As an international student, when it comes to financing your education, you have options! Check out the aid & award opportunities that McMaster has to offer.
International students are not eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). We encourage you to look into any loan/grant programs available through your home country.
Scholarships are one of the best ways to help you fund your education. Get rewarded for your academic achievements, involvement in the community and other extra-curricular activities. The best part is that they don’t have to be paid back!
Entrance Awards
International students are eligible for one award by application, one automatic award and multiple financial awards.
International students who have received an award, of which some are renewable, are eligible based on the following criteria:
- Must be paying international tuition fees.
- Must be enrolled in courses full-time (fall and winter).
- Must clear conditions and finalize offer of admission.
You will not be eligible for this award if your tuition changes to domestic fees
MELD students entering MELD in 2024/25 are eligible for these awards upon the successful completion of MELD and enrolment in level I program of study in 2025/26 in addition to the above.
Degroote School of Business
Global Business Scholar I Award
Degroote School of Business Global Business Scholar I Award, valued at $32,500 ($10,000 for first year and renewable at $7,500 each year upon good academic standing), to remarkable international students enrolled full-time in any undergraduate program within the Degroote School of Business. Individuals are considered for this award upon application to the Dean’s Global Excellence Award. Deadline to apply is February 21, 2024, 12:00 PM.
Global Business Scholar II Award
Degroote School of Business Global Business Scholar II Award, valued at $25,000 ($10,000 for first year and renewable at $5,000 each year upon good academic standing), to remarkable international students enrolled full-time in any undergraduate program within the Degroote School of Business. This award is based on interim average
Degroote School of Business Dean’s Global Excellence Award
Degroote School of Business Dean’s Global Excellence Award, valued at $210,000 ($50,000 per year over four years plus $10,000 in level 1 for housing), is open to full time international tuition fee-paying students upon enrollment in any undergraduate program within the Degroote School of Business. Deadline to apply is February 21, 2024, 12:00 PM. This award is renewable for students in good academic standing.
If you have received the Global Business Scholar II Award and have also applied for the Global Business Scholar I Award and/or the Global Excellence Award, please be aware that if you are selected for one of the by-application awards, you will no longer be eligible to receive the Global Business Scholar II Award. Instead, you will receive the highest among the awards for which you are eligible.
Faculty of Engineering
The Global Dean’s Excellence Award is a renewable award for international students enrolled full-time (Fall term) who are paying international tuition fees. Recipients are awarded $30,000 ($7,500 per year over 4 years) in the Bachelor of Technology; Computer Science; Engineering; Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences programs. Deadline to apply is February 21, 2024, 12:00 PM. Minimum eligibility is international undergraduate students entering Level 1 in the Faculty of Engineering. This award is renewable for students in good academic standing.
The Engineering International Entrance Award is a one-time, $10,000 award for international students enrolled full-time (Fall term) who are paying international tuition fees. Minimum eligibility is international undergraduate students entering Level 1 in the Faculty of Engineering.
The iBioMed International Entrance Award is a one-time, $10,000 award for international students enrolled full-time (Fall term) who are paying international tuition fees in the Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences (iBioMed) program. Minimum eligibility is international undergraduate students entering Level 1 in the Faculty of Engineering.
The Engineering a Brighter Future Award of Excellence is a renewable award for international students enrolled full-time (Fall term) who are paying international tuition fees. Recipients are awarded $100,000 ($25,000 x 4 years) in the Bachelor of Technology; Computer Science; Engineering; Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences programs. Deadline to apply is February 21, 2024. 12:00 PM. Minimum eligibility is international undergraduate students entering Level 1 in the Faculty of Engineering. This award is renewable for students in good academic standing.
Don’t see your scholarship listed here? More engineering scholarships are a click away!
Faculty of Humanities
The Faculty of Humanities Global Excellence Award is a renewable award. Recipients are awarded $25,000 over four years ($10,000 in Level 1 and $5,000 in Levels 2-4). Recipients must be in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 5.0 or higher as per the McMaster grading scale) in an Honours Program. Recipients are guaranteed the scholarship upon full-time enrolment in the Faculty of Humanities program in the 2024 Fall and Winter term. This award may be adjusted based on your final admission average as of June 30, 2024. All the terms and regulations for entrance awards can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
The Faculty of Humanities Global Scholar Award is a renewable award. Recipients are awarded $18,750 over four years ($7,500 in Level 1 and $3,750 in Levels 2-4). Recipients must be in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 5.0 or higher as per the McMaster grading scale) in an Honours Program. Recipients are guaranteed the scholarship upon full-time enrolment in the Faculty of Humanities program in the 2024 Fall and Winter term. This award may be adjusted based on your final admission average as of June 30, 2024. All the terms and regulations for entrance awards can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science Dean’s Global Excellence Award is a renewable award. Recipients are awarded a total of $32,500 over four years ($10,000 in Level 1 and $7,500 in Levels 2-4). Recipients must meet the terms outlined in the terms and conditions (MAPSci – The McMaster Academic Planner). The scholarship is guaranteed upon full-time enrolment in the Faculty of Science program in the 2024 Fall and Winter term.
