faculty members frequently move between McMaster University and the institutions below over the course of careers.
Faculties at nearby universities
Geographic neighbours to McMaster University appear below — each worth considering if location is part of your decision. Nearby institutions tend to share academic calendars, making cross-applications less complex.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
Industry advisory boards on General Engineering programmes signal employer engagement and curriculum currency. Check whether each Canada alternative to McMaster University publishes its industry partners.
Universities Compared with McMaster University
When students choose McMaster University, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.
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