McGill University: Admission, Tuition Fees, Scholarships, Courses, and Ranking

One of the top destinations for excellent study in world-renowned universities in Canada. Canada boasts of great institutions that have lasted over the years.  One such top-notch university is McGill University.

We have prepared comprehensive information on all you need to know about McGill University and what it takes to study there, as well as tips on how to make the most of your study time in Canada.

McGill University is one of the best and most renowned, excellent institutions of learning in Canada. It is also one of the top-notch universities in the world.

McGill University students are made up of citizens of over 150 countries from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Thus, it has one of the most internationally acclaimed student bases.

Is there More About Studying in Canada?

Studying in Canada or getting an admission to study at any of the Canadian College or University should be a top priority for those who may want to pursue a Quality education in their respective areas of interest and professions.

A general survey has proven that one out of every three people all over the world who are under the age of thirty years old desire to study in Canada.

This is because Canada is one of the best countries with one of the best economies in the whole world. In Canada, almost 25 percent of students have an immigrant background; this is a reflection of the country’s openness towards international students.

What Should I Know About McGill University, Canada?

McGill University is renowned around the world for its excellence in teaching and research-oriented programs. It has an ancient tradition of innovative studies which is a driving force in teaching at the school.

Part of the innovations in the campus includes the invention of artificial blood cell and Plexiglas, building of new field of epigenetics, development alternative sources of energy for plants, and the renowned research on the nature of radioactivity which earned a Nobel Prize for Ernest Rutherford was conducted in McGill University.

Established in 1821 by a royal charter which granted by King George IV, McGill University is a public research university in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was named after James McGill, a Montreal merchant originally from Scotland whose bequest in 1813 formed the university’s precursor, McGill College.

Location of McGill University, Canada

McGill’s main campus is situated at Mount Royal in downtown Montreal, with the second campus situated in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, also on the Montreal Island, 30 kilometers (18 miles) west of the main campus.

The University is a member of the Association of American University and the only Canadian school in the Global University Leaders Forum (GULF), within the World Economic Forum, which is made up of 26 of the world’s top universities which acts as an intellectual community advise its leadership on matters relating to higher education and research.

Programs In McGill University

McGill University is an institution that offers degrees and diplomas in over 300 fields of study, which records the highest average admission requirement than any other University in Canada.

The enrolment of students is across its five largest faculties, namely Arts, Science, Medicine, Engineering, and Management.

McGill University Acceptance Rate

The University is reputed for attracting the most excellent, brightest, and top students from across the nation, as well as the United States, Europe, Africa, and around the world. These students have the highest entry grades in the country.

And the university is committed to bringing out the best in the students to win a more national and international reputation above their contemporaries in any other institution.

Over 144 of McGill University students are recipients of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarships. The overall acceptance rate of students at McGill University is 46.3%. Below is a graphical representation of its acceptance rate.

Notable Achievements of McGill University

McGill University is an institution that has produced a number of luminaries in Canada and around the world. Which basically includes 12 Nobel laureates and 144 Rhodes Scholars, five astronauts, three Canadian prime ministers, the incumbent Governor-General of Canada.

And also 14 justices of the Canadian Supreme Court, four foreign leaders, 28 foreign ambassadors, nine Academy Award (Oscars) winners. As well as 11 Grammy Award winners, three Pulitzer Prize winners, and 28 Olympic medalists, all of the varying nationalities.

In its long journey of history, the McGill University Notable Alumni are responsible for inventing and organizing football, basketball, and ice hockey.  McGill University or its notable alumni are instrumental to the founding of major Universities and colleges. Which basically includes the Universities of British Columbia, Victoria, and Alberta. As well as the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Dawson College.

McGill University Tuition and Fees

At McGill University, entrance policies are a bit different; it offers some discounts to residents of Quebec province. The tuition fees depend on the program; programs in arts and sciences. It may be annually charged CA$2,455.50 for residents of Quebec. And CA$7,631.70 for non-Quebec Canadians pay, and CA$16,815.60 for international students (2024 figures).

At the graduate level, all students can enroll in a full-time master’s program for the same price as their undergraduate fees, while international students pay CA$15,093.60 for PhDs.

McGill University Fees

Below is a table of the McGill University tuition fees and other necessary fees to be paid.

