Ignite Program

August 26, 2026 to August, 28, 2026

Get your first year started with our annual Ignite Program

We’re excited to welcome you to our McMaster community! We’re here to help you make the most of your time at McMaster. Ignite is a pre-orientation program designed to connect you with the information, resources and support you need before the school year begins.

Register by August 3 to:

Meet other first-year international students and upper-year volunteers
Explore campus and the neighbourhoods around McMaster
Connect with academic advisors and student services on campus
Learn to navigate local transit using your free HSR bus pass
Discover local shops, restaurants, banks and other essentials
Celebrate the start of university and your place in the McMaster community

Eligibility

Ignite is available at no cost for all new first-year international undergraduate students. This program is first-come, first-served. You must commit to all three days of the program to participate.

Ignite is presented in partnership with Housing & Conference Services and Faculty Offices.

Ignite program helps first-year international students feel at home

“McMaster feels [like] a family. I’m feeling very excited to be the first generation to study here abroad because I think it is a dream for many students from my country and I feel like I’m an example for my little brother and I hope he can follow my steps.”

— Francisco, first-year international student

Ignite Program gives first-year international students tools to thrive at McMaster

“It’s been amazing. I came here really, really nervous about two things: academics, because the system is so different from my country, and making connections socially. So, I thought Ignite was something that would really help me out with this, and it actually did. I feel like I’m entering a new family already.”

— Avani, first-year international student

iCent is McMaster’s app for international undergraduate students

Download the app for updates to support your journey at McMaster and beyond. This includes important information, upcoming events, resources and more.

Download the iCent app (available at the Apple Store and Google Play Store). If you’re unable to download the app, visit the iCent web version.
Select “Canada” as your institution’s country.
Select “McMaster Undergrad Programs” as your institution name.
Follow the “email and PIN” button.
Enter your McMaster (@mcmaster.ca) email ID. You will receive an email with a secured PIN to log in.
Enter the secured PIN and go to “continue.”