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.
- 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.”
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT UPDATES
Upload your proof of vaccination by October 17
October 2021Log in to MacCheck and upload your proof of vaccination as soon as possible. You’re required to upload proof of vaccination, even if you aren’t in Canada right now.
On October 18, if you have not provided proof of vaccination or received an approved exemption, you will not be permitted to attend McMaster’s campus and/or any McMaster-affiliated site. If you have a Fall 2021 course with an in-person component, you are at risk of being unenrolled from that course.
Upload your proof of vaccination by October 17Read the vaccination mandate
Supporting international undergraduate students coming to Canada
Fall 2021New and returning students must review the McMaster COVID-19 readiness plan, which outlines the actions required for travelling to Canada, documentation required and further information about what to expect upon your arrival to Canada.
Supporting international undergraduate students coming to CanadaRead the readiness plan
View the Be Smart, Be Safe webinar to protect yourself from scams
Fall 2021Unfortunately, many international students become victims of scams around the Hamilton and Toronto area each year. The best way to avoid these scams is to get informed. At this webinar, representatives from Hamilton Police Services, Fraud Prevention, Crime Stoppers and McMaster Security discussed how to detect and avoid scams.
View the Be Smart, Be Safe webinar to protect yourself from scamsView the recording
Virtual drop-in support for international students
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and Fridays, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ETGet drop-in, one-on-one guidance from the international student services team. Register in advance or drop in on Tuesday mornings or Friday afternoons to have quick online text chats (10–15 minutes) and get answers to your general questions about international student support.
Virtual drop-in support for international studentsGet drop-in supportOur Services
Tools and Resources
Recommended reading
Supporting international undergraduate students coming to Canada
McMaster University has updated its COVID-19 readiness plan with both local and provincial governments. The COVID-19 readiness plan is mandatory...
Recommendation for international student arrival dates
McMaster University recommends that international students should not arrive in Canada more than four weeks before the Fall 2021 semester...
Wellness supports for international students
We know that you and your fellow international students may be experiencing extra challenges right now. Your mental health and...
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