Most graduate students start in our fall term, beginning September 1. To apply, use the McMaster On-Line University Application System. Please contact us if you have questions about the online application process. For Canadian students coming to McMaster, your application fee may be reimbursed; contact us for details.
Before Applying
We recommend prospective students review faculty members’ research interests and contact potential supervisors with a copy of your resume, information on grades from recent degrees, and a statement of your future research interests. This provides you with an opportunity to introduce yourself and helps potential supervisors to determine whether your background and future plans are a good match with their research program. If you are presently in Canada, we can arrange a visit to the Department so you can meet potential supervisors and current graduate students. For qualified students, most travel and accommodation costs will be covered.
If you do submit your application without contacting a potential supervisor, the Department will try to find a potential supervisor based on your interests.
Deadlines
We accept applications for admission in the Fall (September), Winter (January), and Spring/Summer (May) semesters. The application deadlines for each of these three terms can be found on McMaster’s Online Application website
If we receive your application for a September start by February 1 (well ahead of the final submission deadline), you will receive first priority for internal and entrance scholarships. Domestic students may also receive an invitation to visit the Department.
These deadlines are for the initial online application only. Other required documents may need be sent after the due date. Please note that applications will not be accepted past the deadline date, except under special circumstances. Contact us for more information.
Required Documents:
The following items are required before your application will be considered complete. You may submit unofficial copies with your online application but we may request that official copies of these documents be sent to the department if you are accepted into the program
- One official transcript of all academic work completed to date should be sent directly from the issuing institution. An applicant can send the transcript as long as it comes in a sealed envelope issued by the institution. If the final transcript does not show that a completed degree has been conferred, an official copy of your diploma is also required.
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from instructors most familiar with your academic work. Please note that McMaster University uses the Electronic Referencing System. By entering the email address of your referee through the online application, the system will automatically send an e-Reference request on your behalf. If, for some reason, you are unable to use the Electronic Referencing System, the Reference form can be downloaded here.
- If English is not your native language, an original of your TOEFL or IELTS score in English is required. A minimum TOEFL score of 92 (internet based), 237 (computer based), or 580 (paper based), with a minimum of 20 per band, or a miminum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5, with at least 5.5. in each section, is required. The GRE General Test is not a required document.
- A statement of interest in pursuing graduate studies. (Please include your full name on the statement.)
For details about how to submit required documents once you have been accepted into the program (including circumstances in which it may be acceptable to submit official electronic documents), please refer to McMaster’s Conditions of Admission website.
Any documents mailed to the Department should be sent to:
Graduate Assistant
McMaster University
Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology
1280 Main Street West, ABB 156
Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4M1
Any documents sent to the Department electronically should be forwarded to chemgrad@mcmaster.ca.
Please contact us if you have questions.