Essential Guide for International Students, 2023-24

Prepare to make your mark

Entering Class 2023-2024

Born

to be inspired

Congratulations!

You’re about to embark on a journey with talented students and a driven academic community at one of the world’s top universities.

Discover your next steps

Earning a degree at McGill will definitely set you apart. But belonging to an international community that inspires you to push your limits and achieve the improbable? That’s what the McGill experience is all about.

Are you ready to become a part of it?

© Alice Gao - Tourisme Montréal © Marie Deschene - Tourisme Montréal

© Laurène Tinel - Tourisme Montréal

© Daph & Nico - Tourisme Montréal

Bonjour Montréal!

Ranked #1 in Canada and among the top student cities of the world,1 Montreal is affordable, safe, multilingual, and bursting with culture.

Symbolizing Montreal’s connection to the world, a public artwork by Quebecois artist Claude Cormier frames McGill’s scenic green campus in the downtown core.

Our iconic city is an international hub

Students from around the world come to Montreal for its diversity, openness, and unique blend of North American and European cultures. As one of North America’s safest and most affordable cities, it’s the perfect place to find an unbeatable student experience abroad.

Montreal’s youthful vibe shines through in the colourful neighbourhoods that make up the city. With top-rated restaurants, nightlife, and a lively arts and music scene, you’ll be engaged and inspired here year-round. Regardless of the weather, Montrealers love to get outside and share their joie de vivre

Montreal seasons

- Tourisme Montréal

Prepare for your time in Canada

Canada is one of the world’s safest countries, known for being inclusive, welcoming and multicultural. No matter where you’re from, you can find your community here.

McGill is here to help you along this exciting journey. Find out all you need to know about funding, immigration and health plans. Start connecting with your campus community.

Plan your finances

McGill is committed to supporting bright minds coming from around the world. We expect to make $7.6M in entrance bursary offers this year through our need-based Financial Aid Program, which covers about 30% of international students’ tuition costs.

If you qualify for an entrance bursary, you can expect to receive a similar amount each year provided you remain eligible for McGill’s In-Course Bursaries and Loans Program You can also access bursaries to pursue exchanges or other enriched educational opportunities outside the classroom.

Discover loans and other financial aid

You should consider all possible resources such as savings, family contributions, and government aid as you build a financial plan.

• Explore funding options for international students

• Learn about financing your degree

• Access workshops on budgeting and finances

Immigration

Be sure to read the essential immigration information provided in the International Student Pre-Arrival Guide. You should apply for your immigration documents (CAQ and study permits) as soon as you’ve been admitted to McGill.

Note: Entrance bursary offer letters may be used to help demonstrate financial capacity to immigration authorities.

Health plan

McGill requires all international students (coming from a school outside of Canada) and their accompanying dependents to participate in the compulsory McGill International Health Insurance Plan which is administered by International Student Services.

Connect with International Student Services

McGill is home to 12,000 international students, coming from over 150 countries. The staff at International Student Services work hard to provide international undergraduate students like you with a host of services and resources.

Learn more about:

• Pre-Arrival webinars

• The Buddy Program

• Post-Arrival webinars, workshops and events

• Orientation and Airport Reception Service

• Arriving at Customs and Immigration

Discover Campus Life and Engagement

Studying in a new country is challenging – and exciting! McGill offers lots of opportunities to make new friends and cultivate your passions. Campus Life & Engagement (CL&E) is your guide to getting involved on campus. Join the many clubs and student societies, orientation sessions, webinars and skill-building programs that will become your gateway into unforgettable experiences.

CL&E also helps you navigate the different Student Services and networks on campus, like:

• Black Students’ Network

• First Peoples’ House

• International Student Services

• Student Accessibility & Achievement

• Queer McGill

• Student Wellness Hub

• Tutor Matching Program

Meet other newly admitted students

Connect with faculty and fellow undergraduates at our virtual events!

Join the McGill University Entering Class of 2023-24 Facebook group

Follow @McGillAdmissions to start exploring campus life

Meet other incoming students from your area through the Send-Offs program

Join an inclusive community

Play an active role in creating an inclusive environment that responds to all students’ needs and distinct challenges. Explore the equity, diversity & inclusion initiatives that serve to support students at McGill.

Your ‘to do’ list

Ready to write the first chapter of your McGill story? Our checklist will guide you through everything from finding a place to live, to registering for courses and choosing extracurriculars.

Calculate your costs

Check out our Cost Guide for an estimate of what you can expect to pay for one academic year (from September to the end of April) as an undergraduate student at McGill. The Fee Calculator breaks down tuition and fees by residency status, degree and program. Read about McGill’s new Guaranteed Tuition Model

Apply for an Entrance Bursary

To be considered for the Entrance Bursary Program, applicants must enroll in a fulltime degree program and demonstrate financial need. The application becomes available on Minerva upon notification of admission to the University (via the Admissions Status page on Minerva).

Apply on Minerva: select the Financial Aid/Awards tab > Financial Aid Menu > Apply for a McGill Entrance Bursary > Apply to Entrance Bursary Program > Complete then submit your application. We strongly recommend applying within 30 days from the date of formal admission to the University as funding for this program is limited and offered on a rolling basis until resources are exhausted. Applications officially close on June 30. International and U.S. students, as well as Canadian (citizen or permanent residents)

students living outside of Canada, must submit a CSS Profile in addition to the McGill Minerva aid application.

Note: To request aid after your first year of studies, you can apply for McGill’s In-Course Bursaries and Loans Program as financial need arises.

Accept your offer of admission

Let us know you’re coming before the deadline given in your letter of acceptance through Minerva > Application Status > Application > Accept this offer. You’ll have to make a deposit by credit card. If you don’t respond by the deadline, your place may be given to the next person on the waiting list –so be sure to confirm on time!

Apply for your CAQ & Study Permit

You should begin the process of applying for your CAQ and Study Permit as soon as you’ve been notified of your acceptance through Minerva. You’ll need to submit these to McGill as part of your legal documents (see “Send us your legal documents” for more information).

Note: Citizens and permanent residents of Canada do not need to apply for a CAQ or Study Permit.

Find a place to live

Whether you’re looking for a quiet apartment or a vibrant dorm community, we’ve got you covered. Our Residences community is there to help you transition to living away from home, and offer you a respectful and supportive living environment. Many international students choose to live in residence for their first year – it’s a great way to make friends and get comfortable with living in a new city. If on-campus living is not for you, the Off-Campus Housing Office can guide you to finding an apartment in Montreal, whether you want to live on your own, or are looking for roommates.

Register for courses via Minerva

BEFORE course registration opens:

• Review the requirements for your program and plan your course selection

• If you have questions about what courses to register for, contact an advisor

Do you qualify for transfer credits, advanced standing, or exemptions? Learn more.

Registration dates:

• Scholarship recipients (U0 and U1): June 12

• U0 students admitted to Arts (including Social Work and Religious Studies), B.A. & Sc., Education, Management, and Music: June 15

• U0 students admitted to Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, Engineering (including Architecture), Nursing, Physical and Occupational Therapy, and Science: June 16

• If admitted into year U1 (including students completing A-Levels, CAPE, French Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate Diploma): June 14

Note: You must register for at least one course by August 14 to avoid paying a late registration fee. Have questions about registration? Contact the First Year Office.

Send us your legal documents

These documents are required to confirm your valid citizenship / immigration status and will determine your tuition fees. You should submit all of your legal documents after you’ve accepted your offer and before you start your studies. The documents to provide vary according to whether you’re an international student, a Canadian citizen / permanent resident, or a Quebec resident.

Refer to the Legal Documents website to learn which documents to provide and how to submit them

Send us your final marks

We will need your final official marks and your confirmation of graduation.

• U.S. and international high school students must ensure that their school sends this information to McGill.

• International Baccalaureate, Advanced Levels and AS or CAPE results must be received directly from the appropriate Examination Board.

• Advanced Placement results with a score of “4” or better or courses considered university level must be declared. Results must be received directly from the College Board or institution.

Discover your community

During Orientation Week, in late August, you’ll have a chance to meet new friends, get a taste of university life, and learn more about your new school and city.

Residence move-in (date depends on the Residence to which you’re assigned).

University-wide orientation: Discover McGill and Advising Days/Department Orientations

Orientations for specific student populations: Off-Campus Connects (OCX), First-UP Welcome Event, Francophone Student Orientation

Faculty and non-faculty froshes

Visit the First Year website for more details!

