Course

Accounting & Finance

Offered by DeGroote School of Business

QS Accounting & Finance

QS Accounting & Finance Rank: Top 200 in the World (2026)QS World Rank: Top 200 (2026)

McMaster’s DeGroote School offers a focused Master of Finance with strong employer engagement and an applied curriculum, at lower living costs than Toronto.

Key advantages

Applied, industry-oriented curriculum
Close to Toronto’s financial district
Lower cost of living than Toronto
CFA-aligned topics
Dedicated career services
Small, collaborative classes

Programme & duration: Master of Finance (MFin): about 12 months (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. CAD $40,000 – $60,000 total programme fee (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); January and May for some programmes
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 86–92PTE: 60+
Entry requirements: Four-year bachelor’s degree with a strong quantitative background. GMAT/GRE may be required; CV and references.

Employability & placement

Graduates secure roles in banking, corporate finance, asset management and financial analysis, mostly in the Greater Toronto Area.

Student experience

Hamilton offers noticeably lower living costs than Toronto, with commuter rail links into the city. McMaster is known for its collaborative, health-sciences-led culture and problem-based learning.

Research strengths

Research in corporate finance, risk management and financial markets.

Course

MBA

Offered by DeGroote School of Business

QS Global MBA Ranking

Recognised full-time MBA programme with AACSB accreditationQS World Rank: Top 200 (2026)

McMaster’s DeGroote MBA offers specialist pathways in digital transformation, health and finance at a lower cost than Toronto’s top schools.

Key advantages

Specialist MBA pathways
Health and digital transformation focus
Lower fees than Toronto schools
Close to Toronto
AACSB accreditation
Co-op options

Programme & duration: MBA: about 16 months (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. CAD $60,000 – $85,000 total programme fee (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); January and May for some programmes
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 86–92PTE: 60+
Entry requirements: Four-year bachelor’s degree, GMAT/GRE, 2–3+ years’ work experience, essays, references and interview.
Average Work Experience: Average about 5 years of work experience; typical class age 27–30
GMAT / GRE Requirement: GMAT/GRE: competitive score required (waivers for experienced candidates)

Employability & placement

Graduates enter management, healthcare administration, consulting and technology roles across Ontario.

Student experience

Hamilton offers noticeably lower living costs than Toronto, with commuter rail links into the city. McMaster is known for its collaborative, health-sciences-led culture and problem-based learning.

Research strengths

Research in digital transformation, health management and operations.

Course

Economics

Offered by Department of Economics

QS Economics

QS Economics Rank: Top 150 in the World (2026)QS World Rank: Top 200 (2026)

McMaster’s MA in Economics is a focused programme with strong econometrics training and good access to the Greater Toronto Area’s policy and finance sectors.

Key advantages

Strong econometrics training
Close to the Greater Toronto Area
Smaller class sizes
Affordable Hamilton living costs
PhD pathway
Applied research focus

Programme & duration: MA in Economics: about 1 year (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. CAD $20,000 – $35,000 total programme fee (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); January and May for some programmes
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 86–92PTE: 60+
Entry requirements: Four-year bachelor’s degree in economics with a strong average and mathematics preparation. References and statement of purpose.

Employability & placement

Graduates take roles in government, finance and analytics, or proceed to a PhD.

Student experience

Hamilton offers noticeably lower living costs than Toronto, with commuter rail links into the city. McMaster is known for its collaborative, health-sciences-led culture and problem-based learning.

Research strengths

Research in econometrics, labour economics, health economics and macroeconomics.

Course

Chemical Engineering

Offered by Department of Chemical Engineering

QS Chemical Engineering

QS Chemical Engineering Rank: Top 150 in the World (2026)QS World Rank: Top 200 (2026)

McMaster’s chemical engineering department is a well-regarded research department with strengths in bioengineering, polymer science and process systems, at lower living costs than Toronto.

Key advantages

Bioengineering and polymer research
MEng and MASc options
Steel and manufacturing industry links
Lower cost than Toronto
Close to Toronto
Collaborative research culture

Programme & duration: MEng or MASc: 1–2 years (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. CAD $20,000 – $45,000 per year (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); January and May for some programmes
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 86–92PTE: 60+
Entry requirements: Four-year bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field with a strong average. References and statement; MASc requires a supervisor.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in process engineering, materials and pharmaceutical manufacturing across Ontario and beyond.

Student experience

Hamilton offers noticeably lower living costs than Toronto, with commuter rail links into the city. McMaster is known for its collaborative, health-sciences-led culture and problem-based learning.

Research strengths

Research in polymer science, biomaterials, process systems and green engineering.

Course

Civil Engineering

Offered by Department of Civil Engineering

QS Civil & Structural Engineering

QS Civil & Structural Engineering Rank: Top 200 in the World (2026)QS World Rank: Top 200 (2026)

McMaster’s civil engineering department offers research in structures, geotechnical and water engineering, with close ties to Ontario infrastructure and engineering firms.

