McMaster University has announced a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and financial aid opportunities for the 2026 academic year, targeted at both international and domestic students seeking admission into undergraduate, graduate and professional programmes.
The institution said the funding opportunities are designed to attract high-achieving students, support those with financial need, and promote academic excellence across faculties at one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities.
Available Scholarship Categories
1. Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships
These scholarships are available to students commencing undergraduate studies in September 2026.
They are divided into:
° Automatic Entrance Scholarships, awarded based on admission average without a separate application.
° Application-based Entrance Scholarships, which require completion of an online awards application.
Examples include the McMaster University Award of Excellence, faculty-specific awards, and competitive entrance bursaries.
2. International and Faculty-Specific Scholarships
° McMaster University also offers scholarships specifically for international students and for students admitted into particular faculties such as Engineering, Humanities, Health Sciences and Science.
° Some of these awards are granted automatically based on academic performance, while others require a formal application and supporting documentation.
3. Graduate and Research Scholarships
° Graduate students may access a variety of internal scholarships and research funding through the School of Graduate Studies.
° These include merit-based awards, research assistantships, conference travel grants and thesis-related funding opportunities.
Scholarship Value and Benefits
The value of scholarships varies depending on category and faculty:
• Undergraduate entrance awards may run into several thousand Canadian dollars and can be renewable.
• Some faculty-based international merit scholarships provide substantial multi-year funding.
• Bursaries are designed to support students with demonstrated financial need and do not require repayment.
Key Deadlines for 2026
McMaster University noted that:
• Most entrance scholarship applications close around February 2026, with many deadlines falling on or about February 19, 2026.
• Deadlines vary by award type and academic level.
Applicants are advised to verify deadlines for each scholarship on the official awards portal.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility criteria differ depending on the scholarship:
• Entrance scholarships generally require strong academic performance and confirmed admission for the 2026 academic year.
• International students must meet minimum academic and programme-specific requirements.
• Need-based bursaries require proof of financial need and may involve income or government aid assessments.
Application Procedure
McMaster University manages its scholarships and bursaries through an online platform known as AwardSpring.
Applicants are required to:
1. Activate their McMaster MacID after receiving an offer of admission.
2. Log in to the AwardSpring portal and complete the general application form.
3. Monitor and complete any additional follow-up requirements such as essays or references for specific awards.
4. Submit all applications and supporting documents before the stated deadlines.
Official Application Link
Prospective students can explore and apply for available scholarships via the official portal:
https://mcmaster.awardspring.ca
Applicants may be required to log in using their McMaster MacID credentials.
Guidance for Prospective Applicants
The university advised applicants to:
• Regularly check the AwardSpring portal for updates and new opportunities.
• Complete the general application early to unlock eligible awards.
• Carefully review requirements and deadlines for each scholarship.
McMaster University reaffirmed its commitment to widening access to quality education through structured financial support for deserving students worldwide.