About This Guide
WELCOME TO MACENG!
We’re excited that you are interested in McMaster’s Faculty of Engineering as your potential future choice for your undergraduate journey. We’ve created this step-by-step guide to various parts of the MacEng application process to support you along the way.
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Stage 1: Interested in MacEng
INTERESTED IN MCMASTER ENGINEERING?
Interested in our programs and don’t know where to get started? Whether you’re learning about us for the first time, or you have already applied and need more information, check out these resources!
*This information is dedicated to students interested in a McMaster Engineering undergraduate program including BTech, CompSci, Eng 1, and iBioMed.
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Download the Program Guide
The McMaster Engineering program guide is your one-stop shop for all the information you need on our direct-entry programs for students coming from high school.
Download the guide and receive additional emails about programs, events, and more from McMaster University.
EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS
The BTech program positions you to be at the forefront of change in engineering industries. With a unique blend of theory and practice, students spend more than 750 hours in lab settings applying engineering principles to develop innovative technical solutions. Earn a BTech Degree from McMaster University, as well as an Advanced Technology Diploma and Business Management Certificate from Mohawk College.
Honours Computer Science is a direct-entry four-year program where students learn programming, software design, systems and theoretical foundations. Beginning with five practice and experience courses right in the first year, the emphasis is on lab-based exploration and discovery, including expanded coverage of practical topics such as profiling and tuning, and foundational topics such as operating systems and compilers.
Starting with a common first year, students develop an understanding of all the engineering disciplines and gain a solid foundation in math and science. After the first year, students select from one of the 10 disciplines offered by the Faculty as well as the option of adding two options to their degree – Management or Society.
With a strong focus on entrepreneurship and learning to solve real-world problems, the iBioMed program will give students a strong foundation in both engineering and health sciences. Students will have a common first year before choosing to specialize in either health sciences or engineering in their upper years.
GAIN EXPERIENCE & GET PAID
Every student has access to the co-op program. The best part? You decide when you would like to complete the co-op and we’ll help you get there.
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4,200 work terms were completed a co-op during the 2021-2022 year.
2021-2022
Top 85 for Employability Rankings
QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2022
98% of our employers would hire a McMaster Engineering co-op student again
2022
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Life at MacEng
Our students are the sum of all their MacEng experiences, both inside and outside the classrooms. Discover how you can define your own experience here and how we will help you to get there with our Degree + Experience promise.
Supporting our Students
Our #FireballFamily is a supportive community where students build each other up in a spirit of collaboration, not competition. With various support programs led by students and or staff, we’re here to help you through your academic journey.
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Fireball Diaries Read Our Fireball Diaries
A collection of stories and personal experiences from our incredible McMaster Engineering students including applying to MacEng, co-op and research placements, involvement in clubs, and how to balance everything in between.
Stage 2: Applying to MacEng
YOU’VE DONE YOUR RESEARCH…NOW IT’S TIME TO APPLY!
Now that you’ve done some research on McMaster’s engineering programs, you’re ready to apply! This section of the guide will take you through the admission requirements of our programs, the steps necessary to apply on OUAC, the process of the supplementary application, how to apply to our scholarships, and where you can chat with our students.
*This information is dedicated to students applying to a McMaster Engineering undergraduate program including BTech, CompSci, Eng 1, and iBioMed.
*After applying on OUAC, you will be invited to join a MacEng Applicant Discord server in February to connect with our ambassador team to support you with your decisions. If you do not receive the invitation link to your email, please email us!
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
McMaster’s engineering programs have specific requirements necessary to be considered for admission. Admission requirements vary by the program you’re applying to and where you’re applying from.
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Domestic Undergraduate Students Admission Requirements
Check the admission requirements and deadlines based on your current student status and curriculum here.
International Undergraduate Students Admission Requirements: International
Are you a student from outside of Canada? Review the curriculum and English proficiency requirements here.
Transfer Students Email Us
Are you interested in transferring from a college or another university program to McMaster?
THE ADMISSIONS APPLICATION (OUAC)
Students will apply to McMaster’s engineering programs through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).
