Graduate Academic Certificate in Railway Systems and Assurance

• 4-year degree in a STEM discipline, with at least a B average (equivalent to a McMaster 8.0 GPA out of 12) in the final two years of study, in all courses in the discipline or relating to the discipline.
• English Language Proficiency (ELP) test: International students or students who attended university where the medium of instruction was not English are required to provide an English Language Proficiency test. Accepted tests are: IELTS and TOEFL.
  • Minimum IELTS score: 6.5 overall (5.5 in reading and writing; 6.0 in listening and speaking)
  • Minimum TOEFL score: 88 (if taken before January 2026); 4.5 (if taken after January 2026)
  • NOTE: If an applicant’s medium of instruction was English and this is documented on the transcripts, an ELP test report is not required.

International applicants are encouraged to apply early as the visa application process may take 3 months or more.

*fees subject to change. Please refer to the Graduate fees | Office of the Registrar | McMaster University

Step 1: Click on the link above to open your application with McMaster University. Alternatively, please visit the Graduate studies portal.

Step 2: Answer all application-related questions.

Step 3: Gather, and upload all required documents.

• Recent IELTS or TOEFL scores (within the last 2 years) required for international students. Minimum IELTS score 6.5 overall (minimum requirement 5.5 in reading and writing and 6 in listening and speaking). Minimum TOEFL score is 88. Note that if your medium of instruction was English and this is documented on your transcripts, you do not need to submit an ELP test.
  
• Transcripts from all post secondary institutions you have attended. Transcripts must state that you are/were in a 4-year program. If your transcripts do not state this, a letter from the university stating that the degree is a 4-year degree will be accepted.
  
• Please note that all documents must be uploaded before application submission. Transcripts and IELTS/TOEFL are uploaded in the same section of the application.

Step 4: Pay $50 application fee, and submit application.

• Only submit your application once all the above documents have been uploaded.
• *Applications will not be reviewed unless all items noted above are submitted at the time of application*.

Step 5: You will be contacted if there are any issues with your application. Please do not email about the status of your application. Applicants will be contacted once a decision regarding the application has been made.

Important Notes:

• Applications will not be reviewed until all required documents are uploaded. All applications must be completed in full in advance of the application deadlines in order to be considered.
• Official transcripts are not required unless an applicant is granted an offer of admission. Documentation sent via post will not be considered for your application.
• Applications will not be considered until we receive copies of transcripts noting grades up to at least Term 7 of your undergraduate studies.

This student-run club plans social and professional development events for students in W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology. For more information, please visit https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/septs/