International Student Services

Our model

International Student Services is a division of the Student Success Centre that provides additional services and programs for international undergraduate, visiting and exchange students at McMaster University. In 2021, McMaster was ranked number 69 by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, and number 14 in the world in THE’s University Impact Rankings based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

International students are a valued part of our community. We encourage you to explore these services, as well as our other services through the Student Success Centre. If you’re unsure where to get support for your specific concerns, check out our success coaching services.

iCent: An app just for international students

All new and returning international undergraduate students are required to sign up for the iCent app. This ensures that we have the proper information to support you and help you make the most of your time at McMaster.

Get the iCent app

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 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.”

Download iCent (Apple)

Download iCent (Android)

iCent web app

Video: How to Log in to iCent

Graduates from Geography and Chemical Engineering sitting on grass outside University Hall. Students practicing social distancing, summer 2020.

Update for international students staying in residence

July 21, 2021

International students who are not vaccinated with a Health Canada approved vaccine must arrive at McMaster to complete the currently required quarantine between August 3 and September 30, 2021.
Reservations for on-campus residence quarantine stays are open July 9—30.
Students will be charged a pro-rated residence fee of $38/day that they quarantine on campus.

If you’re staying in residence, make sure to read the full update.

Read the full residence update

COVID-19 readiness plan for undergraduate students

July 21, 2021

This readiness plan is mandatory for all new and returning international undergraduate students.

Update (July 21): As of August 9, 2021, new measures will be put in place for travellers to Canada, including international students. Read this post to get all the information you need to support your travel and quarantine.

Read the COVID-19 readiness plan

Virtual drop-in support for international students

Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EDT

Get drop-in, one-on-one guidance from the international student services team. Register in advance or drop in on Thursday morning or afternoon to have quick online text chats (10–15 minutes) and get answers to your questions about immigration and study permits, health insurance (UHIP) and more.

Upcoming dates:

Get drop-in support

Our Services

International student success team at the arch

Join us for our summer webinar series to learn everything you need to know about getting ready for university life in Canada.

Learn about the webinars

Tools and Resources

Tip Sheets and Resources

ISS FAQ

ISS Brochure (2020)

OSCARplus

ISS Facebook Group

Career Access Professional Services (CAPS)

MODEL

Recommended reading

Supporting international undergraduate students coming to Canada

Jun 10

McMaster’s COVID-19 readiness plan for undergraduate students McMaster University has updated its COVID-19 readiness plan with both local and provincial...