Chemical Engineering at McMaster: Admission Average
McMaster University · Hamilton, ON
What average do you need for Chemical Engineering at McMaster?
Chemical Engineering at McMaster University typically admits students with averages in the high 80s-low 90s, roughly 85–92%. It ranks #2 of 15 McMaster programs by admission average.
Strong research program, good pharma and energy co-op placements.
How competitive is it?
Of the 7 universities we track that offer it, none ask for a higher average and 4 ask for a lower average.
As a rough guide, 92% or higher is above the typical range, 85% up to 92% 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.
Chemical Engineering at other universities
- Queen's University – high 80s-low 90s
- McGill University – high 80s-low 90s
- Western University – high 80s
- University of Alberta – high 80s
- University of Calgary – high 80s
- University of New Brunswick – high 80s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- Advanced Functions
- Calculus & Vectors
- Chemistry
- Physics
First-year courses
- Calculus I & II
- Chemistry I & II
- Physics
- Introduction to ChemE
- Linear Algebra
These are typical for Chemical Engineering programs across Canada. About the Chemical Engineering degree
After a Chemical Engineering degree
Chemical Engineering usually takes 4 years. Many graduates go on to graduate or professional school.
- Biomedical Engineer – $70,000 to $130,000
- Research Scientist – $60,000 to $140,000
- Chemistry at the G11/G12 level is essential - students who haven't taken advanced chemistry struggle significantly.
- The Alberta oil sands mean Alberta has disproportionate demand for chemical engineers in Canada.
- Clean energy applications (hydrogen, batteries, carbon capture) are the fastest-growing area for ChemE graduates.
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
- 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
- Biochemistry – high 80s
- Arts & Science (IntArts) – high 80s
- Kinesiology – high 80s
- Psychology (Honours) – high 80s