	International Students	Québec Students	Other Canadian Students
Tuition	$16,373 – $42,027   Tuition will vary depending on your program of study. Consult the Fee Calculator for exact tuition rates.	$2,391	$7,402
Ancillary Fees (estimate)	About $1,698 – $2,100   The Ancillary fees vary depending on your program of study. But Consult the Fee Calculator for exact fees.	$1,843 – $2,230   Ancillary fees vary depending on your program of study. The Consult the Fee Calculator for exact fees.	Within $1,843 – $2,230   The Ancillary fees vary depending on your program of study. Consult the Fee Calculator for exact fees.
Mandatory health insurance	$1, 093	Not applicable	Not applicable
Books & supplies (estimate)	About $1, 000	$1, 000	Approximately $1, 000
Education Costs	$20,164 – $46,220	$5,234 – $5,621	$10,245 – $10,632

Other Expenses

While preparing to study at McGill University, it is important to take note of personal expenses like travel, clothes, transportation, entertainment, and your phone. (All figures are in Canadian dollars)

BASIC LIVING COSTS
HOUSING
McGill Residence	$4,014 – $12,580 Rates vary depending on residence type and length of the lease.  For full details, consult McGill Residences and Student Housing.
Planning on renting an apartment?	$500 – $1,300 per month Check out our Rough Guide for estimates on the cost of renting in Montreal.
FOOD
Mandatory Residential Meal Plan This 8-month meal plan is mandatory for students living in most McGill Residences. See website for exceptions.	$5475
Voluntary Meal Plan Optional for students living off-campus.	$2,600
TOTAL BASIC LIVING COSTS	$14,127 – $18,055   For a student living in McGill residence on a mandatory meal plan.

McGill University Rankings

According to Maclean’s 24th annual rankings of the 2018 academic year, McGill University was ranked 1st in Canada. Specifically, above all its major/research universities and maintaining this position for the 12th consecutive year.

On the international rating, according to the 2020 QS World University Rankings, McGill University ranked 33rd in the world and 2nd in Canada.

According to the 2018 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, McGill University was ranked 42nd in the world. And 3rd in Canada and also ranked 18th in the world in its 2017 Global University Employability Ranking.

In Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2017, it ranked 67^th in the world and 4^th in Canada.

According to Times Higher Nature, it ranked McGill 70th in the world and 2nd in Canada among academic institution for high-impact research in the 2018 edition of Nature Index; and In 2016, Nature also ranked McGill 37th in the world,  4th in North America, and 1st in Canada for growth in high-impact research over the preceding three years.

Application Procedures into McGill University

• All supporting application documents and required supplemental materials must be uploaded directly to the McGill admissions processing system.
• The candidate must use the Online Application to obtain the Admission form.
• An Application fee which is a non-refundable Canadian fund payable by credit card to cover up for two program choices per term must be paid. Some programs may charge additional fees. If applicable, these will be automatically charged when you submit the application form. Please note that application fees and other charges are listed on the Student Accounts website.
• Transcripts of the candidate’s complete record of study from each university-level institution you have attended to date must be submitted online. Uploaded copies are considered unofficial; final, official copies will be required of admitted applicants.
• Reference letters must be submitted along with the application form. You must provide the names and email addresses of at least two professors who are familiar with your academic work. McGill will contact these referees and invite them to upload references on your behalf. N.B. some academic units require more than two referees.
• TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT results are to be sent when registering for the test, please ensure that you request that results be sent directly to McGill University. McGill will then receive the results electronically, directly from the testing agency.

Other Supporting Documents

The following terms appear on the Document Checklist and are items or documents that you may be required to upload as part of your application for admission.

Audition: a trial performance where a performer demonstrates their suitability or skill.

Curriculum Vitae: an overview of the applicant’s experience and other qualifications, including employment, academic credentials, publications, contributions, and significant achievements.

GMAT: Graduate Management Aptitude Test

GRE: Graduate Records Examination

Interview: a conversation between the applicant and a McGill representative, using a structured, standardized approach to allow for comparison and analysis of responses from all applicants interviewed; in person, via telephone, Skype, etc.

Personal Statement: an essay in which the applicant describes their reasons for applying to graduate studies and indicating qualifications, qualities, or circumstances the applicant feels to be significant; usually provides information about educational and professional goals and discusses the applicant’s interest in the desired field of study.

Portfolio: a collection of the applicant’s best work to date, selected by them, and intended to show their mastery of a given style or variety of styles; different samples of their artistic work.

Recording: an unedited recording (audio or video) of the applicant performing at least two contrasting pieces; minimum 20 minutes.

Research Proposal: a detailed description of the proposed program of research, including proposed Thesis Supervisor(s). Specifically describes the research background, significance, methodology, and references.

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language

Writing Sample: a recent sample of the applicant’s written work, on any topic (not necessarily within the desired field of graduate study) and not necessarily previously submitted for evaluation or publication.

Written Work: a sample of the applicant’s written work, drawn from essays, papers or other work previously submitted. Specifically for academic evaluation or publication, and falling within the desired field of graduate study.Tips for Completing your Application

Be prepared: Be sure that you have read through the requirements and deadlines to determine whether you fulfilled the entrance requirements. Be aware of application and document submission deadlines – priority will be given to students who apply early.

