Future Undergraduate Students
Ranked among the world’s top engineering schools, the Faculty of Engineering plays a significant role in McMaster University earning its reputation as one of Canada’s most innovative universities. Our focus on experiential, problem-based learning and our interdisciplinary approach to collaboration results in smarter insights, ground-breaking ideas and greater optimism. This approach is helping us create a Brighter World.
If you have any questions please contact us at thinkeng@mcmaster.ca or 905-525-9140 x27174.
We support valuable co-op experiences in a flexible format.
For Computer Science, iBioMed, and Engineering students, co-op at McMaster is optional and supported. Opt in anytime and chose from 4, 8, 12, or 16 co-op term lengths.
Read student co-op testimonials and how our team of 15 co-op staff can support you.
We value creativity and artistic expression.
Our students use the arts as a creative outlet to fuel and inspire their studies. Using a design-thinking approach, big ideas go from imagination to reality.
We believe engineering is for everyone.
Our diverse community is centred on a spirit of innovation through cooperation, not competition.
Read about how we are working to make engineering more inclusive.
We are educating emerging engineering leaders.
Our students have the technical know-how, innovative mind-set, and business skills needed to implement big ideas within new or existing companies.
Find out about our DECA scholarships and unique engineering and business program combinations.
We reward those who excel outside of the classroom.
We issue over $1 million in entrance scholarships, including specialized awards for SHAD, FIRST and DECA alumni. The best part? All scholarship winners also receive a Summer Undergraduate Research Award.
Please visit the McMaster Admissions website for full admission details, including admission requirements, dates & deadlines, and the admission process for international students.
Please note this website is always the most up-to-date source of information.
| OUAC Code | Min. Anticipated Admission Avg. | Canadian Curriculum | International Baccalaureate Curriculum | American Style Curriculum | |
|
Engineering |
ME or MEC (co-op option) | +87% |
English |
English 6 IB subjects required; 3 subjects must be at the Higher Level (HL) |
Grade 12 English SAT I – 1200 in two components: Critical Reading and Math |
|
Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences |
MEH or MEI (co-op option) | +90% | English Calculus & Vectors Chemistry Physics Biology |
English 6 IB subjects required; 3 subjects must be at the Higher Level (HL) |
Grade 12 English AP Calculus AP Chemistry AP Physics AP Biology SAT I – 1200 in two components: Critical Reading and Math |
| Computer Science | MC or MCC (co-op option) | 92-95% |
English |
English 6 IB subjects required; 3 subjects must be at the Higher Level (HL) |
Grade 12 English SAT I – 1200 in two components: Critical Reading and Math |
| Bachelor of Technology |
MPT (Automation Engineering Technology) |
78-82% | English Calculus & Vectors Chemistry Physics |
English 6 IB subjects required; 3 subjects must be at the Higher Level (HL) |
Grade 12 English AP Calculus AP Chemistry AP Physics SAT I – 1200 in two components: Critical Reading and Math |
Supplementary Application Information
What is involved?
Supplementary Application (mandatory) - $40 Fee | Submission Deadline: February 1, 2019 (12:00pm - noon)
The supplementary application is a mandatory part of the admissions process for Engineering and Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences (iBioMed). Only one application is required if you are applying to both programs.
The supplementary application will consist of 3 questions (2 video response and 1 written response) and will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Unlimited practice sessions are available for video responses, however, once you begin your formal video interview, you will only get one opportunity to answer each question.
For each video response: you will receive 1 minute to prepare your answer and 2 minutes to verbally respond to your question.
Written Response: you will have 10 minutes to complete your answer from when you receive the question.
How you respond to these questions is an opportunity for you to show us how you project yourself in person and in written formats under a time restraint.You will receive an invitation by email to access the supplementary application portal within 10 business days of completing your application through OUAC. Once you have access, you can practice as many times you want before you start your actual interview. Please note that once you begin your actual interview, you will have 30 minutes to complete the entire process.
What are some sample questions?
Examples of practice supplementary application questions (practice questions will be different from real interview questions):
- What does being resourceful mean to you, and why is it important?
- Tell us about a time management strategy you used. Why does it work?
- How do you create a balance for yourself when working in a stressful environment?
- Give us an example of a time you acted with integrity.
