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CUPE work action information and updates

Visit McMaster's Labour Updates website for information on the current work action by CUPE Local 3906, Unit 1

Welcome International Students

Canada is a great place to live and learn. The quality of education and living standards in Canada are amongst the highest in the world, but the cost of living and tuition fees for international students are generally lower than in other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

Top three reasons to Study in Canada include:

  1. Innovative and abundant research opportunities.
    Research is one of the key components of a Canadian post-secondary education. In 2017, McMaster was ranked as Canada's most research intensive university. 

  2. You can get a scholarship to go study in Canada.
    The Canadian Government offers a number of different scholarships for international students.

  3. Opportunity to stay after graduation
    International students can work during their studies and after they graduate. University graduates may also be eligible to transition to permanent residence in Canada. Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for information.

Need more reasons to choose Canada? Read what EduCanada has to say.

McMaster Effective English Courses

McMaster Effective English Courses (MEEC) are tuition-free, non-credit online English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) modules that are offered through the School of Graduate Studies. The online learning modules focus on the daily language needs of graduate students and postdoc learners at McMaster.

ESL Support for Graduate Students

 

The Office of International Student Services (ISS) also offers English as a second language supports through the Speakeasy Program. The Speakeasy Program has many services to help our English-as-an-Additional-Language (EAL) speakers to improve their verbal and written English and learn more about Canadian culture and customs.

ESL Speakeasy Program

Writing Supports from the School of Graduate Studies

As a graduate student, writing is a focus of your academic life. The School of Graduate Studies offers free programming and workshops to help you fully develop the writing skills you will need to become a successful academic writer.

Writing Support

International Student Services

The Office of International Student Services (ISS) is there to help you access  trained counsellors and other resources to help you deal with all your academic and/or student life needs during your time at McMaster. The ISS Office can help you meet other international and Canadian students and offer workshops to help you improve your language skills. They are a good source of information on Canadian culture and customs and student visas, study permits and other paperwork such as: 

  • Study Permits
    If you decide to accept your admission to McMaster University, you will need to apply for a study permit.

  • Visa and Passports
    You will need a visa to enter and leave Canada during the duration of your studies.

  • Letters of Change of Status 
    International students may need McMaster to issue different types of letters for different purposes. We have put together a list of possible letters you might need. 

  • Working in Canada
    Registered full-time international students currently studying at a Canadian university (and, in some cases, students who graduated from a Canadian university) may seek employment in Canada in four situations: on-campus employment, co-ops, working off-campus, and post-graduation work permits.

  • Immigration Consulting
    McMaster students receive free access to our Immigration Consultant.

  • Health Care
    Learn what you need to know about the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) and wellness services.

International Student Services