Admission Requirements

The minimum academic requirement for admission to an MEng. degree is normally an average of B in the last two years of an applicant’s undergraduate program. Please note that this is a highly competitive program and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

All applicants are notified of the results of their application in the online application system.

Deadlines

September 2023 Admission:

• Applications open Sept 6th 2022
• Canadian/Permanent Residents:
  • Application Deadline: June 15th 2023
• International Students:
  • Application Deadline: March 15th 2023

January 2024 Admission:

• Applications open March 15th 2023
• Canadian/Permanent Residents:
  • Application Deadline: October 1st 2023
• International Students:
  • Application Deadline: July 1st 2023

How to Apply

Applicants are required to upload the following documents in the application system when applying to the Department of Civil Engineering, if a document is missing the application will not be considered. We do not accept hard copies of documentation, only PDF copies will be accepted. 

• Copies of all official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended (PDF)
• 1-Page Statement of Interest
• Proof of English-Language Proficiency, TOEFL or IELTS accepted (Exempted if applicant attended University in Canada, USA, UK, or Australia)
• 2 Academic References

Applicants are required to provide the names and contact information of two academic references. These references are to come from instructors most familiar with your academic work. Referees will be contacted via our electronic referencing system, references uploaded by the applicant will not be accepted. If a referee is unable to use the electronic referencing system they may email the reference form to civil@mcmaster.ca. 

Ready to apply?

• Visit the School of Graduate Studies website for detailed information on the application steps.

English-Language Minimum Requirements

International English Language Test Scores (IELTS) Academic Test Only

• Minimum 6.5 overall score
• Minimum 5.5 score for each section

TOEFL Scores

• Minimum 567 – written test
• Minimum 227 – computer-based test
• Minimum 88 – internet-based test

*Please note that official transcripts are not required unless an applicant is granted an offer of admission*

• Bioelectrochemical systems
• Bridge Engineering
• Computational Mechanics and Finite Element Analysis
• Construction Data Sensing and Fusion
• Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics
• Effective Design of Structures
• Geomechanics
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Intelligent Construction Systems
• Intelligent Transportation Systems
• Material Durability and Service Life Modeling
• Sustainable Communities
• Wastewater Treatment Engineering
• Water Resources/Environmental Information Systems

Course and project programme requires the completion of the equivalent of 8 half graduate level courses plus the presentation of a report, which demonstrates the ability to carry out independent study and reach a satisfactory conclusion. This program is primarily intended for part-time M.Eng. candidates but may be taken full-time.

Can I apply now if I haven’t finished my degree?

You can apply for a graduate degree while you are finishing your current program. The Graduate Affairs Committee will review your in-progress transcripts that you submit at the time of your application. 

Can I apply now if I don’t have an up to date TOEFL or IELTS test result?

Applicants whose results are not within the last two years should submit a new TOEFL or IELTS test result.

What if my degree was completed in English?

If you completed a 4 year degree in English, the department may accept this as proof of English language proficiency. You must include an official letter from your previous institution noting the language of instruction OR have this printed on your transcript. Please include these documents as a pdf file when you apply.

Is DuoLingo Accepted for Graduate Studies?

No.  We only accept IELTS or TOEFL.

Do I apply to co-op when I submit my application?

Co-op options are only discussed once you are in the program. The co-op office will send information to all new students at the beginning of the degree and students must obtain permission from their supervisor to take a co-op term(s).

Can you waive the application fee?

The university does not waive application fees.

Can you consider my application for more than one degree?

Applicants will only be considered for the degree in which they applied. If an applicant wants to be considered for more than one degree, a separate application (including documents and referee submissions) must be submitted for each degree.

Do I need to send you official transcripts?

You do not need an official transcript to apply. However, if you are accepted into the program, you will be required to submit official transcripts at that time.

We do not accept hard copy transcripts for application documents. Only digital copies are required for application review. We do not require any official transcripts (hard copy or digital) unless an applicant is granted an offer of admission. 

Do I need a supervisor?

Yes. The M.Eng, M.A.Sc and Ph.D programs all require students to have a supervisor.

Do I need to find a supervisor myself?

No, applicants are not required to find a supervisor themselves. If an applicant makes it to the final round of the admission competition then all faculty members will have access to review their application. If a faculty member is interested then an offer of admission will be granted. 

If you would like to contact a faculty member about the possibility of gaining their admissions support as a potential supervisor and adovocate for your application, please feel free to reach out to them by email. Contact information for faculty members is listed on the department website https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/civil/people/faculty. 

How much is tuition?

Tuition information can be found here:

https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/fees/graduate/.

Click on the Faculty of Engineering tab and then scroll down to the correct program tuition chart (The M.Eng. program is course based, the M.A.Sc. is research based and Ph.D. is Ph.D.). Also note, level is the same as the year e.g., level 1 is year 1 of study. 

Will I receive a scholarship? 

Full time M.A.Sc and Ph.D students receive funding from the department in the form of scholarships. MEng do not receive scholarships.

Do I need to submit GRE results?

No, we do not require or accept GRE results.

Can I use work or professional references for my application?

No, only academic references are accepted.

Can I apply if my degree is not in Civil Engineering?  If so, do I need to take any prerequisites?

Yes, you can apply if your area is not in civil engineering but it is helpful if you do have this background.  You don’t need to take any prerequisites to apply.  If you gain admission, your supervisor will advise you on what courses you should take.

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.