McGill University is a public university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Established in 1821, it is the 7th oldest university in Canada. As of the Fall 2024 intake, the University houses over 37,568 UG and 14,621 PG students. The acceptance rate of the University is 15.8% for UG and 25% for PG Students. The University consists of two beautiful campuses – Downtown Montreal (Main) and MacDonald campus, which are spread across an area of 1,600 acres with state-of-the-art facilities. Both campuses are easy to access by public transport, like metro, buses, and cycling. Furthermore, programs at McGill University are offered in English through 11 faculties and 11 schools, spanning across 300 buildings. The top programs include:
The University is highly ranked in the University Global Rankings with ranked #29 as per QS World University Rankings and #45 as per THE university ranking. Students also rated the University overall 7.5 out of 10, with higher rankings for Academies 8.7/10 and Faculty 8.3/10. When it comes to tuition fees, McGill is more affordable compared to other top 50-ranked universities worldwide, with fees ranging from C$20,318 to C$72,600 (₹12,49,151 to ₹44,63,448).
For those seeking an MBA, McGill offers world-class programs, including Full-time MBA, MBA Law, Executive MBA, and China MBA options for international students. Additionally, the MBA program is ranked #94 in the Financial Times Rankings for 2025.
Also Check: Study in Canada for International Students
Table of Contents
6.1 McGill University PG Admissions
To help international students understand McGill University’s global standing, here is a summary of its ranking trend across major global platforms over the past few years.
| Ranked By | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS – World University Ranking | 31 | 27 | 31 | 30 | 29 |
| US News & World Report – Global Universities | 51 | 51 | 54 | 56 | – |
| ARWU – Universities Rankings | 67 | 73 | 70 | 74 | – |
| THE – University Ranking | 40 | 44 | 46 | 49 | 45 |
McGill University has maintained a strong position in global rankings over the years. Its QS ranking has stayed in the top 30, improving slightly from 31st in 2021 to 29th in 2025. The university also remains in the top 50 in the Times Higher Education rankings. While its ARWU and US News rankings have seen some changes, McGill continues to hold a respected place among the world’s top universities.
The Table below highlights some of the most popular courses at McGill University among international students:
| Course Name | Duration | Tuition Fees (CAD) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science | 2 years | CA$20,318 | ₹12,49,151 |
| Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] | 1 years | CA$105,500 | ₹64,86,140 |
| Master of Science [M.Sc.] Biotechnology | 16 Months | CA$29,780 | ₹18,30,874 |
| Master of Management [M.Mgmt] Analytics | 1 year | CA$72,600 | ₹44,63,448 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Biology – Bioinformatics | 2 years | CA$20,318 | ₹12,49,151 |
| Bachelor of Science [B.S] Architecture | 4 years | CA$30,658 | ₹18,84,854 |
| Master of Engineering [M.Eng] Mechanical Engineering | 18 months | CA$29,780 | ₹18,30,874 |
| Master of Law [L.L.M] General Law | 1 years | CA$29,780 | ₹18,30,874 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Public Health | 2 years | CA$29,780 | ₹18,30,874 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Pharmacology | 2 years | CA$29,780 | ₹18,30,874 |
McGill University offers 127 courses across various disciplines for international students. The UG tuition fees for Indian students range from CAD 28494 (₹1751811) to CAD 68619 (₹4218696). The PG tuition fees for Indian students range from CAD 23329 (₹1434266) to CAD 109547 (₹6734949). Here is the 5-year tuition fee trend for international students listed below to help with budgeting and financial planning ahead of time:
| Course Name | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science | C$20,318 (₹12,49,151) | C$19,728 (₹12,12,877) | C$31,093 (₹19,11,598) | – | C$19,154 (₹11,77,588) |
| Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] | C$105,500 (₹64,86,140) | C$29,780 (₹18,30,874) | C$31,093 (₹19,11,598) | – | C$99,500 (₹61,17,260) |
| Master of Science [M.Sc.] Biotechnology | C$29,780 (₹18,30,874) | C$19,728 (₹12,12,877) | C$27,010 (₹16,60,575) | – | C$27,011 (₹16,60,636) |
| Master of Management [M.Mgmt] Analytics | C$72,600 (₹44,63,448) | C$19,728 (₹12,12,877) | C$29,328 (₹18,03,085) | C$54,990 (₹33,80,785) | C$44,521 (₹27,37,151) |
| Master of Science [M.S] Biology – Bioinformatics | C$20,318 (₹12,49,151) | C$19,728 (₹12,12,877) | C$27,010 (₹16,60,575) | – | C$19,154 (₹11,77,588) |
| Bachelor of Science [B.S] Architecture | C$30,658 (₹18,84,854) | C$28,466 (₹17,50,090) | C$26,430 (₹16,24,916) | C$26,431 (₹16,24,978) | C$18,771 (₹11,54,041) |
| Master of Engineering [M.Eng] Mechanical Engineering | C$29,780 (₹18,30,874) | C$29,780 (₹18,30,874) | C$31,093 (₹19,11,598) | – | C$20,578 (₹12,65,135) |
| Master of Law [L.L.M] General Law | C$29,780 (₹18,30,874) | C$19,728 (₹12,12,877) | C$27,010 (₹16,60,575) | – | C$20,578 (₹12,65,135) |
| Master of Science [M.S] Public Health | C$29,780 (₹18,30,874) | C$19,728 (₹12,12,877) | C$27,010 (₹16,60,575) | – | C$27,011 (₹16,60,636) |
| Master of Science [M.S] Pharmacology | C$29,780 (₹18,30,874) | C$19,728 (₹12,12,877) | C$27,010 (₹16,60,575) | – | C$19,154 (₹11,77,588) |
The table below showcases the acceptance rate trend at McGill University for both undergraduate and graduate programs from 2020 to 2024. From the table below, students can observe that the undergraduate acceptance rate has been steadily decreasing, whereas the graduate acceptance rate has remained more consistent with only minor changes.
