McGill University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

McGill University is a top-tier university due to its #29 position in the QS World Rankings and #45 in the THE Rankings. Its #56 position in the U.S. News Rankings further cements its status among elite universities.

Here’s how McGill University’s ranking has changed over the years:

Top Course-wise Ranking 2024/25

McGill also excels in various subjects, ranking #66 in Business (QS ranking) and #73 in Engineering (THE ranking). Additionally, its #29 position in Medicine and #40 in Arts and Humanities (THE ranking) highlights its cross-disciplinary strengths.

Here’s how McGill University’s subjects perform:

Not sure if McGill is the right choice for your higher studies? Check out McGill University Ranking 2025 for detailed insights and see how it stands globally!

With McGill’s strong global reputation established, let’s now explore its campuses and what they have to offer.

Ranked among the top 50 universities globally (QS World Rankings 2024), McGill University attracts students from over 150 countries. With an acceptance rate of around 46% for undergraduate programs, securing admission requires strong academic credentials and meeting specific requirements.

To apply, you need to submit academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and adhere to the intake deadlines. Below is a detailed breakdown of admission requirements and application deadlines.

Admission Requirements

Admission requires academic transcripts, language proficiency scores (e.g., IELTS), and standardized test scores (e.g., SAT or GRE). Additionally, international students need visa documents like a passport.

Here’s a breakdown of the admission requirements:

Academic Qualification

Academic qualifications for students include a minimum GPA score (3.2-3.4 out of 4.0) and academic transcripts from previous studies. Some programs, like Engineering, may require specific subjects, such as Mathematics.

Here are the academic qualifications required:

Note: Some programs, like engineering, may require a particular major or coursework.

Language Proficiency

English language test scores like TOEFL and IELTS are mandatory for admission. The university does not accept Duolingo test scores.

Here are the language scores needed:

Competitive Exams 

Undergraduate programs require SAT or ACT scores for eligibility. For graduate programs, the GMAT is mandatory for business courses, while the GRE is optional.

Here are the standardized test requirements:

Also Read: Exams required to study in Canada for international students

Visa Requirements 

Visa requirements for application include a valid passport, an acceptance letter from McGill, and proof of funds to demonstrate your ability to support yourself. Processing time for a visa may vary (3-4 months) depending on the country.

Here are the requirements:

Also Read: Student Visa for Canada (2024): Procedure, Documents, Cost & More

Unsure if your scores meet the admission criteria? Visit the McGill University Admission Page for detailed eligibility criteria and requirements.

Now, let's take a look at how application dates and deadlines differ across various courses.

Application Dates and Deadlines

The application deadline for Fall admission (PG) closes on January 15 for international students. Winter and Summer intakes close on August 1 and October 1, respectively. For undergraduate international students, the Winter intake deadline is January 15.

Here are the deadlines for different intakes:

Now that you've covered the admissions requirements for McGill University, let's take a closer look at the wide range of academic programs offered here.

McGill offers 300+ undergraduate and 400+ postgraduate programs across disciplines such as business, engineering, medicine, law, and humanities. It is also known for programs in highly regarded fields, like the B.Sc. in Neuroscience.

Here’s a look at some popular programs offered at McGill University:

• Master of Management in Finance (MMF): Prepares students for careers in investment banking, asset management, and financial analytics.
• B.Sc. in Neuroscience: Explores brain function and neurological disorders through biology, psychology, and chemistry.
• B.A. in Liberal Arts: An interdisciplinary program focusing on philosophy, history, literature, and critical thinking.
• B.Eng. in Bioengineering: Combines engineering and life sciences to develop medical devices and biotechnologies.
• M.Sc. in Data Science and Machine Learning: Provides advanced training in AI, statistics, and computational modeling.
• Graduate Certificate in International Leadership: Focuses on global governance, diplomacy, and policy decision-making.

Now that you’ve covered McGill’s programs, let’s dive into the tuition fees for different programs like MS and MBA.

Program Fees and Intake at McGill University

Postgraduate programs like an MS cost approximately CAD 10,159.95, while an MBA is around CAD 32,031. For undergraduate studies, a BTech costs CAD 62,637 per year, while a BA is around CAD 44,000 annually.

Below are the tuition fees for different programs:

With an overview of the cost of programs, let’s explore the tuition fee for different streams at McGill University.