Key advantages

Structures and water research
MEng and MASc options
Lower cost than Toronto
Close to Toronto
Industry partnerships
Collaborative research culture

Programme & duration: MEng or MASc: 1–2 years (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. CAD $20,000 – $45,000 per year (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); January and May for some programmes
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 86–92PTE: 60+
Entry requirements: Four-year bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field with a strong average. References and statement; MASc requires a supervisor.

Employability & placement

Graduates join consulting, construction and municipal engineering roles across southern Ontario.

Student experience

Hamilton offers noticeably lower living costs than Toronto, with commuter rail links into the city. McMaster is known for its collaborative, health-sciences-led culture and problem-based learning.

Research strengths

Research in structural engineering, geotechnics, water resources and sustainable infrastructure.

Course

Electrical Engineering

Offered by Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

QS Electrical & Electronic Engineering

QS Electrical & Electronic Engineering Rank: Top 200 in the World (2026)QS World Rank: Top 200 (2026)

McMaster’s ECE department offers strengths in power electronics, automotive electrification and biomedical engineering, with close links to industry.

Key advantages

Power electronics and electrification
MEng and MASc options
Automotive industry links
Lower cost than Toronto
Close to Toronto
Collaborative research culture

Programme & duration: MEng or MASc: 1–2 years (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. CAD $20,000 – $45,000 per year (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); January and May for some programmes
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 86–92PTE: 60+
Entry requirements: Four-year bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering or a related field with a strong average. References and statement; MASc requires a supervisor.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in automotive, energy, power electronics and technology roles across Ontario.

Student experience

Hamilton offers noticeably lower living costs than Toronto, with commuter rail links into the city. McMaster is known for its collaborative, health-sciences-led culture and problem-based learning.

Research strengths

Research in power electronics, electric vehicles, signal processing and biomedical devices.

Course

Mechanical Engineering

Offered by Department of Mechanical Engineering

QS Mechanical Engineering

QS Mechanical Engineering Rank: Top 150 in the World (2026)QS World Rank: Top 200 (2026)

McMaster’s mechanical engineering department offers strengths in automotive engineering, materials and manufacturing, with close ties to Ontario’s automotive sector.

Key advantages

Automotive engineering strength
MEng and MASc options
Steel and materials industry links
Lower cost than Toronto
Close to Toronto
Collaborative research culture

Programme & duration: MEng or MASc: 1–2 years (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. CAD $20,000 – $45,000 per year (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); January and May for some programmes
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 86–92PTE: 60+
Entry requirements: Four-year bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field with a strong average. References and statement; MASc requires a supervisor.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in automotive, steel, manufacturing and energy roles across southern Ontario.

Student experience

Hamilton offers noticeably lower living costs than Toronto, with commuter rail links into the city. McMaster is known for its collaborative, health-sciences-led culture and problem-based learning.

Research strengths

Research in automotive engineering, materials, thermofluids and manufacturing.

Course

Biomedical Science

Offered by Faculty of Health Sciences

QS Biological Sciences

QS Biological Sciences Rank: Top 150 in the World (2026)QS World Rank: Top 200 (2026)

McMaster is known worldwide for health sciences and evidence-based medicine, with strong biomedical research programmes at lower living costs than Toronto.

Key advantages

World-renowned for health sciences
Evidence-based research culture
Strong supervisors and facilities
Lower living costs than Toronto
Close to Toronto
Funding often available

Programme & duration: MSc Medical Sciences / MSc Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences: 2 years
Tuition (international): Approx. CAD $9,000 – $20,000 per year; funding often available (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); January and May for some programmes
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 86–92PTE: 60+
Entry requirements: Four-year bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related field with a strong average (B+ / 75%+). A supervisor must agree to supervise; references and research statement.

Employability & placement

Graduates progress to PhD or medical school or join pharmaceutical, clinical research and health-policy organisations.

Student experience

Hamilton offers noticeably lower living costs than Toronto, with commuter rail links into the city. McMaster is known for its collaborative, health-sciences-led culture and problem-based learning.

Research strengths

Research in infection and immunity, cancer, cardiovascular science, neuroscience and clinical epidemiology.

Course

Nursing

Offered by School of Nursing

QS Nursing

QS Nursing Rank: Top 100 in the World (2026)QS World Rank: Top 200 (2026)

McMaster is a leader in health-sciences education, and its School of Nursing is known for evidence-based practice and problem-based learning.

