Step-by-step guide to becoming a Marauder
Step 1: Enrol in classes
The first part of your McMaster journey is enrolling (registering) in your classes. To enrol in courses first you will need to log in to Mosaic in which you will have two options: using MyTimetable or using Mosaic. MyTimetable is the newest online self-service tool that allows you to find a conflict-free timetable and direct class enrolment.
You’ll be randomly assigned an enrolment appointment in June, which is the specific date you can enrol in classes. This is your enrolment appointment for both the Fall and Winter terms. We recommend you enrol in both your Fall and Winter courses at the same time.
You can check your personal enrolment appointment time through the Enrolment Dates panel in McMaster’s Mosaic Student Center. You can plan out your schedule prior to enrolling but you have to wait until your enrolment appointment opens up to actually register in the classes you select.
After your enrolment appointment, you can continue to enrol in classes up until the add/drop dates of mid-September (specific dates TBD) 2025 for fall term courses and mid-January (specific dates TBD) 2026 for winter term courses. Some courses might fill up fast; the sooner you enrol, the better! Visit this page for specific dates and deadlines.
We know that picking your courses can be overwhelming. Your Faculty is here to help you! Learn more about academic advising.
Step 2: Apply for aid & awards and pay your fees
Entrance scholarships
Were you offered a scholarship with your offer of admission? Learn more about what happens next!
Aid & Awards
Here you can learn about different programs offered by federal/provincial/state governments and McMaster to help financially.
If you haven’t already, you can apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) or your province or state’s government student aid program. These programs offer student loans and grants to help students with financial need pay for school. We recommend getting your OSAP applications in by June 30, so don’t forget to apply before you enrol in classes! If you are an international student, we encourage you to look into any loan/grant programs available through your home country.
Starting early August, you’ll be able to apply for bursaries and the McMaster Work Program. Bursaries are grants for students with financial need, while the work program offers you a chance to work on campus. Later in the school year, you’ll be able to apply for McMaster scholarships, which are awards for academics and/or extracurriculars. International students may be eligible for bursaries, scholarships or the Work Program.
Find all Aid & Awards forms here.
Paying your tuition and fees
| Terms | Tuition and fees deadline for all students (including OSAP students) |
| Fall (September to December) | September 25 |
| Winter (January to April) | January 25 |
| Spring (May to June) | May 25 |
| Summer (June to August) | July 25 |
You can track how much you owe in your student account, which is available in your Mosaic Student Center (under “Finances”).
Step 3: Get set up
There are few more things you need to do before you join us this year.
Upload your photo
As a new student, you need a MacCard. Your MacCard is an important piece of photo identification that is required for writing exams. It also gives you access to a variety of services on campus, such as the library and athletic centre. For more information, visit the MacCard website.
Verify personal information & SIN
Make sure your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is up to date on Mosaic.
Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is needed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for your T2202 or T4A tax forms. Go to Mosaic > Tasks tile or check your personal information to make sure yours is correct.
Don’t know your SIN?
You can request to apply for a SIN at any Service Canada centre. Application forms and instructions are available here. After receiving a SIN you have 15 days to provide it to us for tax information.
Submit outstanding documents
Did you receive a conditional offer of admission? Refer to your official offer letter to determine if there are outstanding documents that need to be submitted as final official copies.
RESP enrolment verification
Need to confirm your enrolment for your RESP plan? RESP enrolment verification letters indicate whether you are registered as full- or part-time student.
