International undergraduate students
As you prepare to embark on this exciting new journey, we’re here to provide guidance and support so you feel confident in your transition to living and learning in Hamilton and at McMaster. Here are some of the ways we can help set you up for success.
Attend our webinars to meet your community of support and get answers to your questions about studying at McMaster.
Topics include:
- Academics
- Banking in Canada
- English language support
- Health insurance (UHIP) and Canadian health care
- International student panels
- Living in Hamilton
- Off-campus housing
- On-campus housing
- Studying at a Canadian university
- Study permit applications and extensions
We hope you’re excited to start your journey at McMaster — we’re glad you’re here with us. However, we know you might feel anxious or have questions about your transition to McMaster and university life in general.
- How can I do well in my classes?
- How can I meet new friends?
- What campus supports are there to help me succeed?
Whether this is your first time in Canada or you completed high school in Canada as an international student, the Buddy Program is a great opportunity to meet your fellow first-year international students. To help you get settled and overcome any barriers in your first-year transition, you’ll be paired with an upper-year mentor who can give you advice and welcome you to McMaster.
Get connected with a buddy
If you’re an incoming first-year student, you will automatically be paired with an upper–year student from your Faculty once you have accepted your offer to attend McMaster University. Pairing will start in mid June. Check your email for updates.
Join students, staff and faculty for Mac101, a series of sessions, discussions and activities to ease your transition to university life. Learn about strategies, skills, programs, tools and campus resources to support your success at McMaster. There will be sessions designed specifically for international students.
The Airport Welcome Program was created by the Student Success Centre in 2018, in partnership with Mohawk College, Columbia International College and the City of Hamilton to provide support for all international students arriving to Pearson International Airport. Student volunteers and our “Orange Team” will be ready for your arrival at Terminal 1 and 3.
Airport Welcome Program runs from August 1 to September 1.
McMaster University is working with Airways Transit (a local transportation service) to provide incoming first-year international undergraduate, graduate, McMaster English Language Development (MELD) and exchange students, a free, safe and reliable ride from the Toronto Pearson Airport to McMaster University residences on main campus and the Graduate Student Residence at 10 Bay Street in downtown Hamilton. Students arriving outside of student residences will be charged a fee.
Airport Transportation Program runs from August 3 to September 3.
Instructions on how to book your transportation will be available soon.
In 2018, the Ignite Program was created to address the specific needs identified by international students, who found participating in Welcome Week activities challenging. Designed for first-year international students, who will be staying in residence, Ignite creates a space to settle in before Welcome Week. This program is in partnership with the Student Success Centre and Housing & Conference Services. Confirm your spot in residence and pay the deposit. Registration will be opening soon.
More information coming soon on the iCent app.
Welcome Week includes academic and social programming, interactive games and activities, Faculty-based events and opportunities to connect with other incoming and upper-year students along with staff and faculty. There are international student-specific programming, including an orientation to connect on campus.
International graduate students
As you prepare to embark on this exciting new journey, we’re here to provide guidance and support so you feel confident in your transition to living and learning in Hamilton and at McMaster. Here are some of the ways we can help set you up for success.
Attend our webinars to meet your community of support and get answers to your questions about studying at McMaster.
Topics include:
- Academics
- Banking in Canada
- English language support
- Health insurance (UHIP) and Canadian health care
- International student panels
- Living in Hamilton
- Off-campus housing
- On-campus housing
- Studying at a Canadian university
- Study permit applications and extensions
The Airport Welcome Program was created by the Student Success Centre in 2018, in partnership with Mohawk College, Columbia International College and the City of Hamilton to provide support for all international students arriving to Pearson International Airport. Student volunteers and our “Orange Team” will be ready for your arrival at Terminal 1 and 3.
Airport Welcome Program runs from August 1 to September 1.
McMaster University is working with Airways Transit (a local transportation service) to provide incoming first-year international undergraduate, graduate, McMaster English Language Development (MELD) and exchange students, a free, safe and reliable ride from the Toronto Pearson Airport to McMaster University residences on main campus and the Graduate Student Residence at 10 Bay Street in downtown Hamilton. Students arriving outside of student residences will be charged a fee.
Airport Transportation Program runs from August 3 to September 3.
Instructions on how to book your transportation will be available soon.
The Graduate Student Orientation Hub is the place where all new graduate students will find information, as well as links to resources, supports, online activities, events and sessions to help them navigate their graduate journey.
Incoming exchange students
Congratulations on deciding to take your studies abroad! We’re thrilled that McMaster is your study abroad destination. Check out this section to sign up for our summer webinar series and orientation events to learn more about McMaster University and prepare for your exchange with us.
Attend our webinars to meet your community of support and get answers to your questions about studying at McMaster.
Topics include:
- Academics
- Banking in Canada
- English language support
- Health insurance (UHIP) and Canadian health care
- International student panels
- Living in Hamilton
- Off-campus housing
- On-campus housing
- Studying at a Canadian university
- Study permit applications and extensions
The Airport Welcome Program was created by the Student Success Centre in 2018, in partnership with Mohawk College, Columbia International College and the City of Hamilton to provide support for all international students arriving to Pearson International Airport. Student volunteers and our “Orange Team” will be ready for your arrival at Terminal 1 and 3.
Airport Welcome Program runs from August 1 to September 1.
McMaster University is working with Airways Transit (a local transportation service) to provide incoming first-year international undergraduate, graduate, McMaster English Language Development (MELD) and exchange students, a free, safe and reliable ride from the Toronto Pearson Airport to McMaster University residences on main campus and the Graduate Student Residence at 10 Bay Street in downtown Hamilton. Students arriving outside of student residences will be charged a fee.
Airport Transportation Program runs from August 3 to September 3.
Instructions on how to book your transportation will be available soon.
Meet with other new exchange students, join a campus tour, learn about studying at McMaster and get your questions answered before classes begin. Information for both the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 orientation will be shared closer to the date. Registration for this event will be on OSCARplus.
Available at the start of both academic terms, exchange welcome events and MOOSE outdoor orientation trips bring together new exchange students before the academic year begins. Socialize with other exchange students and participate in team-building exercises in some of Ontario’s most beautiful natural parks.
When you’re accepted to study at McMaster, you’ll have the option to join our inbound exchange Buddy Program. This program will connect you with a McMaster peer who can act as your Canadian/McMaster guide before and after you arrive. Send an email to macincoming@mcmaster.ca to get involved in the program and get matched with a McMaster buddy.