Political Science at McGill: Admission Average
McGill University · Montreal, QC
What average do you need for Political Science at McGill?
Political Science at McGill University typically admits students with averages in the high 80s, roughly 85–89%. It ranks #12 of 16 McGill programs by admission average.
Strong for law and international relations careers.
How competitive is it?
Of the 21 universities we track that offer it, none ask for a higher average and 20 ask for a lower average.
As a rough guide, 89% or higher is above the typical range, 85% up to 89% is inside it, and 81% up to 85% is a reach. Cut-offs move every year, so apply to a mix of schools.
Ontario applicants are assessed on their top six Grade 12 U/M courses, including the program's prerequisites. Work out yours with the Best 6 calculator.
Political Science at other universities
- Carleton University – mid 80s
- Brock University – mid 80s
- University of Windsor – mid-to-high 80s
- University of British Columbia – mid-to-high 80s (BC) / high 80s (OOP)
- Simon Fraser University – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Victoria – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Northern BC – mid 80s
- Concordia University – mid 80s
- Université de Montréal – mid-to-high 80s
- Bishop's University – mid 80s
- Dalhousie University – mid-to-high 80s
- Acadia University – mid-to-high 80s
- St. Francis Xavier University – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Winnipeg – mid-to-high 80s
- University of New Brunswick – mid 80s
- Mount Allison University – mid-to-high 80s
- Western University – high 70s-80s
- University of Ottawa – high 70s-low 80s
- Wilfrid Laurier University – high 70s-80s
- York University – high 70s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- One additional U/M course
- History or Law (recommended)
First-year courses
- Introduction to Politics
- Canadian Government
- Comparative Politics
- Research Methods
- International Relations
These are typical for Political Science programs across Canada. About the Political Science degree
After a Political Science degree
Political Science usually takes 4 years.
- Lawyer – $70,000 to $300,000+
- Policy Analyst / Public Servant – $65,000 to $130,000
- Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer – $75,000 to $160,000
- Crown Attorney / Prosecutor – $75,000 to $160,000
- Political science does not determine law school admission - your GPA and LSAT score are what matter.
- Ottawa and Queen's are particularly strong for students wanting federal government careers.
- Model UN, debate, and student government are the most relevant extracurriculars for this degree.
Applying to McGill
McGill University is Canada's most internationally recognised university and consistently ranks among the world's top 30. Situated in downtown Montreal on the slope of Mount Royal, McGill has produced more Nobel laureates per capita than any other Canadian university. Quebec residents pay some of Canada's lowest tuition, but since Fall 2024 out-of-province Canadians pay a much higher rate (roughly $13,000/year in tuition).
McGill University is in Montreal, QC, was founded in 1821 and has about 40,000 students. Domestic tuition is about $3,100 a year and co-op is not widely offered.
Deadlines: direct application January 15 (most programs).
- Quebec residents pay very low tuition (~$3,100/year before fees). Out-of-province Canadians admitted since Fall 2024 pay about $13,000/year in tuition - roughly double typical Ontario tuition - so budget accordingly.
- McGill's bilingual environment is a genuine asset - some French helps but full fluency isn't required for most programs. Quebec's planned French-proficiency requirement for out-of-province students was struck down in court in 2025.
- Montreal's cost of living is significantly lower than Toronto or Vancouver - a major financial advantage.
Other McGill programs
- Medicine (MDCM) – high 90s (95%+) + Casper + interview
- Law (BCL/LLB) – low-to-mid 90s
- Computer Science – low-to-mid 90s
- Software Engineering – low-to-mid 90s
- Electrical Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Mechanical Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Chemical Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Management (Desautels) – low-to-mid 90s
- Economics – high 80s-low 90s
- Biology – high 80s
- Chemistry – high 80s
- Mathematics & Statistics – high 80s-low 90s
- Psychology – high 80s
- Music (Schulich School) – Audition-based
- Nursing (BScN) – high 80s-low 90s
- Education – mid-to-high 80s