Please note that McMaster does not have a direct affiliation to the OUAC website and if you have issues with your application on OUAC, please contact them directly here.
AM I A 101 OR 105 APPLICANT?
Expandable List
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ME – Engineering I
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MEC – Engineering I (Co-op)
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MEH – Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences I
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MEI – Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences I (Co-op)
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MC – Computer Science I
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MCC – Computer Science I (Co-op)
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MAT – Automotive & Vehicle Engineering Technology I Co-op
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MTT – Biotechnology I Co-op
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MPT – Automation Engineering Technology I Co-op
Additional codes for MELD and transfer applicants on OUAC
When you apply to McMaster’s Engineering I, Computer Science, or iBioMed undergraduate programs, you will need to specify between co-op or no co-op!
There are no penalties for choosing one or the other when you apply. By choosing the co-op option, you will be automatically enrolled in the co-op stream when you are a student. If you change your mind after applying, don’t worry, you can opt-in or opt-out of the co-op program once you are a student.
BTech students are automatically enrolled in the co-op program as it is a mandatory part of their academic requirements!
ABOUT MACENG CO-OP
THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION
All McMaster Engineering undergraduate programs require the completion of a supplementary application that happens after you have applied through OUAC. Only one application is required if you are applying to more than one of our MacEng programs.
For Fall 2024 admissions, the supplementary application deadline is Friday, January 26th, 2024 @12PM (noon) ET.
This application is an opportunity for us to meet you virtually and learn more about who you are. We will be asking you questions related to communication, problem-solving, and more!
Consisting of 3 video responses and 1 written response, it takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. This will be done on your own time prior to the supplementary application submission deadline.
THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
There are over $1,000,000 in scholarships and research awards available! All Faculty of Engineering students are encouraged to apply to the wide range of scholarships that McMaster Engineering offers. Only ONE application is required to be considered for all eligible Faculty of Engineering entrance scholarships. For Fall 2024 admissions, the scholarship application deadline is Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 at @12 PM (ET). Reference letters are due by February 23rd, 2024.
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Automatic Entrance Awards
Automatic entrance awards are received by students who obtain a certain admission average and do not require an application.
For Fall 2023 admissions, students who achieve a 95%+ admissions average are eligible to receive $3000 for their entrance award.
Your automatic entrance scholarship offer is conditional, pending receipt of your final grades from OUAC.
Stage 3: Accepting a MacEng Offer
Offers from McMaster Engineering
Expandable List
The timeline of offers for McMaster’s engineering programs can happen between mid-March and beginning of May for Eng1, CompSci and BTech. iBioMed offers will be sent out beginning of May.
Conditional offers are offers of admission sent to you that have a specific condition you must meet for the offer of admission to still hold. The criteria of these conditions will be outlined in the conditional offer applicants receive.
McMaster Faculty of Engineering offers must be accepted on OUAC by June 1st.
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If you are in a situation that requires you to defer your offer, please refer to this page.
If you are granted Free Choice, it will be stated on your offer of admission (if determined based on grades presented at the time of admission) or on Mosaic (if determined based on final grades).
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.
iBioMed students with Free Choice can select both their second year degree (Heath, Engineering Science and Entrepreneurship OR Biomedical Engineering) and their second year engineering discipline, if choosing Biomedical Engineering.
Please note that even without Free Choice, many of our students are admitted into their first choice of program after first year.
For the Fall 2023 intake, the cut-offs for Free Choice are:
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Engineering 1- 96%
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iBioMed 1 – 98%
RESIDENCE APPLICATIONS & OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
You may wish to start thinking about your living situation for your time at McMaster.
You could live on campus in one of McMaster’s many residences. Check out the Living Learning Communities (LLCs) that we offer, including the one dedicated to engineering students called “Innovation & Society”.
You could also choose to live off campus near McMaster. Take a look at how we offer support for finding suitable homes and housemates.
Accepted your offer? Welcome to the Fireball Family!
Now you’ve accepted an offer to McMaster (YAY!) there are some things to prepare for your time at McMaster this upcoming Fall! Follow the links to various resources that will outline important steps you need to take in confirming your enrollment, managing finances, remembering specific deadlines, important contacts, and preparing during the summer months.