| Year | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 15.8% | 25% |
| 2023 | 16.6% | 27.0% |
| 2022 | 19.2% | 25.4% |
| 2021 | 16.5% | 25.4% |
| 2020 | 17.7% | 25.5% |
Current McGill students are required to follow the application deadlines based on their student status – Domestic and International. Some courses may have specific deadlines which can be found on the course page. Hence, it is suggested to check the course page before applying. The general application deadlines are:
| Application Opening Dates | Application deadlines | |
|---|---|---|
| Term | All applicants | Non-Canadian (i.e., international) |
| Fall | September 15, 2025 | January 15, 2025 |
| Winter | February 15, 2025 | August 1, 2025 |
| Summer | May 15, 2025 | October 1, 2025 |
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | November 1, 2024 (Closed) |
| Round 2 | January 15, 2025 |
| Round 3 | March 15, 2025 |
Also Check:
McGill University offers admission to International students into 3 intakes: Fall (September), Winter (January), and Summer (May). And the process of admission for international students is almost similar to that of native students. International applicants additionally require proof of English language proficiency. The minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA) is 3.0 out of a possible 4.0, or a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies. Furthermore, the specific admission requirement criteria for international students as per PG, UG, or MBA courses specifically are mentioned below:
McGill University offers over 93 graduate and doctoral programs to international students, with some of the most popular being the MS in Computer Science, MS in Microbiology, M. Mgt in Analytics, and M. Eng in Mechanical Engineering. Tuition fees for these programs vary widely, ranging from C$20,318 to C$72,600 (₹12,49,151 to ₹44,63,448). Despite the differences in cost, McGill graduates often see impressive returns on their investment, with an average salary of around 86,000 CAD per year (53.08 lakhs INR).
| Category | PG Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | University Graduate Application |
| Application Fee | 125 CAD (7,713 INR) |
| Academic Requirement | Undergraduate degree |
| GPA or Aggregate | 3.0-3.2 out of 4.0 (84-87%) |
| English Proficiency Test Scores | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL iBT: 86 |
| Standardized Exam Scores | GMAT: 675 | GRE: 321 |
| SOP/LOR | 2 Letters of recommendation | Statement of purpose (800-1000 words) |
| Additional Requirement | Writing sample | Application for assistantship | Academic CV |
McGill offers an MBA course through the Desautels Faculty of Management. The University provides the Full-time, MBA Law, Executive MBA, and China MBA for executive options for its students. It is Ranked #94 as per the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2025 and #66 as per the QS Global MBA Ranking. The Duration of pursuing MBA from the University is approximately 12, 16 or 20 months. Popular fields of pursuing MBA at the Mc Gill University are Business Analytics, Strategy & Innovation, Marketing Management and Leading Organizations.
Additionally, for the students who look for some real practical knowledge with companies’ visit, gaining something beyond the classroom among students from around 150 Countries, this university is the right place for you. As per the QS Ranking, the University is ranked #1 in terms of Return on investment in Canada. And the total Share of MBA graduates in the University class is 14%.
| Category | MBA Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | Uapply McGill |
| Application Fees | 129.03 CAD (7967.57 INR) |
| Degree Requirements | 4 years undergraduate degree |
| Engish language Proficiency Requirement | TOEFL-IBT: 100 | IELTS: 7.0 |
| Test Scores | GMAT score of 675 |
| Additional Requirements | MBA applicant survey | 2 LOR s | 3 essays (500 words each) | Resume |
The McGill MBA program boasts a diverse and accomplished student body:
Tabulated below is the data of 2024 admitted students in the MBA courses at McGill University:
| Career Path | Placement Percentage | Average Starting Salary | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consulting | 41% | $124,778 | $60,000 – $190,000 |
| Finance | 14% | $113,330 | $95,000 – $135,000 |
| General Management | 22% | $90,800 | $88,000 – $95,000 |
| Marketing/Business Development | 9% | I/D | I/D |
| AI/Analytics | 9% | I/D | I/D |
| Operations/Production | 5% | I/D | I/D |
Top Recruiting Companies for MBA program at McGill University include Abbott, Amazon, KPMG, Mc Kinsey & Company and Google.
