McGill University Admissions 2025: Requirements & Deadlines

Official admission cycle for Fall 2025 at McGill University opens on September 15, 2025, with a final application deadline of January 15, 2026, for international students. Deadlines for the Winter (January) intake are August 1, 2025.

McGill University is one of Canada's oldest and most recognised institutions. It is located in Montreal, Quebec, and is widely known for its academic excellence, inclusive campus culture, and world-class research.

McGill attracts thousands of international students each year because of its academic reputation, research intensity, and vibrant student life. From top-ranked programs to multicultural support systems, McGill offers an enriching environment for students worldwide.

What Makes McGill a Top Choice for Global Students?

• McGill was ranked #1st in Canada and #27th globally in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. 
• Strong research culture with hundreds of labs and research centres
• Over 12,000 international students from more than 150 countries
• English-taught programs in the heart of French-speaking Montreal
• Access to global internships, co-op, and work-study opportunities

McGill University At a Glance:

Key Metrics	Details
Established Year	1821
Type	Public Research University
Global Ranking (QS 2026)	#27 Worldwide
Total Students	39,000+
International Students	12,000+
Campuses	2 (Downtown & Macdonald)
Programs Offered	300+ UG & 400+ PG Programs
Notable Faculties	Medicine, Engineering, Arts, Law

When Can You Apply to McGill University for 2025/26?

Every year, McGill University opens its undergraduate application window on October 1, inviting aspiring students to begin their admissions journey. For Fall 2025 entry (i.e., the 2025/26 academic year), the final application deadline for most faculties is January 15, 2025.

What Are the Key Application Deadlines for 2025?

The main intake of McGill University is Fall (September). Some graduate programs also accept Winter (January) applicants, but Summer intake is rare and limited to continuing education.

If you're planning to join McGill in 2025, the following table will give you detailed information on important dates.

Application Milestone	Undergraduate	Graduate Programs
Applications Open	October 1, 2024	Varies by department
Deadline for Submission	January 15, 2025	Usually December to March
Supporting Documents Due	February 1, 2025	Set by individual programs
Offer Acceptance	May 1, 2025	Mentioned in the offer letter

Note: Information mentioned in this table is approximate and may vary depending on official announcements.

When Should I Begin My Application?

To apply for the 2025/26 intake, it’s good to begin preparing by September 2024. McGill’s application process is competitive, so giving yourself enough time to plan, gather documents, and perfect your application is important.

Given below is a timeline for you to refer to.

Timeline	Key Actions
Sep - Oct 2024	Research programs, admission criteria, and scholarships. Begin test prep (IELTS/TOEFL, if needed).
Oct - Dec 2024	Collect transcripts, recommendation letters, and financial documents. Draft your SOP and résumé.
Jan 2025	Submit your online application before the January 15 deadline. Double-check requirements.
Feb - Mar 2025	Upload pending documents. Track your application status and wait for admission results.

Note: Information mentioned in this table is approximate and may vary depending on official announcements.

Starting early will give you peace of mind and also ensure that your application is complete, competitive, and submitted before the deadline.

Still stressed about the admission process? Don’t worry! Book a 1:1 free counselling session to clear all your doubts with upGrad’s expert counselors today!

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for McGill Admissions?

Before applying to McGill University, it's essential to know if you meet the basic eligibility requirements. McGill has clear academic and language criteria for students belonging to different educational systems around the world.

Academic Requirements for Undergraduate Applicants

Academic requirements differ based on the level of study, program type, and country of origin. This table will give you an idea about the requirements for graduate programs.

Criteria	Indian Board Applicants (CBSE/ICSE/State)
Qualification	Class XII from a recognised board
Required Subjects	Varies by program
Minimum Scores	85% and above in best five subjects
English Proficiency	Required if medium of instruction not English
Sample Requirements by Program:	Engineering: Math, Physics, Chemistry Science: Math, two sciences (Bio/Chem/Phys) Management: Math, English, 3 electives Arts: English + 4 academic subjects

Academic Requirements for Graduate Programs

For Graduate programs at McGill University, the academic requirements vary a lot, depending on the course. Given below is a general overview of the requirements for graduate programs.