Keep track of your Login ID and PIN: At the beginning of the application, you will be required to select a Login ID and PIN. However, to make a change after you have submitted your application, you must submit a modification request.

Provide a valid and reliable email address: After you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email with important information on your Minerva account and how to complete your file. As such, it is very important that you provide a reliable email address.

Use both your program choices: It does not matter what order you use. Both choices will be evaluated and you will receive a separate decision for each program choice. If you want to apply to more than two programs, you will need to submit – and pay for – another application.

Tell us who can obtain application information on your behalf: If you would like a parent, guardian, family member or friend to be able to contact McGill on your behalf and obtain information about your application. You must include their name in the “Disclosure information” section of the application.

Must have the following information as it may be helpful in filling out the application:
– Test scores (if you are required to submit tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, etc…)
– Quebec Permanent Code (if you have studied at any level in Quebec)

Have a credit card to pay the application fee: At the undergraduate level, a non-refundable application fee of $110.40 ($154.56 for the Faculty of Medicine) is required for up to two program choices.After Submitting my Application, What Next?

Track your application status on Minerva: Throughout the application process, McGill will communicate with you through Minerva. We do not send paper or email reminders about outstanding items to complete your file. 

Therefore, checking your Minerva account regularly is important.  It is your responsibility to verify your status on Minerva and ensure the completion of your application.  Consult this section for information on how to log in and navigate the Applicant Menu in Minerva.

Submit your supporting documents: It is in the interest of all applicants to complete their files as quickly as possible. When program space is limited, preference may be given to applicants who have provided all required supporting documents earlier on. Should a program reach its capacity prior to the deadline for submission of documents, incomplete applications may be canceled.

Arrange for external test results to be sent to McGill (if applicable)

Apply for scholarships and/or financial aid

Find out when you can expect a decisionOther Additional Requirements

Proof of English proficiency: if you are required to submit proof of English proficiency, consult English Proficiency for accepted tests and submission instructions.

Architecture, Music, Religious Studies and Social Work: if applying to one of these programs, you will need to send certain documents by mail. Please consult Additional supporting documents for instructions.

If applying for Major Scholarship or Financial Aid, consult Scholarships & Student Aid for additional requirements and submission instructions.

Uploaded transcripts are considered unofficial and are preferred for the purpose of admission review.  Only once admitted will you need to provide a final, official transcript (sent to us by mail in a sealed envelope directly from the institution).

Your offer of admission will be contingent upon the receipt and verification of your official documents. Do not send official records until they are requested.
For all other supporting documents, consult here.

You must provide your Permanent Code on the application, allowing McGill to obtain your transcript electronically.  

If you are applying from a lycée or high school, you must also upload an unofficial copy* of your school transcript (or bulletins).

Any other supporting documents (if applicable), must be uploaded via Minerva unless otherwise specified.

Ontario high school – If you are registered with the Ontario Universities Application Centre.

You must provide your OUAC number on the application, allowing McGill to obtain your transcript electronically.  

If you are not registered with OUAC, you must upload your unofficial transcript* via Minerva.

Any other supporting documents (if applicable), must be uploaded via Minerva unless otherwise specified.

Canadian high school  (outside ON and QC)

If your school is located in Canada, you must self-report your grades using the designated web form on Minerva.  

If your school is located outside Canada, you must upload your unofficial transcript* via Minerva.

Any other supporting documents (if applicable), must be uploaded via Minerva unless otherwise specified.

U.S. high school – Unofficial transcripts* must be uploaded on Minerva.  

You must have external test results (such as SAT and ACT) sent electronically from the testing board.

Any other supporting documents (if applicable), must be uploaded via Minerva unless otherwise specified.
–
High schools outside Canada and the U.S/Home-school/University/Mature applicants

Unofficial transcripts* must be uploaded on Minerva.  

Transcripts in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by an English or French translation prepared by the school. If your school cannot provide a translation, you must upload a translation from a certified translator.

Any other supporting documents (if applicable), must be uploaded via Minerva unless otherwise specified.

Scholarships Available for McGill Students

Find all the resources and advice you need to help you pay for your college education. As well as detailed guides on how to apply for scholarships and information on how to budget effectively. You don’t know where to start? This article is a piece of good and very informative to provide you with McGill University Scholarships as well as Financial Aid.

Centrally-Administered Entrance Scholarships

The McGill Office of Scholarships and Student Aid offers merit-based entrance scholarships to new university/college students who enroll in a full-time undergraduate degree program.

Transfer, Mature, Diploma, Exchange, Special, Part-time and Visiting students are not eligible for entrance scholarships.