I have not received the email with login information.
Please wait 10 business days for the email to be sent to you. If it has been more than 10 business days, please email thinkeng@mcmaster.ca with the issue, your full name, program name, OUAC reference number, and email registered to OUAC.
I am having technical problems with my KIRA application.
Please contact Kira Talent directly by clicking the ‘Need help?’ button and choosing ‘Live Chat’ at the top right at any point in the process or email KIRA directly at support@kiratalent.com.
I am having issues with payment.
Please email us at thinkeng@mcmaster.ca so that we can further assist you.
Supplementary Application Information
(Engineering 1 and Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences only)
What is involved?
Supplementary Application (mandatory) - $40 Fee | Submission Deadline: February 1, 2019 (12:00pm - noon)
The supplementary application is a mandatory part of the admissions process for Engineering and Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences (iBioMed). Only one application is required if you are applying to both programs.
The supplementary application will consist of 3 questions (2 video response and 1 written response) and will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Unlimited practice sessions are available for video responses, however, once you begin your formal video interview, you will only get one opportunity to answer each question.
For each video response: you will receive 1 minute to prepare your answer and 2 minutes to verbally respond to your question.
Written Response: you will have 10 minutes to complete your answer from when you receive the question.
How you respond to these questions is an opportunity for you to show us how you project yourself in person and in written formats under a time restraint.You will receive an invitation by email to access the supplementary application portal within 10 business days of completing your application through OUAC. Once you have access, you can practice as many times you want before you start your actual interview. Please note that once you begin your actual interview, you will have 30 minutes to complete the entire process.
What are some sample questions?
Examples of practice supplementary application questions (practice questions will be different from real interview questions):
- What does being resourceful mean to you, and why is it important?
- Tell us about a time management strategy you used. Why does it work?
- How do you create a balance for yourself when working in a stressful environment?
- Give us an example of a time you acted with integrity.
I have not received the email with login information.
Please wait 10 business days for the email to be sent to you. If it has been more than 10 business days, please email thinkeng@mcmaster.ca with the issue, your full name, program name, OUAC reference number, and email registered to OUAC.
I am having technical problems with my KIRA application.
Please contact Kira Talent directly by clicking the ‘Need help?’ button and choosing ‘Live Chat’ at the top right at any point in the process or email KIRA directly at support@kiratalent.com.
I am having issues with payment.
Please email us at thinkeng@mcmaster.ca so that we can further assist you.
I completed my supplementary application, but it is still saying "initiated" on MOSAIC.
Your supplementary application status on your MOSAIC account will be updated after the deadline (Feb 1st, 2019).
Take a Tour
McMaster Engineering offers tours throughout the year. Hear first hand from our Student Ambassadors about academic programs, experiential learning opportunities, student life and more!
Register for a Webinar
Join us for an online webinar where you can learn what makes McMaster's Faculty of Engineering such a great place to pursue your post-secondary education! Staff and students are available to answer all of your questions.
No registrations currently open - stay tuned for future webinars!
Upcoming Events
McMaster Engineering: where students come together as one #FireballFamily to learn through cooperation, not competition.
McMaster Engineering Society
The McMaster Engineering Society (MES), one of the largest student groups on campus, supports about 20 groups and serves more than 5,000 undergraduate student members. Students are able to receive funding for various activities such as intramurals, conferences, special projects and more.
"Even just visiting McMaster, you can tell that everyone here is passionate about the Engineering community. That passion translates to people supporting one another, and working really hard to improve our community through clubs, teams, and our engineering society. That's the kind of people I wanted to be surrounded by." - Hannah McPhee, Engineering Physics
Clubs, Teams, and Student Organizations
Under the leadership of the McMaster Engineering Society, there are dozens of groups you can get involved in. Below are just a few highlights!
McMaster Engineering Musical
A singing and dancing extravaganza, complete with a full band and interpretations of popular songs, the musical is an annual tradition. Each September auditions are held and then, week by week, the show is put together entirely by students - from writing songs to creating the script to building sets and playing music.
McMaster Solar Car Project
The McMaster Solar Car Project builds and races solar vehicles; provides training to students on basic and intensive technical skills that are not offered in any university class; and promotes the use of sustainable energy systems to the local and global community through outreach events.
