Study Abroad
This opportunity is available for Faculty of Science students registered in an Honours program at McMaster University who are interested in studying aboard for a term (Fall or Winter) or a full-year.
Students who are interested in international study should consider participating in the McMaster Exchange Program, administered by the Student Success Centre. This opportunity allows students in their third year to study at a host institution overseas while still paying their standard McMaster tuition and supplementary fees. Students choose to study abroad for a variety of reasons including language development, exposure to new cultures and perspectives, and unique course offerings offered only at certain institutions.
All interested Science students must complete the following five steps in this order:
- Plan to attend the annual Faculty of Science Study Abroad Information Session (usually hosted in October during International Education Week)
- View the mandatory online MacAbroad Exchange Information Session hosted by the SSC (updated in October of each year in MS Teams).
- Meet with either Robyn Tebbut or Elizabeth dos Santos during office hours to discuss their academic plans.
- Complete the study abroad application in iCent (check the deadlines section of the McMaster Exchange Program website).
***For students who are interested in taking one course or two at another university for credit towards their degree requirements, please visit Policies, Procedures and Forms to review the information about taking a course on Letter of Permission. Students in the Faculty of Science may only request to take electives on a Letter of Permission.
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Selection is based on a number of factors, and include the following essential requirements:
- Completion of 60 units of work with a Cumulative Average of a minimum 7.0 cGPA by the time students are to go abroad
- Full-time study while abroad is required (a full course load is equivalent to min. 9 units/term)
- Students participate in the exchange program during Level III, and must return to McMaster to complete their final year of study after the exchange has ended.
- Where applicable, students must have proficiency in the host country’s language
Students typically go through the application process during Level II (see timeline below) and go abroad during Level III. There is a $100 application fee. The application is available in iCent but please join the MS Teams Community for the exchange application link.
Students must choose up to two (maximum of three) institutions to which they would like to apply. Successful applicants are then nominated to one institution by the selection committee and the SSC. The nominations are then sent to the host institutions, who will then respond with acceptances and registration information. All registration procedures are handled by the SSC.
The McCall MacBain International Fellowships aim to enable globally-minded young Canadians to develop strong intercultural competencies and ties to different regions of the world, and to cultivate creativity, resilience, independence, critical thinking, and the ability to “stretch” outside their comfort zones. Fellows spend a year abroad divided into three terms: language, academic, and work/internship.
Questions? Contact McMaster’s office of International Student Services.
https://www.fulbright.ca/programs/killam-fellowships
The Killam Fellowships Program provides an opportunity for exceptional undergraduate students from universities in Canada and the United States to spend either one semester or a full academic year as an exchange student in the other country. Students may participate in the program either as a direct exchange student (registering at their home university, paying their home fees, and attending the host university as an exchange visitor) or as a self-placed visiting student (applying for and registering at the host university, and paying host tuition fees).
The Killam Fellowships Program offers a cash award of $6,000 US for a one semester exchange ($12,000 US for the academic year), along with a health benefit plan. The Foundation hosts all new Killam Fellows at an Orientation program in Ottawa each fall and again at a seminar in Washington D.C. each spring. In addition, all Fellows are eligible to apply for a mobility grant in an amount not to exceed $800. The idea of the mobility initiative is to allow students to undertake an educational field trip, providing the Fellows with the opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the culture of the host country.
Partner list https://www.fulbright.ca/uploads/killam/KillamFactsheet2025.pdf
https://www.tassep.upmc.fr/en/index.html
Study abroad with TASSEP
The Trans-Atlantic Science Student Exchange Program is a consortium of member universities from the European Union, Canada and the United States. For a year or a semester, it allows students from European universities to study in North American universities, and students from North American universities to study in European universities.
Academic advisors of science faculties work in close cooperation with their study abroad offices. TASSEP ensures that students are properly guided and advised about courses selection and eases the problems of receiving credit for courses taken abroad. The goal is to let students take most of their Bachelor or Master level courses abroad with respect of their study schedules from their home university.
As an exchange program, TASSEP provides the most affordable means for students to study abroad. Students simply pay tuition in their home institution and can join the foreign university with no additional costs. They are enrolled in the host institution with a student card and all the advantages linked to its possession.
Transatlantic transportation and all living and accommodation costs are borne by the students, however the host institution provides all the contacts to find student accomodation.
Information Box Group
I had such a wonderful experience in Chile! Through the McCall MacBain International Fellowship, I had the opportunity to learn Spanish and then work and study in my new language. While the most special part was making friends and community, I also loved my fellowship for all the experience I gained in and outside of the classroom. I really enjoyed studying science in a new context at the Universidad Austral de Chile, where I took courses in natural resource conservation. I also gained professional experience at a wetland centre as I adapted, learned, and taught in a new ecological and cultural environment. My year abroad was so special, and Chile will always have a piece of my heart!
-Teagan, Honours Integrated Science Alumni
The McMaster study abroad program brought me to Lancaster University in England and I had the most amazing time!! Lancaster is a quaint English town, super close to the Lake District region of England. I spent many weekends hiking in the Lake District, and other weekends travelling around Europe. I was able to take really interesting classes that aren’t offered at McMaster, which was very exciting and eye-opening, while still being able to transfer back credits towards my degree. I made so many friends from around the world and will be able to keep those connections for life. Studying abroad in Lancaster was the best decision and I wish I could do it all over again!
-Chloe, Level III Science Student
Incoming Exchange
For incoming international students registered in a formal exchange with their home university and McMaster University. You must have been nominated first by your home university.
Founded in 1887, McMaster University is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada at the western end of Lake Ontario. It is surrounded by over 300 acres of scenic property with a 30-acre core designed for pedestrians and bicyclists. With a total student population of over 37,000, McMaster is a top 100 university dedicated to advancing human and societal health and well-being. In 2021 we placed first in graduate student research intensity and in the top 50 of the world’s most international universities. McMaster is ranked 80th by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2022, and 14th in the world in the THE’s University Impact Rankings 2021 based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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Invitations to apply are sent automatically following the student’s nomination on iCent. Students will also submit their applications on iCent.
Students will need to complete the online application, which will include uploading supporting documents (resume, statement of interest, course list). *Please do not send us additional scanned or printed copies of the online application*
The language of instruction at McMaster is English. Although we offer informal (non-credit) workshops to assist students with the English language, we do not offer English as a Second Language (ESL) for-credit courses for incoming exchange students. Students must be proficient in English prior to arrival.
Study Abroad applicants are asked to submit official language test scores according to McMaster’s English Proficiency requirements. These must be received by the appropriate deadline. The McMaster University institution code for ETS/TOEFL is 0936.
For undergraduate applicants, written confirmation/proof of language proficiency is not required. With that said, students are expected to have sufficient proficiency in English to study at the university level and be able to read, write and participate in verbal class discussions. McMaster University assumes that the student’s language skills have been assessed at the home institution and deemed sufficient for participation in a study abroad/exchange program in English.