There are two types of Centrally-Administered Entrance Scholarships:

One-year Entrance Scholarships (value: $3,000)

All applicants to McGill’s undergraduate programs are automatically considered for a one-year admission scholarship provided they meet the minimum academic requirements.

Note: Even if you meet the minimum requirements, an admission scholarship offer is not guaranteed.

How to Apply

These scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of academic results, so a separate application is not required. However, you must include the following supporting documents in your application for admission to McGill:

All provisional grades and interim grades awarded until the deadline for receipt of applications. The Subsequent grades (interim or final) sent to the admissions office as soon as they are published. Major Entrance Scholarships (value: $3,000, $5,000, $10,000 or $12,000 renewable)

The $12,000 scholarships are only available to Canadian citizens or permanent legal residents of Canada. Major entrance scholarships are determined by the selection committees. And are awarded based on academic achievements and outstanding leadership that characterizes school or community activities.

The focus is on academic excellence as a first priority, followed by demonstrated leadership. Keep in mind that “leadership” is more than just participation in extracurricular activities.

How to Apply

A separate request is required shortly after submitting your request. Please check the deadlines. Also, to determine if you qualify, review the minimum academic requirements.

Students who apply but do not receive a major scholarship will automatically be considered for a one-year admission scholarship.

The Major entrance scholarships are renewable up to 3 or 4 years, provided that the renewal criteria are met.

Other Scholarships Associated with McGill University

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) is now open to international students including Ethiopian students.

The application for the scholarship is submitted to the nominating institution by their internal deadline using the ResearchNet application system.

Humber College offers full and partial renewable tuition scholarships for new international undergraduate students Ethiopians inclusive, beginning classes in January and September of each year. Humber emphasizes hands-on, career-focused learning.

College offers a broad range of credentials including bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, certificates, and postgraduate certificates — and will help you chart the best path towards your goals. Humber is conducted in English, it is essential that all students possess strong English writing, comprehension, and speaking skills.

The International Leader of Tomorrow Award recognizes international undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement. As well as leadership skills, involvement in student affairs, and community service recognized achievement.

Specifically in fields of endeavor such as the performing arts, sports, debating or creative writing, or external academic competitions and examinations.

As one of the world’s leading universities, the University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada, and the world.

The fellowships are to support international students showing outstanding leadership in humanitarian and development work in their home country.

The University of Manitoba is a public university in the province of Manitoba, Canada. Located in Winnipeg and found in 1877, it was Western Canada’s first university. Founded 140 years ago, and located in the heart of the country.

They are the region’s largest and only research-intensive university offering over 100 academic programs, including professional disciplines such as medicine, law, and engineering. The fellowships, valued at $18,000 at the Ph.D. level and at $14,000 at the Master’s level, are offered each year to graduate students.

The University aims to assist international students who require financial assistance with scholarships. The Quest program is rigorous, and an important criterion for a scholarship award is the applicant’s academic record.

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit the results of a TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) taken within the past two years. All students, regardless of their country of origin, are eligible to apply for scholarships and/or financial aid.

McGill University Address

The address of McGill University is at

845 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada

Enrolment Services

3415 McTavish Street

McLennan Library Building Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C8

Basic Things To Know Before Applying For A Canadian Student Visa As An International Student

The Canadian Student Visa allows a wide variety of students either in an academic or vocational sector to grow within Canada’s bilingual borders. From simply learning English or French to earning a Post-Graduate Degree, student visas allow students to expand their knowledge and expertise in Canada.

This allows foreign students to bring their rich culture, expansive knowledge, and varied skills to Canada’s already diverse classrooms and schools.

As well as boasting excellent and varied educational options, reasonable tuition rates, and living costs. Also a peaceful and multicultural community and the possibility of applying for permanent residence. Canada is a top destination country for students seeking an international experience.

Student Visa Basic Requirements

The Canadian Student visa allows foreign students to take advantage of Canada’s world-class education system. The specific requirements for the Student visa will vary depending on the selected level of study, the applicant’s educational background, and their country of citizenship.

Applicants will generally require:

• Proof of acceptance and enrolment to an accredited academic institution in Canada;
• Possess a valid passport/travel document, and provide proof of financial support; and
• Ties to their home country and evidence of their intention to leave Canada at the end of their studies.
• In addition, applicants must ensure that they are criminally and medically admissible to enter Canada and be willing to undergo a medical examination, as required.

McGill University Frequently Asked Questions

We Also Recommend Other Scholarship Opportunities

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• Fully Funded Chinese Government–Chinese University Program Scholarships for International Students
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• 750 SCHOLARSHIPS WITH MAY DEADLINE

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