McGill University guide: application fee for McGill university, tuition fees for undergraduate & postgraduate programs, cost of living, scholarships, and how to apply to McGill university for admission.
Application Fee for McGill University, Tuition Fees & Admission Guide
McGill University Application Fees; What You Need to Know
When planning to apply to McGill University, it’s important to budget for the application fee, as it is a mandatory and non-refundable payment. For undergraduate applicants, the application fee is CAD 136.08, payable during the online application process through McGill’s official admissions portal. This amount applies to both domestic and international students.
In some cases, students may notice an “additional application fee” listed separately (often around CAD 133.41), which can cover certain program-specific administrative costs. Graduate (postgraduate) programs generally have a slightly lower base application fee, commonly around CAD 125 but this varies by faculty. Specialized or professional faculties such as Law, Dentistry, or Medicine may have higher processing fees due to the complexity of their selection processes.
In addition to the basic application fee, McGill University may charge supplementary fees for certain programs. For example, music applicants often pay an audition fee of CAD 83.76, while some health sciences programs may have interview processing fees. Students applying late for certain activities, such as placement tests, could be charged late fees (around CAD 50).
Payment methods typically include credit card or online banking, but international applicants are encouraged to use payment systems like Fly wire to avoid currency conversion issues. Since the application fee is non-refundable, even if you withdraw or are denied admission, you should only pay it once you’re certain you meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen program.
Undergraduate Tuition Fees at McGill University: Breaking Down the Costs
McGill University’s undergraduate tuition fees vary widely depending on your residency status, program of study, and faculty. Quebec residents enjoy the most affordable tuition rates, averaging around CAD 3,100 per year for Arts or Science programs. This reduced rate is due to provincial subsidies. Canadian students from other provinces pay a higher amount, approximately CAD 12,700 per year for Arts and Science degrees. Professional programs such as Engineering, Law, and Management are more expensive, ranging from CAD 20,500 to CAD 21,000 annually.
For international students, tuition is significantly higher. In the 2025 academic year, international students in Arts or Science programs can expect to pay CAD 49,000 to CAD 63,000 per year, depending on their course load. Tuition for Engineering is around CAD 66,000, while Management and Law programs are approximately CAD 67,000. Health-related programs are the most expensive: the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.,C.M.) program costs over CAD 60,000 annually, while the Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) exceeds CAD 110,000 per year.
It’s important to note that tuition does not include compulsory non-tuition fees, such as student services, athletics, IT charges, and health insurance. These can add CAD 1,000–2,000 annually for domestic students and often more for international students due to higher insurance premiums. To budget effectively, prospective students should also factor in textbooks, lab fees, and living expenses. McGill offers an online tuition calculator where applicants can estimate their total annual costs based on their program and residency status.
Postgraduate (Graduate) Tuition Fees at McGill University
Graduate tuition at McGill University is calculated differently from undergraduate programs. Most thesis-based Master’s and PhD programs are charged per term rather than per year. For Quebec residents, this can be as low as CAD 1,500 per term for research-based graduate degrees. Canadian students from outside Quebec pay slightly more, while international students can expect a tuition supplement of around CAD 8,900 per term.
Professional master’s programs, such as the MBA, Master of Management, or specialized diplomas, are self-funded and therefore much more expensive. For example, the Master of Management in Analytics costs CAD 72,600 for the full program, and the MBA can exceed CAD 105,000. Graduate programs in Law, Medicine, and Dentistry also have higher tuition structures, often mirroring their undergraduate professional counterparts.
Certain specialized programs have unique tuition rates. For instance, the Post-Graduate Artist Diploma costs CAD 101.88 + CAD 216.10 per credit, while the Master’s Thesis program is billed at CAD 4,769.70 per term. The PhD program generally costs CAD 1,528.20 per term for Quebec residents, with international students paying additional fees. All graduate students must also pay compulsory fees, which may include library, IT, athletics, and student society charges.
Prospective graduate students should be aware that tuition fees may change annually due to government adjustments or faculty policy. It’s advisable to check McGill’s official Student Accounts page or the faculty-specific website before applying.
Cost of Living in Montreal for McGill Students
Aside from tuition, students should plan for the cost of living in Montreal, where McGill University is located. Montreal is generally considered more affordable than other major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver, but living costs still form a significant part of a student’s budget. On-campus housing can range from CAD 6,000 to CAD 14,000 annually, depending on the residence type and meal plan. Off-campus rentals average between CAD 700–1,200 per month for shared apartments, and more for private units.
Food expenses vary depending on eating habits. Students who cook at home can expect to spend CAD 300–400 per month on groceries, while frequent dining out will increase this figure. Transportation costs are relatively low in Montreal, with a monthly student metro pass priced at CAD 56.50. However, many students choose to live close to campus to minimize commuting expenses.
Other expenses include health insurance (compulsory for international students at around CAD 1,200 annually), textbooks (CAD 500–1,000 per year), and miscellaneous personal costs such as clothing, entertainment, and mobile phone plans. Altogether, McGill recommends budgeting at least CAD 15,000–20,000 per year for living expenses, in addition to tuition fees.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
McGill University offers various scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid options to help offset the cost of tuition. Entrance scholarships are awarded automatically to outstanding incoming students and can range from CAD 3,000 to CAD 12,000. Major entrance scholarships, which require a separate application, can be renewable and worth up to CAD 48,000 over four years.
For graduate students, McGill provides fellowships and research assistantships, particularly for thesis-based programs. Funding may also be available through external sources such as the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and other provincial and federal scholarship programs.
International students can apply for awards like the McGill Entrance Bursary Program, which considers financial need. Additionally, many faculties have their own merit-based awards for top-performing students. Deadlines for scholarship applications often align with admission deadlines, so applicants should prepare early to maximize opportunities.
How to Apply to McGill University; Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose Your Program; Review McGill’s 300+ programs and confirm eligibility requirements for your desired course.
- Check Deadlines; For Fall intake, applications typically open September 15 and close January 15 for most programs. Winter and Summer intakes have earlier deadlines.
- Prepare Documents; Undergraduate applicants should have transcripts, proof of English proficiency, standardized test scores (if required), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Graduate applicants may also need GRE/GMAT scores, research proposals, and CVs.
- Submit Application & Pay Fee; Complete the online application via McGill’s official portal and pay the non-refundable application fee.
- Upload Supporting Documents; Use the Minerva system to upload all documents before the deadline.
- Track Application; Applicants can log in to check their status and respond to any requests for additional documents.
- Accept Offer; If admitted, confirm your acceptance and pay the tuition deposit. Apply for housing, scholarships, and a study permit (for international students).
Conclusion
McGill University remains one of Canada’s most prestigious institutions, attracting thousands of applicants from around the globe each year. Understanding the application fees, tuition costs for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and the admission process is essential for effective planning. Whether you are a Quebec resident benefiting from subsidized rates, a Canadian from another province, or an international student facing higher tuition, careful budgeting, including cost of living in Montreal, will help you prepare for life at McGill.
With multiple scholarship and financial aid options, as well as a wide range of academic programs, McGill offers opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational goals. By following the step-by-step application process and paying close attention to admission windows, you can maximize your chances of joining this world-class university. Ultimately, investing in a McGill education not only opens doors to top-tier academic experiences but also paves the way for career opportunities across Canada and beyond.
