Software Engineering at McMaster: Admission Average
McMaster University · Hamilton, ON
What average do you need for Software Engineering at McMaster?
Software 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.
Growing program, Hamilton tech community connections.
How competitive is it?
Of the 14 universities we track that offer it, 3 ask for a higher average and 9 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.
Software Engineering at other universities
- University of Waterloo – high 90s (94-97%+)
- University of British Columbia – high 80s-low 90s (BC) / low-mid 90s (OOP)
- McGill University – low-to-mid 90s
- University of Ottawa – high 80s-low 90s
- Western University – high 80s
- Carleton University – high 80s
- Ontario Tech University – high 80s
- York University – high 80s
- Toronto Metropolitan University – high 80s
- University of Victoria – high 80s
- Concordia University – high 80s
- University of Calgary – high 80s
- University of New Brunswick – high 80s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- Advanced Functions
- Calculus & Vectors
- Physics
- Chemistry
First-year courses
- Calculus I & II
- Linear Algebra
- Programming Fundamentals
- Digital Circuits
- Engineering Profession
These are typical for Software Engineering programs across Canada. About the Software Engineering degree
After a Software Engineering degree
Software Engineering usually takes 4 years.
- Software Engineer – $85,000 to $180,000+
- AI / Machine Learning Engineer – $95,000 to $200,000+
- Game Developer – $65,000 to $130,000
- Cybersecurity Analyst – $75,000 to $150,000
- Waterloo SE and CS are both excellent but SE has a stronger focus on engineering process - CS is more research-oriented.
- SE graduates often command slightly higher starting salaries than general CS at non-Waterloo schools.
- The accreditation as an engineering program means you can pursue a P.Eng designation - uncommon in CS.
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
- Computer Science – high 80s
- Commerce (DeGroote) – high 80s
- Biochemistry – high 80s
- Arts & Science (IntArts) – high 80s
- Kinesiology – high 80s
- Psychology (Honours) – high 80s