Women in Engineering
This group inspires young women to change the world by pursuing an engineering degree. It offers support to female students of many ages in a variety of ways, from camp programs, clubs, conferences and scholarships for elementary and high school students.
Research Opportunities
More than 500 employment opportunities are available each year in the Faculty of Engineering for undergraduate students to work as Research Assistants, Teaching Assistants or Technical Assistants.
Undergraduate students in the Faculty of Engineering have the opportunity to work with professors and graduate students on a research project. Students can get involved in research as early as after their first year of studies. See below for examples of undergraduate students who worked in research at McMaster!
Meet our Scholarship Winners
How much will it cost?
Tuition & Residence Costs
The amount of money you will spend on tuition and housing vary depending you whether you are an international or domestic student and on whether you plan to live on your own in residence or off-campus or commute from home.
Visit McMaster University's Cost Estimator to find an approximation of the total fees customized for you.
Meet our scholarship winners
Paying for School
There are several different ways you can earn money for your education. Listed below are resources we provide to help you with your finances.
McMaster's Faculty of Engineering offers more than $1 million in Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships to students with offers to first -year degree studies. Only one application is required to be considered for all of our entrance scholarships!
Eligibility: Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents and international students who complete their final year of high school in Canada.
Bursaries are granted on the basis of financial need, and are available to all registered McMaster students who apply and qualify.
- the online bursary application is available in the Mosaic Student Center during the fall of your first year
- a bursary is a grant which does not require repayment
- students must apply to OSAP (or other government loans) prior to applying for bursary funds (some exceptions apply, see McMaster Aid on the SFAS website for more information
For more information on bursaries offered by McMaster University, click here.
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a financial aid program that can make it easier for students and families to go to college or university.
The program offers funding for school through two kinds of money:
- grants: money you don’t have to pay back
- a student loan: money you need to repay
Funding is available for both full and part-time postsecondary students, and is based on a number of factors, including your family income. Some students may get their tuition covered by OSAP.
Visit the OSAP official website to learn more.
Engineering Co-op & Career Services connects students with employers, offers career-planning tools and resources, and provides opportunities for students to gain paid employment experience.
Visit the co-op page to learn more.
The McMaster Work Program offers students, who demonstrate financial need, the opportunity for meaningful employment on-campus. These are paid part-time positions during the fall/winter term, and full-time or part-time during the summer.
Click here to learn more about this program.
Meet our FIRST Robotics Entrance Scholarship winners
If you can't find the answer you're looking for here, please contact us at thinkeng@mcmaster.ca or at 905-525-9140 ext.27174.
Academics
The average lecture size varies depending on the program you are in. Engineering student can expect an average lecture size of 200-300 students in first year. Tutorials and labs range from 25 – 50 students depending on the course. Class sizes will decrease significantly as you progress through the program.
B.Tech. students can expect lectures to be no more than 90 students, with the average size being closer to 40-60 students. Lab sizes will not exceed 20 students throughout all levels of the program
Lectures are the primary method of information delivery, where the professor explains various concepts for (usually) an hour. Labs and tutorials are more hands-on and have fewer students, which allows you to apply concepts learned in lecture and learn by asking more specific questions. Tutorials provide review and depth, but no new material is introduced.
Each lab is approximately 3 hours long and depending on the class will either alternate weeks or be every week. Tutorials are 1 or 2 hours long and depending on the class will either alternate weeks or be every week.
Every Faculty of Engineering program has a dedicated Academic Advisor and a team of administrative staff that are more than happy to assist you.
Professors and teaching assistants host weekly office hours where you can visit them to ask for help with homework problems and assignments, or a further explanation of challenging concepts. Additionally, many subjects have “drop-in centres” that usually take place more than once a week. There are multiple teaching assistants available here to answer any questions you may have about the course material.
In addition to being a resource for professional development, the Student Success Centre offers workshops throughout the year on how to study more effectively, take better notes, and do well on tests. Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides academic accommodations and supports to students with disabilities. You can find more information about SAS here.
If you feel that you would benefit from extended one-on-one instruction, the McMaster Engineering Society (MES) also subsidizes a peer tutoring service, which means that for every $5 you pay to a peer tutor through this program, the tutor receives $15!
