How to Apply to Computer Science at McMaster University: Direct Entry to Computer Science I in the Faculty of Engineering, the Required Video Supplementary Application and Flexible Co-op, with Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, offers computer science through the Department of Computing and Software in the Faculty of Engineering. High school students apply directly to Computer Science I (regular or co-op), leading to a Bachelor of Applied Science. McMaster explains that being in Engineering allows more collaboration on industry projects and course overlap with programs such as Software Engineering. Here is what you need to know for September 2027 entry, based on the Faculty of Engineering website and McMaster’s 2026–2027 Undergraduate Calendar, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

Note: McMaster’s admissions site (future.mcmaster.ca) does not permit access by the tool we use, so this guide does not include English score requirements, out-of-province and Chinese course equivalents, application deadlines or tuition amounts. Please check that site directly.

1. Program structure

• Level 1: introduction to computational thinking, introduction to programming, two practice and experience courses, discrete mathematics for computer science, three calculus and linear algebra courses, and two open electives. First term uses Python and Haskell; second term C, shell and web programming.
• Later years: CS courses, logic and computability, and practice courses; in Levels 3 and 4, six core courses, six technical electives (such as machine learning, AI, medical imaging, security and data analytics) and a full-year capstone. About a quarter of the degree is open electives, so a minor is possible.
• Entry to Level II: the calendar requires an overall GPA of at least 4.0 (12-point scale; McMaster says roughly 60–62%) and passes in all non-elective Level 1 courses; below 4.0 you may not continue in the Faculty.
• Co-op: open to all students, with four-month terms from the summer after first year and 8-, 12- or 16-month placements after third year. McMaster says more than two-thirds of students graduate with co-op and 77% of CS co-op terms are 8–16 months.
• No programming experience required for Faculty of Engineering programs.

2. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver)

• Selection: by grades and the supplementary application. The calendar states that effective September 2027, a minimum average of 90% is required for consideration for Computer Science I (regular and co-op); the earlier version said “low 90s”.
• Ontario prerequisites: English U, Calculus and Vectors U, two of Biology U, Chemistry U, Physics U, Earth and Space U, Computer and Information Science (M or U) or Computer Engineering M, plus two more U/M courses. The average uses the best six Grade 12 U/M grades including required subjects.
• BC and other provinces: equivalents of these courses are required; check McMaster’s admissions site for provincial equivalents (not shown on the pages we could access).

3. Supplementary application (required)

• Required for all Faculty of Engineering programs, including Computer Science; one application covers several Engineering programs.
• Format: three video questions and one written question. Each video question allows 10 seconds to prepare and 2 minutes to respond; the written question allows 10 minutes in total. There are no technical questions; the interview-style questions assess engagement, collaboration, innovation and creativity, and resilience.
• Timing: opens 1 October 2026; Kira Talent sends an invitation within 7–10 business days of applying. Recommended submission by 26 November 2026; final deadline 28 January 2027 (11:59 p.m. ET).
• McMaster considers both your admission average and your supplementary application.

4. Students at high schools in China

• Requirements for the Chinese curriculum (Huikao, Gaokao) and for A-level, IB and AP are on McMaster’s admissions site by country; the FAQ also asks international applicants to include a school profile and grading scale with transcripts. We could not access that site; please rely on it.
• The supplementary application is also required.

5. English and timeline

• English: score requirements are on the admissions site’s language page and were not verified here.
• Supplementary application: recommended by 26 November 2026, deadline 28 January 2027.
• Application deadlines: check the admissions site and OUAC; the calendar lists only 2026–2027 dates.

6. Tuition and awards

• Tuition: use the admissions site’s cost estimator; amounts were not verified here.
• McMaster University Award of Excellence: for international fee-paying students entering a Level 1 Engineering program, including Computer Science; CAD 35,000 a year for four years, five available, by Faculty of Engineering entrance award application on AwardSpring.
• Dean’s Global Distinction Award: CAD 7,500 a year for four years, by application.
• Computer Science International Scholar Award: one-time CAD 10,000 for international students entering Level 1 Computer Science.
• Automatic Entrance Award: CAD 3,000 for Computer Science admission averages of 97% or more; domestic and international students eligible.

7. Transfer students

• Internal transfer: students in good standing in other faculties who meet the admission requirements can apply to Computer Science I; spaces are limited and ranked by cumulative GPA, with credit for equivalent courses.
• External transfer: the Engineering site links to university and college transfer pathways on the admissions site, which we could not access.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Check McMaster’s admissions site for Chinese curriculum requirements, English scores, deadlines and tuition
• Complete the supplementary application (three videos and one written question) by 28 January
• Apply for Engineering international awards on AwardSpring

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• Ontario: English U, Calculus and Vectors U and two science/computer courses, with at least 90%; BC: complete the equivalents listed on the admissions site
• Submit the supplementary application by 26 November if possible

Transfer students:

• Internal transfers compete on cumulative GPA; check external transfer terms on the admissions site

Sources: McMaster University, Computer Science program, Faculty of Engineering; Engineering supplementary application; How to apply; FAQs; International students and awards; 2026–2027 Undergraduate Calendar; McMaster admissions site. Information is for September 2027 entry. Check McMaster for the latest details.