*This information is dedicated to students that have accepted an offer to a McMaster Engineering undergraduate program including BTech, CompSci, Eng 1, and iBioMed.
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Are you an incoming international student? Connect with Kim!
Welcome to the #FireballFamily! My name is Kimberly McDonald (Kim), and I am your International Undergraduate Student Coordinator.
I am here to support you throughout your academic journey and ensure that you have the best possible experience during your time here at McMaster Engineering.
As an international student myself, I understand the challenges that come with studying in a new country. That’s why I am dedicated to providing you with the resources and assistance you need to thrive academically, socially, and culturally. Whether you have questions about academics, housing, or navigating cultural differences, I am here to help!
I've accepted my offer- now what?
Your Mosaic account will be used to access your student center, timetable, tuition information, etc.
Additional information for the incoming class can be found here.
The first part of your McMaster journey is enrolling (also known as registering) in your classes. You’ll be randomly assigned an enrolment appointment in June, which will be the specific date & time when you can enroll in classes. Your appointment time will be found on the Enrolment Dates panel in McMaster’s Mosaic Student Center.
Typically there are two times per year that you will need to pay tuition and fees, September and January. You can track how much you owe in your student account, which is available in your McMaster’s Mosaic Student Center under “Finances”.
McMaster’s Fees & How to Pay Them
There are a variety of different programs offered by federal/provincial/state governments and McMaster to help financially.
UNIVERSITY TRANSITION
Transitioning from high school to University can be a difficult period for many students. Below are a few programs and initiatives that exist with supporting you as you begin your journey at McMaster Engineering.
Engineering Mentorship & Bridging Education Resources
EMBER prepares students who are entering their first year of Engineering, Bachelor of Technology, Computer Science and Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences for academic and social success. This two-week online program is a combination of live tutorials and self-paced learning modules that will get our students ready for September.
Archway
McMaster is all about community, and no matter where you are this school year, your Archway Community will be here for you. All first-year students will have their Archway Community, a group of 35 students, to connect with online. Each Community will have an Archway Mentor to run activities and keep students engaged, and an Archway Coach to provide personalized support.
Welcome Week
You’ll be welcomed to the MacEng community during Welcome Week – an energy-packed orientation where you’ll quickly discover the #FireballFamily spirit. It’s one of the most memorable parts of the university experience and you’ll learn the tools you’ll need to transition to school online, find resources to get involved, and have fun meeting new people! Details on Welcome Week typically become available mid-summer.
School Supplies
You will need to purchase the Casio-fx 991 for your time at McMaster. It is the only calculator that you will be allowed during tests and exams.
Most first-year classes will have required textbooks and other course materials but it is suggested that you wait until your first week of classes to purchase them, as your professor may or may not utilize them for your course.
Unofficial Used Textbooks Facebook Group
For your first year, it is suggested that you have a laptop with a Core i5 processor, Windows 10 OS, and 8GB RAM.
For students taking a course where they will be required to download Autodesk Inventor (such as in IBEHS 1P10 and ENGINEER 1P13), there are required specifications in order to run the software smoothly. It is important to note that it can only be run on Windows, but Mac users do have the option to dual-boot if needed.
Autodesk Inventor System Requirements
How do I Dual Boot?
MacEng Applicant Guide – Events & Resources
UPCOMING EVENTS
PAST EVENT RECORDINGS
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Fireball Diaries
A collection of stories and personal experiences from our incredible McMaster Engineering students including applying to MacEng, co-op and research placements, involvement in clubs, and how to balance everything in between.
Supporting Our Students
Our #FireballFamily is a supportive community where students build each other up in a spirit of collaboration, not competition. With various support programs led by students and or staff, we’re here to help you through your academic journey.
Register Now: MacEng Tours
Our student ambassadors and staff are excited to show off all things MacEng during these 1-hour tours. You’ll have a chance to check out the various Faculty of Engineering buildings, student spaces, support services, and classrooms. Led by current student ambassadors, they’ll be able to share their experiences as MacEng students, share the opportunities that students get involved with and answer your questions!