What should international students know before applying to McGill University?

International students should know that McGill is very grades-driven, and your academic record usually matters more than extracurriculars. For most applicants, McGill looks closely at the strength of your curriculum, your grades in prerequisite courses, and whether you meet the specific program requirements. Because admission is by faculty and program, a strong application for Engineering, Arts, or Science can look different, so you should check the exact course and grade requirements for the program you want.

You should also plan for English or French language proof if your schooling is not in one of McGill’s approved exemptions. McGill is in Montreal and teaches mostly in English, but it is a bilingual university, and some students may need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or another accepted test depending on their background. If you studied outside Canada, make sure your school transcripts, grading scale, and any required predicted or final exam results are submitted exactly as McGill asks.

International students should also think ahead about study permit processing, housing, and whether their documents will arrive in time for evaluation.