Before considering a withdrawal or refund request, we strongly encourage students to connect with McMaster’s International Exchange and Student Experience (IESE) team.
IESE provides:
- Personalized study permit advising
- Guidance on required documentation
- Support navigating timelines, PALs and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes
Many students are able to move forward successfully with personalized advising, even when their situation feels uncertain.
Contact IESE early to explore your options and get individualized support before making a final decision.
Admission deposits are generally non-refundable once a PAL has been issued. The following table outlines common scenarios and typical outcomes. Each request is reviewed individually and outcomes may depend on documentation and timing.
| Situation | Outcome |
| PAL has not been issued | Full refund |
| Study permit (visa) is refused | Full refund with an IRCC refusal letter, university will confirm LOA verification was completed |
| Applicant withdraws after PAL has been issued | No refund |
| Applicant does not meet conditions of admission outlined in offer letter | No refund |
| Applicant’s status changes from international to domestic | No refund but the deposit is applied toward tuition |
| Applicant applies for a deferral to the next term |
No refund but the deposit is applied toward tuition the following year |
We recognize that exceptional circumstances may impact your ability to enrol. In these cases, refund requests may be reviewed under compassionate grounds.
If you believe you may be eligible for a refund, please follow the steps below.
Step 1: Gather documentation if applicable
-
- Example: Official IRCC study permit refusal letter
Step 2: Submit your request using the Refund Application Form.