Key advantages

Evidence-based practice culture
Problem-based learning
Strong health-sciences brand
Lower cost than Toronto
Close to Toronto’s hospitals
Interprofessional learning

Programme & duration: MScN / Nurse Practitioner streams: 1.5–2 years
Tuition (international): Approx. CAD $15,000 – $35,000 per year (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); January and May for some programmes
English requirement: IELTS: 7.0 overall (min 6.5–7.0 in each band; clinical streams may require more)TOEFL iBT: 92+PTE: 65+
Entry requirements: Four-year BScN or equivalent with a strong average and RN registration for clinical streams. References and statement of intent.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in advanced practice, clinical leadership and research roles; registration rules apply to clinical streams.

Student experience

Hamilton offers noticeably lower living costs than Toronto, with commuter rail links into the city. McMaster is known for its collaborative, health-sciences-led culture and problem-based learning.

Research strengths

Research in chronic disease, health promotion, aging and nursing education.

Course

Psychology

Offered by Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour

QS Psychology

QS Psychology Rank: Top 150 in the World (2026)QS World Rank: Top 200 (2026)

McMaster’s psychology, neuroscience and behaviour department offers strong research in cognition, perception and behaviour, with close faculty supervision.

Key advantages

Neuroscience and behaviour focus
Strong research supervision
Lower living costs than Toronto
Funding often available
Collaborative environment
Close to Toronto

Programme & duration: MSc (research-based): 2 years
Tuition (international): Approx. CAD $9,000 – $20,000 per year; funding often available (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); January and May for some programmes
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 86–92PTE: 60+
Entry requirements: Four-year bachelor’s degree in psychology with a strong average and research experience. A supervisor must agree to supervise; references and statement of research interests.

Employability & placement

Graduates progress to doctoral study or research roles in health, neuroscience and technology.

Student experience

Hamilton offers noticeably lower living costs than Toronto, with commuter rail links into the city. McMaster is known for its collaborative, health-sciences-led culture and problem-based learning.

Research strengths

Research in cognition, perception, behavioural neuroscience and clinical psychology.

Course

Sports Science

Offered by Department of Kinesiology

QS Sports-Related Subjects

QS Sports-Related Subjects Rank: Top 50 in the World (2026)QS World Rank: Top 200 (2026)

McMaster’s Department of Kinesiology is internationally known for exercise metabolism and physical-activity research, with strong funding and facilities.

Key advantages

Exercise metabolism research strength
Strong research facilities
Lower living costs than Toronto
Funding often available
Collaborative environment
Close to Toronto

Programme & duration: MSc in Kinesiology: 2 years
Tuition (international): Approx. CAD $10,000 – $22,000 per year; funding often available (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); January and May for some programmes
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 86–92PTE: 60+
Entry requirements: Four-year bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or a related field with a strong average. A supervisor must agree to supervise; references and research statement.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in exercise science, rehabilitation and health research, or progress to doctoral study.

Student experience

Hamilton offers noticeably lower living costs than Toronto, with commuter rail links into the city. McMaster is known for its collaborative, health-sciences-led culture and problem-based learning.

Research strengths

Research in exercise metabolism, muscle physiology, rehabilitation and physical activity.

Course

International Relations

Offered by Department of Political Science

QS Politics & IR

QS Politics & IR Rank: Top 300 in the World (2026)QS World Rank: Top 200 (2026)

McMaster’s Department of Political Science offers a research-focused MA with strengths in international relations and global political economy, at lower living costs than Toronto.

Key advantages

International relations and global political economy
Funding often available
Lower cost than Toronto
Close to Toronto
PhD pathway
Small cohorts

Programme & duration: MA in Political Science (international relations stream): 1–2 years
Tuition (international): Approx. CAD $12,000 – $25,000 total programme fee (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); January and May for some programmes
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 86–92PTE: 60+
Entry requirements: Four-year bachelor’s degree in political science or a related field with a strong average. Writing sample, statement of purpose and references.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in government, policy research and the non-profit sector, or progress to doctoral study.

Student experience

Hamilton offers noticeably lower living costs than Toronto, with commuter rail links into the city. McMaster is known for its collaborative, health-sciences-led culture and problem-based learning.

Research strengths

Research in international relations, global political economy and comparative politics.

McMaster University

Courses at McMaster University

Key advantages

Employability & placement

Student experience

Research strengths

Key advantages

Employability & placement

Student experience

Research strengths

Key advantages

Employability & placement

Student experience

Research strengths

Key advantages

Employability & placement

Student experience

Research strengths

Key advantages

Employability & placement

Student experience

Research strengths

Key advantages

Employability & placement

Student experience

Research strengths

Key advantages

Employability & placement

Student experience

Research strengths

Key advantages

Employability & placement

Student experience

Research strengths

Key advantages

Employability & placement

Student experience

Research strengths

Key advantages

Employability & placement

Student experience

Research strengths

Key advantages

Employability & placement

Student experience

Research strengths

Key advantages

Employability & placement

Student experience

Research strengths

Get in touch

Book your free consultation