English Proficiency

At the discretion of the university, you may be exempted from McMaster’s English proficiency testing requirements if you meet one of the following requirements (exemption is not automatic):

• Attended, in full-time academic studies (non-ESL), an accredited Secondary School (High School) or Post-Secondary College in an English-speaking country for at least four years immediately prior to your anticipated start date at McMaster, OR
• Attended, in full-time academic studies (non-ESL), an accredited English medium Secondary School (High School) or Post-Secondary College for at least four years immediately prior to your anticipated start date at McMaster,* OR
• Attended, in full-time academic studies (non-ESL), an accredited English medium University for at least one year immediately prior to your anticipated start date at McMaster, OR
• Resided in an English speaking country for at least four years immediately prior to your anticipated start date at McMaster.
  *Students completing certain international curricula (i.e. GCE, IB, AP) may be considered for an English Language Proficiency Test waiver with high grades in acceptable courses.

• McMaster only accepts the tests listed below for English language proficiency.
• It is your responsibility to make all arrangements regarding the writing of the English Language Proficiency tests and to have the official score report forwarded to the Admissions Office directly from the testing centre in a timely manner.
  • Please refer to our deadlines and documentation pages.
  • The McMaster University institution code for ETS/TOEFL is 0936.
  • The IELTS Organization ID for McMaster University undergraduate admissions is 114599.
  • IELTS, DUOLINGO and TOEFL must be sent directly to McMaster electronically from the testing centre.
• Canadian citizenship, in and of itself, is not enough to satisfy the English Language Requirements, nor does a credit in Grade 12 English (or the equivalent)

• Students attending a Canadian curriculum offshore school in China are required to submit an English Language Proficiency test

• Students currently attending an Ontario high school and previously attended a Canadian curriculum offshore in China will be required to provide an English Language Proficiency test

• The University reserves the right to require applicants with an English Language Proficiency score disparate from their academic English prerequisite achievement to present further evidence of proficiency.

• If evidence of misrepresentation of fraudulent or falsified documentation is found, the penalty is severe. McMaster University reserves the right to rescind any Offer of Admission and/or scholarship.

If you are a student who meets all academic requirements but does not meet the minimum English-language proficiency scores detailed above, you may still qualify for an offer of admission that is conditional upon the successful completion of the MELD program.

The MELD Diploma is a 1-year (two academic terms) intensive transition program designed for students whose primary language is not English. MELD focuses on the development of academic English, acculturation, and engagement with the university community.

For more information about the program and how to apply, please see the MELD website.

If you are a student who meets all academic requirements but almost meet the minimum English-language proficiency scores detailed below, you may still qualify for a conditional offer of admission upon the successful completion of the STEP program.

The STEP certificate is an intensive seven-week academic bridging program designed for English-language learners who wish to pursue undergraduate studies, and almost meet the university’s language proficiency requirements. During the STEP program, students will develop the skills necessary for a successful transition in September to their undergraduate program:

• Reinforce literacy skills
• Heighten academic skills
• Learn to convey ideas effectively
• Strengthen critical and analytical skills
• Develop best practices for academic communication

For more information about the program and how to apply, please see the STEP website.

If your English language test results do not meet our minimum requirements, your checklist will remain as ‘Required’. To proceed you have three options:

1. 1. Rewrite the English language proficiency test and submit the results again. You may rewrite the test as many times as you like but results must be submitted by April 1, 2026. If your new scores meet the minimum requirements, your checklist will be updated with ‘Complete’ and we will continue to process your application. You cannot proceed with your application until this requirement is met.
   2. Apply to the McMaster English Language Development (MELD) diploma program. This 8-month program is designed to improve your English skills while giving you university credit. Upon successful completion, you will progress to the level 1 undergraduate program for which you are applying. You can add one of the MELD programs as an option to your application via the OUAC if you would like to be considered.
   3. Opt-in to the Summer Transition through English Prep (STEP) certificate program. This intensive 6-week academic English bridging program is designed to develop students’ academic English skills necessary for a successful transition in September. Applicants to the MELD program may receive a conditional offer notifying your eligibility for STEP, together with an opt-in form into the program. Upon successful completion of STEP in the summer, you will immediately progress to your undergraduate studies in September.