If you have a university background, you will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and admission is by selection. Most McMaster programs have enrolment limits and admission is by selection. Achieving the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission.
Specific information on transfer credit is given if an offer of admission is made. When you transfer to McMaster University, you will normally receive credit for courses in which you have obtained at least a C- standing (60%+ as per the McMaster grading scale). Transfer credit is ultimately determined by the individual faculties/programs and subject to their requirements.
Our transfer credit tool helps you see course equivalencies from a number of institutions. Note that courses and equivalencies are subject to change.
Requirements and program-specific information
University transfer students wishing to transfer to the same program offered at McMaster University will be required to meet the same course prerequisites for their selected program as current McMaster students must do. Program requirements can be reviewed via the McMaster University Undergraduate Calendar under “Programs (by Degree) and Minors.”
Minimum Cumulative GPA requirements for transfer from another university will vary by faculty and program.
Most undergraduate programs require the core secondary school subject prerequisites for application. For high school course/subject requirements please review the Admission from Secondary Schools section of our Undergraduate Calendar.
The following provides information for specific faculties and programs.
For comprehensive information for university transfer students please visit the DeGroote School of Business website.
For specific program prerequisite requirements, please review your program of interest under the Programs (by Degree) and Minors section of the current Academic Calendar.
Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours
Enrolment in Bachelor of Health Sciences (Hons) is limited and admission is based upon satisfying the admission requirements and the completion of a mandatory BHSc (Hons) supplemental application. Details can be found on the BHSC website.
Applicants who have completed more than one year of university degree study are not eligible to apply to Bachelor of Health Sciences (Hons). This program does not accept applications for a Second Degree.
Nursing
Accelerated (F) Stream is open to applicants who have completed another university degree or have completed a minimum of 54 units (2 years) of university degree credits. Applicants with a nursing background will not be considered for this Stream. This program is available on a full-time basis and requires five consecutive terms of study.
Note: The Accelerated (F) Stream is offered only at McMaster University.
For complete information about the Nursing Accelerated stream please review the calendar information here.
Other Programs
For other Health Sciences transfer application requirements, policies and procedures, please use the following links:
Honours B.A. Programs (Art History, Classics, Communication Studies, English & Cultural Studies, History, Philosophy, Theatre & Film Studies, combined Peace Studies)
For consideration, applicants must have satisfactorily completed all admission courses/requirements (normally 3 units of the introductory course in the discipline with a grade of at least C) and possess a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 5.0 (C).
Honours B.A. in French, Linguistics, Cognitive Science of Language
For consideration, applicants must have satisfactorily completed all admission courses/requirements (normally 6 to 9 units of the introductory discipline courses with an average of at least 5.0 in the relevant courses) and possess a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 5.0 (C).
Honours B.A. in Multimedia
For consideration, applicants must have satisfactorily completed all admission courses/requirements with a grade of at least C in the relevant course and possess a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 5.0 (C).
Note: this is a limited enrolment program and may require a higher GPA for consideration. This GPA varies from program to program and year to year, depending on the size of the applicant pool.
Honours B.A. in Justice, Political Philosophy and Law
For consideration, applicants must have satisfactorily completed all admission courses/requirements, submit a supplementary application, and possess a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 5.0 (C).
Note: this is a limited enrolment program and may require a higher GPA for consideration. This GPA varies from program to program and year to year, depending on the size of the applicant pool.
Honours B.F.A. in iArts (Integrated Arts)
The Honours Studio Art program is a limited enrolment program. For consideration, applicants must have completed all admission courses/requirements with an average of at least 5.0 in relevant courses, a successful portfolio interview at the time of admission and possess a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 5.0 (C).
Honours B. Music
For consideration, applicants must have satisfactorily completed all admission courses/requirements with an average of at least 5.0 in the relevant courses, a successful audition at the time of admission and possess a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 5.0 (C).
B.A. Programs
For consideration, applicants must have satisfactorily completed all admission courses/requirements (normally 3 units of the introductory course in the discipline with a grade of at least C-) and possess a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.5 (59 per cent).
For specific program prerequisites and minimum average requirements, please review your program of interest under the Programs (by Degree) and Minors section of the current Academic Calendar.
For limited enrolment programs in Science that do not specify a minimum average requirement, please contact Science via email: science@mcmaster.ca or call at (905) 525-9140 Ext. 22612
For specific program prerequisites and minimum average requirements, review your program of interest here.
For limited enrolment programs in Social Sciences that do not specify an average higher than the minimum average requirement, it is recommended that applicants present a minimum CGPA of B- (70%) to be considered.
For all other undergraduate program options at McMaster please review the program-specific information from the list here.
Enrolment in the Honours Arts & Science Program is limited, and admission is based upon satisfying the admission requirements and the completion of a mandatory Arts & Science Program Supplementary Application. Applicants who would like to apply to transfer into the Arts & Science Program should refer to the Transfer Applicants page on the Arts & Science Program website. This program does not accept applications for a Second Degree.
FAQs
How much transfer credit will I receive?
Transfer credit is determined upon receipt of a completed application. If an offer of admission is made, applicants are informed of transfer credit information either in the offer letter or upon acceptance of the offer.
How long will it take to complete my degree if I transfer to McMaster?
The length of time to complete your degree as a transfer is dependent on various factors, including but not limited to transfer credit received, program requirements, and course load. Once you accept your offer, you can connect with your faculty office and discuss your progress and course selection.
How do I know if I am eligible for my program of interest? What are the admission requirements?
Transfer students are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and admission is by selection. Review the admission statement for your program of interest in the Undergraduate Calendar by choosing ‘Programs (by Faculty) and Faculty Information’ in the table of contents. There, you can determine if you believe you have the appropriate equivalent background to be eligible for consideration. Ultimately, only once a completed application is received can your eligibility be determined. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
I want to change majors. Can I apply to Level I?
Level I programs are geared to students with little to no university experience. If you have substantial university course experience, you should consider programs above level I that you qualify for. If admitted to a program for which you qualify, you can explore changing majors at that time and take any introductory courses if eligible to do so.
How do I report extenuating circumstances?
If you have extenuating circumstances that may impact your academic performance, please reach out via this site’s chat function. You will be asked to submit a Request for Special Consideration form. We can direct you on the process and what is required for us to assess your situation as part of your admission. The deadline for form submission is May 1st.
