Biochemistry at McMaster: Admission Average
McMaster University · Hamilton, ON
What average do you need for Biochemistry at McMaster?
Biochemistry at McMaster University typically admits students with averages in the high 80s, roughly 85–89%. It ranks #9 of 15 McMaster programs by admission average.
Strong research, common pre-pharmacy and grad school pathway.
How competitive is it?
Of the 5 universities we track that offer it, none ask for a higher average and none 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.
Biochemistry at other universities
- Queen's University – high 80s
- Western University – high 80s
- University of Ottawa – high 80s
- Brock University – high 80s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- Advanced Functions
- Biology
- Chemistry
- One additional U/M course
First-year courses
- Organic Chemistry
- Biology
- Calculus
- Physics
- Laboratory Methods
These are typical for Biochemistry programs across Canada. About the Biochemistry degree
After a Biochemistry degree
Biochemistry usually takes 4 years. Many graduates go on to graduate or professional school.
- Pharmacist – $85,000 to $140,000
- Research Scientist – $60,000 to $140,000
- Geneticist / Genomics Scientist – $65,000 to $140,000
- Family Physician / GP – $180,000 to $400,000
- Organic chemistry in first and second year is genuinely difficult - many students struggle here.
- Strong preparation for pharmacy school, MD programs, and life sciences graduate programs.
- Research lab experience during undergrad is essential for competitive graduate school applications.
Applying to McMaster
McMaster University is a research powerhouse best known for pioneering problem-based learning and for its Health Sciences program, which is widely regarded as the single most competitive undergraduate program in Canada. Located in Hamilton, Ontario, McMaster has a strong culture of collaborative inquiry and is particularly respected in health sciences, engineering, and business.
McMaster University is in Hamilton, ON, was founded in 1887 and has about 37,000 students. Domestic tuition is about $6,200 a year, co-op is available and first-year residence is guaranteed.
Deadlines: OUAC (Ontario) January 15.
- Health Sciences receives thousands of applications for ~240 spots. A 95% average still doesn't guarantee admission.
- The supplemental component for Health Sciences asks about community, leadership, and personal challenges - grades alone won't get you in.
- McMaster's MD program has its own selective process (including the Casper test and MMI interviews) - Health Sciences undergrad is a common but not guaranteed pathway.
Other McMaster programs
- Health Sciences (BHSc) – high 90s (95-99%+)
- Nursing (BScN) – high 90s (92-96%+)
- iBioMed (Biomedical Eng.) – mid-to-high 90s
- Life Sciences – high 80s-low 90s
- Chemical Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Electrical Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Mechanical Engineering – high 80s
- Mechatronics Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Software Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Computer Science – high 80s
- Commerce (DeGroote) – high 80s
- Arts & Science (IntArts) – high 80s
- Kinesiology – high 80s
- Psychology (Honours) – high 80s