Faculty of Social Science
The Faculty of Social Sciences Global Excellence Award is a renewable award. Recipients are awarded $25,000 over four years ($10,000 in Level 1 and $5,000 in Levels 2-4). Recipients must be in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 5.0 or higher as per the McMaster grading scale) in an Honours Program. Recipients are guaranteed the scholarship upon full-time enrolment in the Faculty of Social Sciences program in the 2024 Fall and Winter term. This award may be adjusted based on your final admission average as of June 30, 2024. All the terms and regulations for entrance awards can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
The Faculty of Social Sciences Global Scholar Award is a renewable award. Recipients are awarded $18,750 over four years ($7,500 in Level 1 and $3,750 in Levels 2-4). Recipients must be in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 5.0 or higher as per the McMaster grading scale) in an Honours Program. Recipients are guaranteed the scholarship upon full-time enrolment in the Faculty of Social Sciences program in the 2024 Fall and Winter term. This award may be adjusted based on your final admission average as of June 30, 2024. All the terms and regulations for entrance awards can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
MELD
The MELD Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship is a one-time, $5,000 award for remarkable international students enrolled in the MELD program in 2024-2025 with a Level 1 conditional offer with an average of over 90%.
University Wide Entrance Awards
The Provost Entrance Scholarship for International Students is a one-time award by application. Recipients are awarded $7,500.
In-course Awards
In-course awards are for full- and part-time undergraduate students not in their graduating year.
- Some awards are open to students in any faculty or program.
- Others are specific to certain faculties, programs, years, etc. This means your list of available scholarships might be different than your friends.
- International students can apply for the same awards as domestic students.
Graduating Student Awards
These awards are for students in their graduating year. These awards are open to international and domestic students but you’ll need to review the criteria for each award to determine your eligibility.
External Scholarships
Organizations (cultural groups, foundations, religious groups, etc.) and companies often offer scholarships. These awards are external to McMaster and are open to students from many universities/colleges. There are no limits on the number of external scholarships you can be awarded!
Scholarship websites
Not sure where to find external scholarships? Try a quick Google search or check out these websites:
- Scholarships Canada
- Student Awards
- Hamilton Community Foundation Awards
- DisabilityAwards.ca
- Yconic
- ScholarTree
What is a bursary?
A bursary is a non-repayable grant intended to assist students in financial need with education-related expenses. Students apply through AwardSpring annually for the McMaster General Bursary Program and the McMaster Summer Bursary Program.
- Applications for McMaster bursaries are available on AwardSpring in August.
Eligibility for international students
International students enrolled in Level 2 or higher may be eligible to apply for a bursary. International bursary funds are limited and allocated to students with the highest need. International graduate students are not eligible for any need-based aid programs.
To be considered for McMaster bursaries as an international undergraduate student, you must submit the Determination of Financial Need application on AwardSpring.
What is the work program?
The McMaster Work Program gives students who demonstrate financial need opportunities to work on campus part-time (max 10 hours/week) during the fall/winter terms and full-time ( max 40 hours/week) over the summer.
There are more than 1250 jobs available with more than 100 different McMaster departments/offices. Positions range from administrative support and customer service, to athletic coordinators to research support.
Student commitment
- Apply for work program positions once approved to participate
- Notify Student Services of changes in financial status, income or enrolment
- Remain enrolled in fall/winter terms to maintain work program eligibility
- Maintain satisfactory work performance and attendance
- Accept only one work program position at a time
- Adhere to all McMaster employment standards
Eligibility for international students
- First-year international students are not eligible for the fall/winter work program, but can apply for the summer after their first year and every year beyond
- International undergraduate students with a valid study permit are eligible to participate in McMaster’s work programs (no work permit required). Information about working with a study permit for international students.
- International graduate students are not eligible for any need based aid programs.
Student Services is your first point of contact for all things aid & awards. Find answers to your questions through our online chatbot, MAC, available 24/7 or connect with an SSP during the online chat business hours.
Mac’s Money Centre is a money management resource for McMaster University students. They host events, lead workshops and offer money coaching to help you make the most of your finances.
International Student Services is a division of the Student Success Centre that provides additional services and programs for international undergraduate, visiting and exchange students at McMaster University. ISS is here to support you and help you make the most of your time at McMaster.
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