In Winter term, first year engineering students will be able to access the program selection system on Mosaic. You’ll need to rank your top 12 choices of programs. You will receive communication of the program you’ve received been assigned to over the summer.
To help you make an informed decision, the different engineering departments will be hosting information sessions in the Winter term where you will have the opportunity to meet faculty and upper-year students in that program, as well as learn about the courses you would take and potential career opportunities.
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemical and Bioengineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Software Engineering
With the exception of Chemical and Bioengineering, any of these programs can also be combined with the Society or Management options.
iBioMed students cannot select Chemical and Bioengineering, Computer Engineering, or the Society or Management options.
To learn more about the engineering disciplines offered at McMaster, click here.
General Inquiries
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemical and Bioengineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Software Engineering
With the exception of Chemical and Bioengineering, any of these programs can also be combined with the Society or Management options.
iBioMed students cannot select Chemical and Bioengineering, Computer Engineering, or the Society or Management options.
B.Tech. students enter directly into one of three interdisciplinary streams:
- Automation Engineering Technology
- Automotive and Vehicle Engineering Technology
- Biotechnology
To learn more about the engineering disciplines offered at McMaster, click here.
You can find more information on the iBioMed program here.
We are less than an hour’s drive from the United States border and only 45 minutes from Toronto, Niagara Falls, Waterloo, and Guelph. An on-campus GO Bus Terminal allows students to commute easily from the Greater Toronto Area.
A 10-minute walk from campus, Westdale Village is the hub for student off campus living.
FOOD: From restaurants ranked among the best in Canada to a vibrant food-truck scene, Hamilton’s appetite for all things delicious knows no limits. International eateries, unique culinary events, and a growing craft beer scene completes the picture.
MUSIC: No matter your musical taste, Hamilton delivers from local clubs hosting hot bands to classical orchestras.
NATURE: Did you know? Hamilton is home to more than 100 waterfalls. Natural beauty abounds throughout the city, including McMaster University’s own backyard, which abuts the Royal Botanical Gardens and includes several hiking trails.
CULTURE: The arts scene is booming in Hamilton from local art galleries and studios to the monthly James Street North Art Crawl and annual Supercrawl event, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.
HISTORY & HERITAGE: Distinctive architecture, world-class museums and 15 National Historic Sites offer a glimpse into the city’s past and make Hamilton the fascinating community it is today.
SPORTS: Whether you love to bike, hike, or play organized sports, Hamilton has got it all. The city is also home to the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats and other sports teams.
For more information on places to see and food to eat, visit tourismhamilton.com
Admissions
No, it does not matter how you rank McMaster on OUAC.
Supplementary Application (mandatory) - $40 Fee | Submission Deadline: February 1, 2019 (12:00pm - noon)
The supplementary application is a mandatory part of the admissions process for Engineering and Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences (iBioMed). Only one application is required if you are applying to both programs.
The supplementary application will consist of 3 questions (2 video response and 1 written response) and will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Unlimited practice sessions are available for video responses, however, once you begin your formal video interview, you will only get one opportunity to answer each question.
For each video response: you will receive 1 minute to prepare your answer and 2 minutes to verbally respond to your question.
Written Response: you will have 10 minutes to complete your answer from when you receive the question.
How you respond to these questions is an opportunity for you to show us how you project yourself in person and in written formats under a time restraint.You will receive an invitation by email to access the supplementary application portal within 10 business days of completing your application through OUAC. Once you have access, you can practice as many times you want before you start your actual interview. Please note that once you begin your actual interview, you will have 30 minutes to complete the entire process.
What are some sample questions?
Examples of practice supplementary application questions (practice questions will be different from real interview questions):
-
What does being resourceful mean to you, and why is it important?
-
Tell us about a time management strategy you used. Why does it work?
-
How do you create a balance for yourself when working in a stressful environment?
-
Give us an example of a time you acted with integrity.
I have not received the email with login information.
Please wait 10 business days for the email to be sent to you. If it has been more than 10 business days, please email thinkeng@mcmaster.ca with the issue and your OUAC reference number.
I am having technical problems with my KIRA application.
Please email KIRA directly at support@kiratalent.com
I'm having issues with payment.