Tuition costs at McGill vary by program. Engineering ranges from $10,159.95 to $62,637, Law costs $62,637, and Humanities costs around $44,000.

Here’s a breakdown of tuition costs:

Apart from tuition fees, there are additional costs such as housing and food. Let’s explore them.

Students need to consider additional costs such as housing, food, and books. Those living far from campus may also have transportation expenses.

Here are the additional costs involved:

Also Read: Cost of Studying in Canada – Tuition Fees, Visa Fees, etc.

While the cost may be high, scholarships like the Vanier Scholarship and university-specific awards can help ease the financial burden.

Students can explore McGill-specific internal scholarships, such as Major Entrance Scholarships, or external scholarships offered by government or private organizations

Here are the different scholarship options available:

Internal Scholarships

McGill offers need-based scholarships, such as the Entrance Bursary Program, and merit-based scholarships, like Major Entrance Scholarships, to ease financial burdens. Students can also explore work-study options for additional earnings.

Here are some external scholarships:

External Scholarships

External scholarships, such as the Vanier Scholarship and Ontario Trillium Scholarship, provide financial assistance to highly qualified students, helping to reduce the financial cost of education.

Here are some external scholarships:

Also Read: Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students (2024)

After exploring financial aid, let's now look at the placement options available at McGill University.

McGill University has strong placement rates, particularly in business and analytics programs. The university has impressive records, such as:

• 100% internship placement for MBA students. Opportunity to work with top-tier firms like Google, Deloitte, RBC, McKinsey & Company, and Merck.
• 82% of Master of Management in Analytics (MMA) students placed within six months.
• 80% of B.Com students placed within six months, while 15% pursue graduate studies within the same period.

With strong placement rates, McGill also provides internship and co-op opportunities to help students gain practical experience and industry exposure.

Internship & Co-op Opportunities at McGill University

Students in Engineering, Law, and Agricultural Sciences have internship opportunities with government bodies, courts, and NGOs. Departments like Mining and Materials Engineering offer co-op programs for hands-on industry experience.

Here are the internship opportunities available for students:

Also Read: Co-Op Courses in Canada: Colleges, Eligibility Criteria & Jobs (For 2025)

Top hiring partners of the university include KPMG, Ericsson, and Amazon, indicating the university’s strong industry connections. 

Top recruiters 

McGill has partnered with industry leaders like IBM, Cisco, and Siemens Energy, offering students roles in software development, network systems, and renewable energy.

Here are some top recruiters:

• KPMG: A global leader in audit, tax, and advisory services. Offers career opportunities in consulting and professional services.
• Novo Nordisk: A global healthcare company specializing in diabetes care and other chronic diseases, with roles in pharmaceuticals and research.
• IBM: A global tech giant providing solutions in cloud computing, AI, and data analytics, with diverse roles in technology and business.
• Amazon: A global e-commerce and tech giant offering opportunities in operations, technology, logistics, and business management.
• Cisco: This leading networking hardware company offers careers in IT, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions.
• Siemens Energy: Focuses on sustainable and digital energy solutions, providing opportunities in engineering, technology, and innovation.

While strong placements highlight career opportunities, it's important to see how McGill compares to peers like McMaster University in terms of performance and outcomes.

Students can enjoy sports like soccer, celebrate festivals such as Diwali, and participate in cultural events like McGill’s International Education Week.

Here are some highlights of student life at McGill:

• Sports Clubs: Enjoy various sports like swimming, skating, basketball, hockey, and soccer, with opportunities to compete nationally.
•  Indian Student Association (ISA) Diwali Celebration: A lively event celebrating the Indian festival of lights with traditional music, dance, and food. Indian Student Association also helps in networking, mentorship, or community engagement.
• McGill International Education Week: Celebrates cultural diversity with performances, food, and workshops showcasing different cultures from around the world.

McGill’s strong focus on extracurricular activities helps students build a balanced academic and social life. Beyond these, students can explore over 250 clubs, student-run media, and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking.

Now, let’s take a look at some of McGill’s distinguished alumni.

Notable McGill alumni include former Prime Ministers like Justin Trudeau and Sir John Abbott, as well as artists like Grimes and David Bernad. With 147 Rhodes scholars and 12 Nobel Laureates, the university has established itself as a global leader in academic excellence and groundbreaking research.

Here are some distinguished alumni: