Graduate Application Process – Mathematics & Statistics

Thank you for your interest in pursuing graduate studies in Mathematics and Statistics with McMaster University.

Please review the information and FAQs below for details about the application process.

Person using a laptop computer while writing on a pad of paper.

Applications for the Math & Stats graduate programs (September 2026 intake) opened November 1st.

  • First application deadline for full consideration is February 1, 2026.
  • Final application deadline is April 30, 2026.

Read the following information and our FAQs (below) before submitting your application:

For the online application for admission, please ensure you fill out your name correctly. Those admitted to the program will be registered under the name that appears on the application form. Your name should be consistent with your passport, birth certificate, social insurance number, etc., unless your personal situation changes.

Ensure you are applying to the correct program:

  1. Letter of Recommendation: We require two confidential letters of recommendation from instructors most familiar with your academic work. Please note that McMaster uses the Electronic Referencing System. By entering the email address of your referee through the online application, the system will automatically send an e-Reference request on your behalf. If you are unable to use the Electronic Referencing System, a reference form (PDF) can be downloaded here and returned directly to graduate@math.mcmaster.ca by the referee.
  2. Transcripts: Upload your transcript(s) to your online application. We will review only those applications that have transcripts attached to them. Students who accept an offer will need to provide official transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution. If the final transcript does not show that a completed degree has been conferred, an official/notarized copy of the diploma is also required.
  3. Statement of Interest: A one-page summary describing the area of Mathematics or Statistics that you wish to study. This statement helps faculty members identify prospective graduate students.
  4. English Language Proficiency: If English is not your native language, an official copy of a TOEFL or IELTS score is required.
    • TOEFL: a minimum score of 92 (iBT), 580 (paper), or 237 (computer test) is required.
    • IELTS: a minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum of 5.5 in each section of the Academic test.
  5. International students: Please see further information on requirements. Admission of international students is extremely competitive. Successful applicants will have a first-class degree, or 85% average, reference letters presenting evidence of strong research potential, and they will have contacted a faculty member willing to supervise them if they are admitted.
  6. Application Fee: A non-refundable $150.00 application fee must be paid by credit or debit card.

For full consideration, applications must be submitted with all documentation attached by February 1, 2025. Applications received after February 1, 2025 will be considered only if space remains in the program. The application portal closed on April 30, 2025.

Due to the volume of applications we do not respond to emails regarding the status of applications. It is your responsibility to check the status of your online application. 

Any required documents should be sent to:
Graduate Admissions
Department of Mathematics & Statistics
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario
L8S 4K1 Canada

For questions related to the application procedure, please email our Graduate Team.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Information Box Group

Do I need to upload an official transcript when applying?

For the purposes of the application, an unofficial transcript is fine. However, those that are admitted to the program are required to provide a final, official transcript as a condition of their offer.

I don't have my Fall grades yet, can I still apply?

Ideally, you should have received your Fall term marks before applying – we want to see your academic performance for your final undergraduate year. However, you may apply early with the transcript/grades available at the time. If you do so, it is your responsibility to send us an updated transcript once your Fall marks are available.

Can I apply with non-academic references?

We require academic references who can speak to an applicant’s academic performance and research potential.

If you have been out of school for more than 5 years, please reach out to our Graduate Team to inquire.

Can you please tell me if I am eligible for the program before I apply?

We do not review transcripts or other documentation outside of an official application. Please refer to our program information and admission requirements listed on our website and in the Graduate Academic Calendar. These list the specific criteria used to judge an application. It is your responsibility to determine whether you should apply.

Could you please waive the application fee?

We cannot waive the application fee for any reason.

Do I need to find a supervisor before applying?

No. However, it is strongly recommended that you contact potential supervisors before applying. The program only accepts students that a supervisor has agreed to sponsor. As supervisors make a significant intellectual and financial investment in their students, it is important when contacting supervisors to make clear how your background and interests align with their research program.

What is the typical entry date? Can I apply for the Winter term?

We have just 1 intake each year – Fall (September).

Is the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) required?

No, Math & Statistics does not require GRE scores.

When will you give me an answer about my application?

We aim to issue a decision as quickly as possible. However, the time required for our admission team to complete our review process and make an informed decision could vary depending on the volume of applications we receive.