Admission Requirements: 4 year undergraduate degree in engineering or physical science with a minimum B+ (77 to 79%) average.

How to Apply:

We accept applications throughout the year, but it is very advantageous to have applications in well before the deadline dates:

 All applications must be received through the web-based application process. These frequently asked questions may be of help to understand the process described below.

You will upload all required documents to your application. Here are all the details:

1. Online application for admission. Please make sure that you fill out your name correctly. If you get an admission to McMaster University, we will register you under the name that appears on your application form. Your name should be consistent with your passport, birth certificate, social insurance number etc. unless your personal situation changes
2. Two confidential letters of recommendation from instructors most familiar with your academic work. Please note that McMaster University uses the Electronic Referencing System. By entering the email address of your referee through the online application, the system will automatically send an e-Reference request on your behalf. If for some reason you are unable to use the Electronic Referencing System, you can download the reference form here (PDF).
3. Transcripts Upload your transcript(s)to the application system. If you are presented with an offer, it will be conditional that you provide us with the original copies at a later date. If the final transcript does not show that a completed degree has been conferred, an official/notarized copy of your diploma is also required.
4. Statement of interest. A one page summary describing the area of Chemical Engineering that you wish to study. Many students also include a brief summary of relevant employment experience. This statement helps faculty members identify prospective graduate students for their program.
5. TOEFL score (if English is not your native language). An official copy of your TOEFL score, or other evidence of competency in English. Please read the frequently asked questions to see the minimum requirements.
6. Application Fee To finalize your application, you need to agree to our terms and conditions, and pay a non-refundable application fee ($110 CAD) by credit card or debit card. The Student Accounts & Cashiers website indicates acceptable methods of payment. If you are paying the application fee by credit or debit card, please remember to return to the online application to click “Submit” Your application will not be considered for admission until your application fee has been paid.
7. Permanent Resident (PR) Status If you identify yourself as a PR on your application, you must upload proof of PR status to your application.
8. All required documents should be uploaded to your application prior to submission. If you have official documents you would like to send us, please send them to:

Graduate Assistant
Department of Chemical Engineering, JHE 374
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7

Applications should be sent as early as possible, as acceptance is on a competitive basis. Please read the frequently asked questions to learn about the deadlines for application. Please note, applications that are not complete within an eight week period after the application form has been submitted to the Department, will be closed.

To be accepted for study, the applicant must satisfy the Graduate Admissions Committee of the Department and the University and must also be accepted for supervision by a member of the Department. In submitting an application, the applicant should carefully choose an area of research from those described on this website. Normally individual departmental members will be asked to consider an applicant for work in their laboratories on the basis of the applicant’s chosen area of study.

Completed application forms should be directed to, “The Graduate Assistant”, chemeng@mcmaster.ca

PhD students are required to complete at least three courses with a grade of B- or higher, sometimes more depending on how and when they entered the program, the type of degree(s) they have earned prior to entry, or requirements set forth by their supervisory committees. Although most courses should be at the 700 Level and be within the Department of Chemical Engineering, some courses can be at the 600 level or outside of the department depending on program requirements. PhD students are also required to enrol in the 700 level Seminar Series course each Fall and Winter term, where they will attend guest lectures by distinguished researchers from around the world. In addition, all PhD students must pass the Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination, which is designed to test the breadth of knowledge and the ability to synthesize and integrate ideas from within and peripheral to the candidate’s research area. This exam takes the format of a research proposal for a new concept, which must be presented both in writing and orally to an examination committee. PhD students must meet formally with their supervisory committee (consisting of at least three professors) at least once each year. Please see the Graduate Handbook for details of all of these aspects of the program.

Thank you for your interest in McMaster University Faculty of Engineering. Please fill out the form below, and we will connect with you to answer all of your questions.