Criteria	Details
Degree Requirement	4-year UG degree or equivalent
GPA	Minimum 3.0/4.0 (75% or first-class division)
Prerequisites	Varies by faculty
English Proficiency	Mandatory
Work Experience	Needed for MBA, optional for others

Some programs may ask for GRE/GMAT scores, especially in business or tech fields.

What Documents Are Required for Applying to McGill?

To apply to McGill University, you’ll need to submit a set of academic and supporting documents that help the admissions team evaluate your profile. Some of the documents are mandatory for all, and others vary based on your level of study. 

What is the document checklist for McGill undergraduate/graduate programs?

The documents required for admission to McGill University are given below.

Document	Undergraduate	Postgraduate
Academic Transcripts	Required (final/predicted marksheets)	Required (bachelor’s degree transcripts)
Passport Copy	Required	Required
English Test Scores	Required  (IELTS/TOEFL / Duolingo)	Required unless exempt
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Optional (program-specific)	Mandatory
Letters of Recommendation	Optional (some programs)	2-3 required
Resume/CV	Optional	Often required

All documents must be uploaded through the McGill Application Portal. Some transcripts may later need to be sent directly by your school. Also, it is important to pay attention to program-specific requirements.

What Are the Accepted English Language Tests and Scores?

McGill University accepts a range of globally recognized English proficiency tests, each with its minimum score requirements. Knowing which tests are accepted and what scores you need can help you choose the option that is best for you.

What are the Minimum Test Score Requirements at McGill?

The following table will give you an idea about the minimum test scores required by McGill University in English language proficiency tests.

Test	Undergraduate Minimum	Graduate Minimum
IELTS	6.5 (no band < 6.0)	6.5-7.0
TOEFL iBT	90 (min 21 per section)	90-100+
PTE	65+	65-70+
Duolingo	115+	115-120+

Some programs may ask for higher scores based on competitiveness.

How Can You Apply to McGill as an International Student?

Applying to McGill University as an international student is a big step. The process is straightforward if you stay organised and follow the official steps. From choosing the right program to uploading your documents and securing your student visa, every stage plays a key role in helping you get a place at one of Canada’s most prestigious universities.

What is the step-by-step process for applying to McGill University? 

1. Research Your Program

The first step is to explore McGill’s undergraduate or graduate programs that match your academic background and future goals. Review prerequisites, admission requirements, and application deadlines for your chosen faculty.

2. Create Your McGill Applicant Account

Once you’ve chosen your program, go to the McGill application portal (for UG) or the Graduate Admissions page and create your account. This portal is where you have to fill in your personal information, academic history, and program choice.

3. Submit Your Application & Pay the Fee

Fill out the online application carefully and submit it before the deadline. You'll also need to pay a non-refundable application fee of CAD 132.90 using a valid credit card.

4. Upload Your Documents

After submitting your application, you'll be asked to upload all required supporting documents, like academic transcripts, English language test scores, résumé, SOP, etc., through the portal. Make sure everything is submitted before the faculty-specific deadlines.

5. Track Your Application Status

Use the application portal to track your status. McGill may request additional documents or updates (like new transcripts or test results), so it’s important to check regularly and respond promptly.

6. Accept Your Offer & Begin the Visa Process

When you accept your offer, you will receive a formal offer of admission via the portal. Once you accept it, you should start your Canadian study permit (visa) application right away, this process can take several weeks or even months, depending on your country.

What are the Program-Specific Requirements at McGill?

At McGill University, each program, especially at the graduate level, has its own set of prerequisites that go beyond basic academic requirements. These program-specific requirements are designed to ensure you’re ready for the expectations of your chosen field.

