Mature students

Applying as a mature student

If you aren’t eligible for admission consideration under the high school or post-secondary categories, McMaster will assess your eligibility as a mature student, provided these conditions are satisfied:

  1. You have never attended university.
  2. You have not attended secondary school or college on a full-time basis for at least two years.

Mature students are not eligible for transfer credit and are limited to 18 units (9 per term) for the fall/winter session. Once you have completed at least 18 units, you will be reviewed by your faculty office according to the general academic regulations of the university. There are limited programs available to students admitted under the mature student status, including some that have high school requirements:

  • Programs in the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences: have no specific course requirements for Mature Student admission except for Economics.
  • Economics: requires satisfactory completion of Ontario Grade 12 U Advanced Functions and Calculus & Vectors (or equivalent).
  • Business: requires satisfactory completion of Ontario Grade 12 U Calculus & Vectors (or equivalent).
  • Environmental & Earth Sciences: requires satisfactory standing in three Ontario Grade 12 U (or equivalent) Mathematics and Science requirements s specified under “Subject Requirements for Specific Level I Programs” in the Admission Requirements section of the current Academic Calendar. 
  • Life Sciences: requires satisfactory standing in three Ontario Grade 12 U (or equivalent) Mathematics and Science requirements.
  • Mathematics & Statistics: requires satisfactory standing in Ontario Grade 12 U Advanced Functions, and Calculus & Vectors (or equivalent).
  • Chemical & Physical Sciences: requires satisfactory standing in four Ontario Grade 12 U (or equivalent) Mathematics and Science requirements, specified under “Subject Requirements for Specific Level I Programs” in the Admission Requirements section of the current Undergraduate Calendar.

The following programs do not admit under the category of Mature Student status:

  • Arts & Science I  
  • Automation Systems Engineering Technology I (B.Tech.) 
  • Automotive and Vehicle Technology I (B.Tech.)  
  • Biotechnology I (B.Tech.)  
  • Computer Science I  
  • Engineering I 
  • Honours Health Sciences I  
  • Honours Integrated Science (Level I) 
  • Honours Kinesiology (Level I)  
  • Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences I  
  • Integrated Business and Humanities I  
  • Medical Radiation Sciences (Level I) 
  • Midwifery I*  
  • Nursing I**  

*Midwifery I does not offer mature admission directly to the program.  However, students interested in Midwifery may be admitted as a mature student to another program in order to complete a minimum of six university courses (18 units) in their program of admission before applying to the Midwifery Education Program. 

**Nursing I does not offer mature admission directly to the program. However, students interested in Nursing may be admitted as a mature student to another program in order to complete university prerequisite courses for later consideration for admission to Nursing I. Presenting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission. Contact the School of Nursing for more details. 

FAQs

I went to university many years ago and took only a couple of courses. Can I be considered under the mature student status?

If you have attended university, you are not eligible to be considered for the mature student status.

Is there a particular age requirement to be considered a mature student?

Mature student status is not related to your age. It is based on post-secondary experience and length of time away from studies.

After I complete 18 units, can I increase my course load?

Mature students can be reviewed to increase their course load limit after attempting a minimum of 18 units. Please contact your faculty office if you have any questions.