Aid and Awards for International Students

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.

With over $20 million in awards for international fee paying undergraduate students, ranging from $7,500-$210,000, your aspirations to pursue a world-class degree and shape the future are within reach.

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.