What are the admission requirements for the McGill MBA in 2025?

The Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill offers one of Canada’s most respected MBA programs. It's designed for professionals who are looking to grow into leadership roles across industries.

The following are the details of admission requirements for the MBA.

Requirement	Details
Bachelor’s Degree	In any discipline, from a recognized university
Work Experience	Minimum 2 years of full-time post-graduation experience
GMAT/GRE	GMAT score of 550+ or equivalent GRE score
English Language Proficiency	TOEFL (100 iBT) or IELTS (7.0 overall, no band below 7.0)
SOP (Statement of Purpose)	Required - explains your career goals and fit with the MBA
Letters of Recommendation	2 professional or academic references required
Resume/CV	Required - outlining educational background and work history

What is the eligibility for an MS in Computer Science at McGill?

The School of Computer Science at McGill offers advanced education in algorithms, AI, machine learning, software engineering, and more. It's academically rigorous and math-heavy, with strong competition from global applicants.

Requirement	Details
UG Degree	In Computer Science or a closely related field
Academic Record	Strong GPA, especially in technical subjects
English Language Test	TOEFL (86 iBT minimum, with 20 in each section)  or IELTS (6.5+)
Technical Background	Courses in algorithms, data structures, computer architecture
SOP	Required - demonstrate interest in specific research areas
Recommendation Letters	2-3 academic or professional Letters of Recommendation (varies by program)

Do engineering programs at McGill have separate prerequisites?

McGill’s Faculty of Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate programs in civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering, among others. For undergrad and direct-entry master’s programs, academic excellence in science and math is key.

What are the Admission Requirements for Engineering (UG & PG)?

Undergraduate Level:

• High school courses in:
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
• Minimum of 90%+ in these subjects for competitive programs
• TOEFL/IELTS required for non-native English speakers

Graduate Level:

• Bachelor's degree in a related engineering discipline
• GPA above 3.2/4.0 or equivalent
• Research-based programs may require:
  • Supervisor confirmation
  • Research proposal

What is required to apply to research or thesis-based programs at McGill?

If you're aiming for a Master’s (Thesis) or PhD at McGill, especially in STEM or social sciences, you're expected to come prepared with a research focus.

The following are the documents required.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field
• Contact a faculty supervisor before applying
• Submit a detailed research proposal
• Statement of Purpose specific to your research interest and McGill’s resources
• 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
• CV highlighting academic/research background

What Are the Costs of Studying at McGill?

McGill is very open about its fee structure, and provides detailed information about its program-wise. Understanding the full cost of studying at McGill will be of great help. 

What is the Tuition Fees for International Students at McGill?

The tuition fees at McGill varies by level of education, country as well as programs. Following in an estimate of tuition fees for different courses.

Program Type	Annual Tuition (CAD)	Approx. INR (Lakhs)
UG Programs	23,000 - 28,000	₹18-22 lakh
MS Programs	15,000 - 20,000	₹12-16 lakh
MBA	45,000 - 55,000	₹35-42 lakh

McGill allows semester-wise payments and installment plans in some cases to make it easier for students.

Does McGill Offer Scholarships and Financial Aid?

McGill offers a range of scholarships and financial aid for both undergraduate and graduate students. Incoming undergraduates are automatically considered for entrance scholarships. Some awards require you to submit a separate form. Need-based financial aid is also available for international students.  

What are the Major Scholarships for International Students?

The following are the details of the major scholarships offered by McGill University.

Scholarship Name	Value (CAD)	Eligibility
Entrance Scholarship	$3,000-$10,000	Automatic, based on grades
Major Entrance Awards	$10,000-$15,000	Separate application required
In-Course Scholarships	Varies	Based on university performance
McCall MacBain Scholarship	Full tuition + stipend	Exceptional leadership, merit

McGill offers a variety of scholarships that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. These awards can ease your financial burden as an international student.