McGill University offers over 500 undergraduate courses, including popular programs like BS in Architecture, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.), and BS in Computer Science. For students, there are online groups on Facebook and Discord for both the main and Macdonald campuses to stay connected. As an undergraduate, you’ll get access to McGill’s online course platform, and your OneCard will be your key to buying food, drinks, and even course materials at the McGill Bookstore.
| Category | UG Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | University Undergraduate Application |
| Application Fee | 129.03 to 132.90 (7,960 to 8,200 INR) |
| Academic Requirement | India Senior School Certificates or equivalent |
| GPA or Aggregate | 75-87% in Class XII |
| English Proficiency Test Scores | IELTS: 6.0 | TOEFL iBT: 80-100 |
| Standardized Exam Scores | ACT: 33 | SAT: 730 |
| Admission Requirement | Statement of purpose | Letters of recommendation |
For International students looking for financial Assistance can explore or check out the following scholarships provided by the University:
| Scholarship Name | Degree Level | Value (CAD) | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGill University International Graduate Scholarship | Graduate (Master’s/PhD) | Varies (Up to full tuition) | Open to international students, including Indian students, who are accepted into a graduate program. Academic excellence and research potential are key criteria. |
| Killam Fellowships Program | Graduate (Master’s/PhD) | Up to $40,000/year | International students from specific countries, including India, pursuing graduate studies at McGill. Strong academic performance required. |
| International Student Entrance Scholarship | Graduate (Master’s/PhD) | Varies (typically partial) | Open to international students, entering graduate programs at McGill. Criteria include academic excellence. |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | Graduate (PhD) | $50,000/year for 3 years | Open to international students, who are pursuing a PhD at McGill and demonstrate leadership in research. |
| Dr. and Mrs. S. P. Chopra Memorial Scholarship | Graduate (Master’s/PhD) | Varies | Students pursuing graduate studies at McGill. Strong academic record and potential for leadership in their field. |
| Eileen & I. E. Goodwin Graduate Fellowship | Graduate (Master’s/PhD) | Varies (up to full tuition) | For international students, including those from India, pursuing a graduate program at McGill, with a preference for students in social sciences or humanities. |
| McGill Engineering Scholarships for International Students | Graduate (Master’s/PhD) | Varies | For international students, in graduate engineering programs at McGill, based on merit and academic performance. |
Also Check: Part-Time Jobs in Canada for Indian Students
McGill University was the first in Canada to offer a medical degree. Over the years, it has become a powerhouse of achievement, producing 12 Nobel laureates and 128 Rhodes scholars. Among its impressive alumni are 3 astronauts, 3 Canadian prime ministers, and 9 Academy Award winners. On top of this, McGill is credited with inventing Ice Hockey in 1875 and was also a key player in shaping the early days of basketball and football.
McGill’s impact reaches far beyond its campus, with 50,000 alumni worldwide making waves in science, technology, and the arts. The university was founded in 1821 with a generous donation from James McGill, though it faced a legal battle before officially opening. Despite these hurdles, McGill grew into the global institution it is today, even helping to create six major universities, including the University of British Columbia and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Ques: What are the Pros and Cons of Studying at McGill University for International Students?
Based on the students’ review, the pros and cons of McGill University are listed below:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| McGill is ranked #29 globally and #2 in Canada, making it a top choice for international students. | The examination system lacks uniformity, with each professor having the freedom to structure the course and exams as they see fit, which can be confusing. |
| Located in the heart of Montreal, McGill is well-connected by metro and bus routes, offering easy access to the city. | Placement opportunities can be limited, particularly for international students. |
| The university offers a competitive and diverse environment with excellent teaching faculty and well-equipped labs. | Some students feel that the workload can be heavy, especially in programs like law. |
| Research opportunities are strong, particularly in fields like cancer biology, with access to cutting-edge labs. | Limited funding opportunities for Master’s students, though RA positions are possible but highly competitive. |
| McGill has strong networking opportunities, particularly if you stay engaged and read emails regularly. | For those interested in practicing Common Law, networking opportunities may be better in cities like Toronto or Vancouver. |
| The diverse student body, with a significant number of students from India, creates a welcoming environment. | While French is widely spoken on campus, non-French speakers may face challenges in daily life, though it’s not a major issue for international students. |
| A unique blend of Common and Civil Law programs can be a big advantage for students interested in Civil Law. | The path to academia can be long and challenging, with a heavy workload. |
