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CANADA · MONTREAL

McGill University

public · Founded 1821 · Languages: en, fr

In short

McGill University is a top-ranked public research university in Montreal, Quebec, offering over 300 programs across 11 faculties. It is known for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and a vibrant international community, attracting students from over 150 countries.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1821
Students: 39,000
International students: 11,700
Acceptance rate: 46%
Tuition (intl): €6–39k/yr
Languages: EN, FR
Location: Montreal, Canada

McGill University is a leading public research university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1821, it offers over 300 programs of study across 11 faculties and is consistently ranked #1 in Canada. Known for its strong academic reputation and vibrant international community, McGill attracts students from over 150 countries. The university emphasizes academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and community engagement in a bilingual (English/French) urban setting.

Why study here

Access to world-class academic programs and research opportunities across 11 faculties.
Benefit from a diverse and inclusive international community of students from 150+ countries.
Located in Montreal, a vibrant, bilingual, and culturally rich city with low cost of living.
Strong support for graduate students: 95% of PhD students receive full tuition funding.
Globally ranked in the top 50, McGill degrees are recognised by employers worldwide.

Student life

McGill University offers a vibrant student life with numerous opportunities to engage outside of academics. From intramural sports like dodgeball to 250+ student clubs and societies, there's a strong emphasis on community and well-being. The downtown Montreal campus provides immediate access to the city's world-famous food, music, and arts scenes. Students can also take advantage of research exchange programmes and study abroad opportunities across McGill's global partnerships.

Fees

InternationalTuition fees for international students vary by program. Graduate students in thesis-based programs typically receive funding to cover the difference between Quebec resident and International tuition. For the academic year 2025-26, an increase of up to 3% is anticipated for most graduate programs. Undergraduate international students pay approximately CAD 25,000–55,000 per year depending on the program.

HomeQuebec resident undergraduate students pay approximately CAD 4,000–9,000 per year. Canadian students from outside Quebec pay approximately CAD 10,000–20,000 per year.

LivingLiving costs in Montreal are approximately CAD 15,000–20,000 per year, making it one of the most affordable major cities in North America. Living costs are generally factored into graduate funding packages for PhD students.

Students accepted into thesis-based graduate degree programs receive a funding letter with their offer of admission outlining their financial support package. This often includes awards, and some may involve salaries from Teaching or Research Assistantships. Guaranteed accommodation is available for first-year undergraduate students under 22 who accept their offer of admission.

Admissions

Undergraduate GPA for 600-level coursesMinimum 3.3 CGPA

Undergraduate standing for 600-level coursesU3 or higher

Typical undergraduate GPA requirementHigh school average 85–95%+ depending on programme

TOEFL90 iBT (writing 20, speaking 20)

IELTS6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)

Cambridge C1 Advanced180

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 202546

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 202586

Maclean's – Medical Doctoral Universities Canada1

University scholarships

Vanier Canada Graduate ScholarshipsCAD 50,000/year for 3 years

Fonds de Recherche du Québec scholarshipsVaries

Graduate Mobility AwardVaries

McGill Entrance ScholarshipsUp to CAD 3,000

Accreditation

McGill University is a public institution chartered by the Government of Quebec. It holds institutional accreditation through relevant provincial and national bodies, and many of its professional programmes (medicine, law, engineering, management) hold specific international accreditations.

For international students

Canada

Student visa & funds

International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.

Working while you study

Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.

After you graduate

Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.

English tests

IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuaryMay

Typical living cost

€1,250/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

McGill University · Canada

Biostatistics (M.Sc.)

The Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Biostatistics (Non-Thesis) is a course-based program offered by the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health. It focuses on rigorous learning and collaboration to equip students with essential skills in problem identification, data analysis, and scientific communication. This program prepares graduates for professional roles or further academic study in the field.

McGill University · Canada

Biostatistics (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biostatistics is a research-intensive program designed to train students in independent thinking, data analysis, and scientific communication. Offered by the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health within the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, this program prepares graduates for careers in academia or industry. It focuses on developing and applying statistical methods in medicine and biology, encouraging original contributions to the theoretical and scientific foundations of statistics in these fields.

McGill University · Canada

Computer Science

The program details for Computer Science at McGill University are currently unavailable due to a technical issue. Please try again later or contact the university directly for more information.

McGill University · Canada

Entomology (M.Sc.)

The Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Entomology is a research-intensive program focused on hands-on and research-oriented learning. This program aims to equip students with critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills, preparing them for advanced studies or professional careers. Students will explore various aspects of entomology, including ecology, population dynamics, pest management, physiology, pathology, and systematics.

McGill University · Canada

Epidemiology (M.Sc.)

The Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Epidemiology (Thesis) is a research-focused program offered by McGill University's Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health. It aims to develop your skills in original thinking, collaboration, and scientific communication, preparing you for further studies or professional careers. The program delves into the foundations and principles of epidemiology and applied biostatistics. You will learn to design, conduct, and analyze various types of health-related research, including clinical, population-based, environmental, policy, and methodological studies. The department has expertise in areas such as clinical epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, perinatal, environmental, and occupational epidemiology, as well as clinical trials and health services research. Emerging areas of focus include social epidemiology, public health, infectious diseases, neuroepidemiology, psychiatric epidemiology, global health, health research informatics, and genetic/molecular epidemiology.

McGill University · Canada

Geography Graduate Program

McGill University's Department of Geography offers graduate programs leading to a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The programs are exclusively for full-time students. The Master's program requires 45 credits, with 30 dedicated to thesis research and 15 to coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 18 months (3 semesters) in residence. The Doctoral program requires 9 credits, with most students entering at the Ph.D. 2 level after completing a Master's degree, requiring 3 years (6 semesters) in residence. Students entering directly from a Bachelor's degree begin at the Ph.D. 1 level and require 4 years (8 semesters) in residence. Both programs emphasize original research culminating in a thesis or dissertation.

Scholarships

for Canada

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

University of Toronto

Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship

For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.

University of British Columbia

International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award

For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.

Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)

Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.

University of Ottawa International English Scholarships

Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.

CIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada

Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)

For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at McGill University?

Undergraduate international students can expect to pay approximately CAD 25,000–55,000 per year, varying by program. Graduate students in thesis-based programs typically receive funding that covers the difference between Quebec resident and international tuition.

What are the living costs for students in Montreal?

Living costs in Montreal are estimated to be around CAD 15,000–20,000 per year, making it an affordable major city in North America. Graduate funding packages for PhD students often factor in these living expenses.

What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?

For TOEFL, applicants need a score of 90 iBT with at least 20 in writing and speaking. For IELTS, a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0 is required. Cambridge C1 Advanced requires a score of 180.

Does McGill University offer guaranteed accommodation for international students?

Yes, guaranteed accommodation is available for first-year undergraduate students under 22 who accept their offer of admission.

What support is available for graduate students at McGill?

McGill emphasizes strong support for graduate students, with 95% of PhD students receiving full tuition funding. Thesis-based graduate students often receive funding packages including awards, teaching, or research assistantships.

Last updated 3 July 2026