Mechanical Engineering at McMaster: Admission Average
McMaster University · Hamilton, ON
What average do you need for Mechanical Engineering at McMaster?
Mechanical Engineering 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.
Solid program with manufacturing and automotive connections.
How competitive is it?
Of the 18 universities we track that offer it, 3 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.
Mechanical Engineering at other universities
- University of Waterloo – low 90s
- University of British Columbia – high 80s (BC) / low 90s (OOP)
- McGill University – high 80s-low 90s
- Western University – high 80s
- University of Ottawa – high 80s
- Carleton University – high 80s
- Ontario Tech University – high 80s
- University of Windsor – high 80s
- Toronto Metropolitan University – high 80s
- University of Victoria – high 80s
- Concordia University – high 80s
- University of Alberta – high 80s
- University of Calgary – high 80s
- University of Manitoba – high 80s
- University of Saskatchewan – high 80s
- University of New Brunswick – high 80s
- Memorial University of Newfoundland – high 80s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- Advanced Functions
- Calculus & Vectors
- Physics
- Chemistry
First-year courses
- Calculus I & II
- Physics (Mechanics)
- Engineering Drawing
- Statics
- Chemistry
These are typical for Mechanical Engineering programs across Canada. About the Mechanical Engineering degree
After a Mechanical Engineering degree
Mechanical Engineering usually takes 4 years.
- Mechanical Engineer – $70,000 to $140,000
- Aerospace Engineer – $75,000 to $175,000
- Civil Engineer – $70,000 to $140,000
- Mechanical engineering is sometimes called the most employable degree in Canada - employers span every sector.
- Strong physics is absolutely required - G12 physics is a prerequisite at most schools.
- Robotics (VEX, FIRST) is the best extracurricular for mechanical engineering applicants.
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
- 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