Find your next challenge

McGill students are determined, passionate, and always ready for a new adventure. We have over 300 clubs, student groups, athletic teams and volunteer opportunities for you to discover.

Engage at McGill is your guide to getting involved on campus.

Learn by doing. Because some knowledge can only be gained through experience. We can help you study in another country, find an internship to kick-start your career, or both! Explore McGill’s Study Abroad, Internship and Research programs.

Review important fall semester dates

Residence move-in

Orientation

First day of classes

Canadian Thanksgiving (university is closed)

Fall study break

Last day of classes Fall 2023

Exam period

Holiday Break

First day of Winter 2024 semester

TBD

AUG 21 - 25

AUG 30

OCT 9

OCT 6 - 11

DEC 5

DEC 7 - 21

DEC 24 - JAN 2

JAN 4

Arriving in Montreal

Montreal is an international hub with direct flights to 45+ countries around the world.

McGill is in the heart of downtown Montreal, just steps away from the city’s best restaurants, museums and cafés. Learn how to make the most of your time here and start preparing for the career of your dreams.

Quartiers des spectacles, just steps from McGill, hosts some of the 80+ festivals that pass through Montreal each year.

Travelling to Montreal

By plane: You’ll land at Trudeau International Airport. You can get downtown on the public transit 747 bus, by taxi (flat rate to downtown zone), or pick up a rental car at the airport.

Note: Please refer to our Travelling to and from Canada page for the most up-to-date information on Canada’s entry requirements and border restrictions.

Work options/Finding a job

During the academic year or summer, many students work to pay for their education and gain experience before graduation. As a fulltime international student, you can work on campus or around Montreal up to 20 hrs/week during the semester and 40 hrs/week during your study breaks. While most off-campus positions require French language skills, there are many opportunities on campus that do not!

Get work experience and career guidance on campus

If you’re approved for financial assistance, you can apply to the Work Study program There are jobs for all skill sets on campus, and in other McGill-affiliated hospitals and organizations.

For career advice and help with your job search, visit the McGill Career Planning Service (CaPS). The CaPS team supports your career development with workshops, individual advising sessions, resources, and the comprehensive portal, myFuture, where you can find full-time, part-time, summer and internship opportunities.

Most faculties offer undergraduate students internships, co-op programs, practicums, and field studies that can take place in Canada and abroad – in some cases for credit.

Stéphan Poulin - Tourisme Montréal

Contacts & Resources

Academic Advising mcgill.ca/students/advising

Athletics mcgillathletics.ca info.athletics@mcgill.ca

Campus Life & Engagement (the First-Year Office) mcgill.ca/getready firstyear@mcgill.ca

Faculties & Schools mcgill.ca/faculties

Fees & Finances mcgill.ca/accepted/nextsteps/finances student.accounts@mcgill.ca

Find your community mcgill.ca/getready/prepare-mcgill/ get-involved

First Peoples’ House mcgill.ca/fph firstpeopleshouse@mcgill.ca

Étudiants francophones mcgill.ca/getready/etudiants-francophones

Food & Dining Services –Residence Meal Plans mcgill.ca/foodservices

International Students mcgill.ca/internationalstudents international.students@mcgill.ca

Macdonald Campus Student Services mcgill.ca/macdonald-studentservices stuserv.macdonald@mcgill.ca

Residences & Student Housing mcgill.ca/students/housing housing.residences@mcgill.ca

Future Students Unit McGill University

February 2023

McGill University is located on land which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst Indigenous peoples, including the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabeg nations. McGill honours, recognizes and respects these nations as the traditional stewards of the lands and waters on which we meet today.

Scholarships & Student Aid mcgill.ca/studentaid

Service Point mcgill.ca/students/servicepoint

Student Accessibility & Achievement mcgill.ca/access-achieve disabilities.students@mcgill.ca

Student Services mcgill.ca/studentservices student.services@mcgill.ca

Take a virtual tour youvisit.com/tour/mcgill/

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at the time of publication. McGill University reserves the right to make changes to the information contained in this document, without prior notification. Please consult mcgill.ca for complete information.

The 2023-24 Entering Class Essential Guide International Students mcgill.ca/accepted