Please email us at thinkeng@mcmaster.ca so that we can further assist you.
Please click here for the most up-to-date information regarding admission requirements.
Along with your admissions average, we also take your performance on the supplementary application into account for Engineering and iBioMed
You can check your application status on your Mosaic student centre. This is the first place you will be able to see an offer. We will email you as well shortly after Mosaic is updated.
Free choice is granted to incoming engineering and iBioMed students with a high admissions average. With free choice, you are guaranteed your first choice of program after first year. Exceptions to the free choice are: Chemical & Bioengineering, as well as the Management and Society options. If you are granted free choice, it will be stated on your offer of admission. Please note that even without free choice, a majority of students are admitted into their first choice of program after first year.
You will not be at a disadvantage if you take a required course in the summer, night class or online. We will only consider the grades you’ve received for required courses.
Please note that you must complete all required courses by the end of your Grade 12 year to maintain your offer of admission (i.e. you can’t take a required course over the summer after Grade 12).
No, you will not be at a disadvantage.
Please see the admissions page here.
Programming experience is not necessary for admission to the Engineering, B.tech., or iBioMed programs. First year Engineering students take a computing course that specifically teaches you how to code in Python and is taught from the ground up (i.e. assuming you have no experience in this area). If you would like to get some practice in advance or are curious about coding, check out Codecademy, a site that teaches you how to code (for free!) in a variety of languages.
Offers of admission for Computer Science, B.Tech., and Engineering are sent out in two rounds: the first round of offers will be sent out within the first two weeks of March, and the second round in early May.
iBioMed offers are sent out in early May (one round only).
Co-op and Financial Aid
Co-op at McMaster Engineering is available to all students. For B.Tech. students co-op is mandatory and for Computer Science, iBioMed and Engineering students co-op is optional. The flexible format enables students to design their own work-study sequences. This means that you are free to choose between 4-month, 8-month, 12-month, and 16-month internships.
You can find more information about our co-op program here.
Student Life
Our faculty is very proud to provide our students with a plethora of opportunities to get involved within the community, create meaningful relationships and foster the growth of various skills that will help prepare students for the real-world.
The McMaster Engineering Society (MES) is the essentially the engineering student government. Some of the things they do include improving student life by planning social events, increasing academic resources, and funding groups and teams. To learn more about the MES, visit macengsociety.ca.
McMaster Engineering has many engineering clubs, teams and societies you can join to enhance your practical knowledge and soft skills, provide support, or give you the chance to explore new activities. Clubs are an enjoyable way to enrich your student life and contribute to your social development and academic success.
Here are some of the Engineering specific groups that you can join:
- BAJA Racing Team
- Chem E-Car
- Heavy Construction
- Formula Electric
- Concrete Toboggan
- Design League
- Custom Vehicle Team
- EcoCAR3
- Rocketry Team
- Seismic Design Team
- Solar Car Project
- Sumobot
- Mechanical Contractors Association Hamilton Niagara
- Interdisciplinary Satellite Team
- Engineers without Borders
- EngiQueers
- Hockey Team
- Mac Eng Musical
- Phase One
- National Society of Black Engineers
In addition, there are over 300 clubs that you can get involved in through the McMaster Student Union. Find out more here.
A gym membership is included with your student fees. This gives you access to indoor and outdoor running tracks, a swimming pool, and a cardio & weight facility.
For organized team sports, McMaster has multiple varsity teams and sports clubs (more information here). There are also intramural sports offered throughout the year and at various levels of competition.
Fun fact: the McMaster Engineering Society (MES) will fund your intramural team if it is 80% engineering students (including B.Tech., Computer Science, and iBioMed) or more!
One of the Living Learning Communities offered through McMaster's Residence Life Office in partnership with the Faculty of Engineering is specifically dedicated to first year Engineering students that offers a community focused on Innovation & Society. Students in this community will have access to programming aimed at building critical thinking, creativity and communication skills.
First-year engineers in the Innovation and Society LLC will learn a variety of practical skills essential to engineering. Through workshops, guest speakers, and competitions, students will become better problem solvers, critical thinkers, and effective communicators. At the same time, you will live in a community that will foster interdisciplinary relationships and multicultural views to help you thrive.
Read more about the LLC here.