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If you do not qualify for admission consideration under one of the above categories, McMaster will assess your eligibility as a mature student. You may be considered for limited admission, provided both of the following conditions are satisfied:
- You have not attended secondary school or college on a full-time basis for at least two years.
- You have never attended university.
Applicants admitted as mature students will not be granted transfer credit. The following Level I programs have specific course requirements that mature applicants must present from secondary school, as outlined:
- Chemical and Physical Sciences Gateway: requires satisfactory standing in four Grade 12 U mathematics and science courses (or equivalent) as specified under the heading Subject Requirements For Specific Level I Programs.
- Environmental and Earth Sciences Gateway: requires satisfactory standing in three Grade 12 U mathematics and science courses (or equivalent) as specified under the heading Subject Requirements For Specific Level I Programs.
- Life Sciences Gateway: requires satisfactory standing in three Grade 12 U mathematics and science courses (or equivalent) as specified under the heading Subject Requirements For Specific Level I Programs.
- Mathematics and Statistics Gateway: requires satisfactory standing in two Grade 12 U mathematics courses – Advanced Functions U and Calculus and Vectors U as specified under the heading Subject Requirements For Specific Level I Programs.
The following programs do not admit under the category of Mature Students: Honours Integrated Science (Level I), Honours Kinesiology (Level I), Medical Radiation Sciences (Level I).
If admitted to a program as a mature student, you may register to take up to 18 units of course work (normally Level I courses) during the Fall/Winter session with no more than nine units in each term (three courses). Within the first 18 units, mature students will be limited to taking three units in each term of the Spring/Summer session.
Upon completion of 18 units, your performance will be reviewed according to the general academic regulations of the university. (See Level I Registration and Academic Standing Requirements under General Academic Regulations.
If you are a student currently attending another university, you may apply to take McMaster courses for credit at your own/home institution. Please note, not all courses are available for credit outside McMaster and all are subject to enrollment limits, so it is important that all applicants adhere to McMaster application deadlines.
You must initially apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) and send your Letter of Permission and an official transcript from your home institution directly to the Office of the Registrar, Admissions. Upon receipt, your transcript will be reviewed to ensure you have met the prerequisites for courses you plan to take at McMaster. Approval of your application as a Visiting Student does not guarantee your enrollment in a course.
Subsequent requests to take courses on a Letter of Permission do not require another application; however, you must send an updated Letter of Permission and a current official transcript from your home institution to the Office of the Associate Dean of the Faculty offering the course at McMaster. If you are attempting to register in courses offered by more than one Faculty, you must obtain approval from each Office of the Associate Dean.
If you are uncertain about degree courses, you may register as a listener in a degree course, but not for credit. You attend all classes, but do not complete any of the essays, tests and other formal requirements. You do not receive a grade for courses that you attend. Some students have eased their way into degree study with this option, subsequently applying for admission and enrolling in further courses for credit. Please note not all courses are available to Listeners. Please see the Financial Affairs website for any applicable fees. For more information, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
Written permission to attend must be obtained from the instructor delivering the course. An I.D. card cannot be issued until permission has been obtained.