FAQ

Yes! We do not require that applicants have an undergraduate background in business. Students with 4-year honours degrees in Business, Computer Science, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering and Actuarial Science are encouraged to apply.

Please note that we require a minimum of one university level course in each of: 1) Finance or Economics, 2) Mathematics and 3) Statistics. If you have never taken these courses in your undergraduate studies, you may take them through an accredited university (online or in-class) part-time and then submit your transcript showing the successful completion of the courses with your application.

We understand that the education system is structured differently in some countries. Since our Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach when reviewing applications, we encourage you to submit your application for review if you feel that it is competitive. If not, then you should consider taking supplemental degrees through accredited universities to strengthen your application.

While we normally expect these courses to be completed in the last five years, we will consider courses taken earlier along with other academic information submitted by you.

If you have never taken any of the required courses, you may take them through an accredited university (online or in class) part-time, and then submit your transcript showing the successful completion of the courses with your application.

Please note that we will not accept Coursera courses. These courses must be University level courses from an accredited school that are graded.

Our Master of Finance program is a highly intensive program with a heavy focus on Math, and as such we need to ensure that applicants have sufficient background knowledge in this area in order to be successful in the program.

A B+ is equivalent to a McMaster GPA of 8.5, or a percent grade of 75-79%.

Although we appreciate your inquiry, we are unable to provide pre-assessment reviews on potential Master of Finance applications due to a high volume of inquiries.

If you feel that you meet or exceed our program requirements, we would welcome an application from you to join our next cohort.

Along with entering your test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT), please include a copy of your test report with your application.

You are welcome to wait to release the scores until you receive an update from us about your application status, but it’s highly recommended that you release them ASAP.

The results can be released as follows:

• GMAT Scores: Release to McMaster University – Institution # 0936 and the DeGroote School of Business Master of Finance Program – Program Code #0D1-LC-57.
• GRE Scores: Release to McMaster University – Institution # 0936 and the DeGroote School of Business Master of Finance Program
• TOEFL scores: Release to McMaster University – Institution # 0936.
• IELTS scores: No need to release the scores. Just make sure that your TRF (Test Report Form) number is legible in your uploaded document.

The highest GMAT score is used in admissions.

The GMAT is a standardized testing tool widely used for Graduate Admissions. It tests students on their analytical writing, integrated reasoning, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning.

Yes, you will need to report all of the post-secondary education you have completed and upload all of the relevant transcripts. This includes any transfer credits, exchange programs, summer courses, etc. We will need to review your entire educational history when assessing your application.

If your chosen referee has not completed the reference, we encourage you to consider adding a different referee who will be able to complete the reference as soon as possible. Through your application status, you can exclude your current referee and then add a different one.

If your referee did not receive the notification, you may send them a reminder through your application status. If the problem persists then please email us at mfininfo@mcmaster.ca to let us know.

Along with entering your test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT), please include a copy of your test report with your application.

Your referees will be automatically notified when you add their name and contact information into your application. When the reference is received, it will be check-marked in your application status.

You do not need to submit official copies of your transcripts with your application, we will accept unofficial copies. Your unofficial transcript must clearly state the University name, include the grading scale, as well as show your full name.

We only require official transcripts once an offer of admission has been extended to you, at which point you will be required to have them submitted to us directly from the institution.

No. Our Master of Finance program does not require a personal statement of interest.

No, the deposit is non-refundable.

No, the application fee is non-refundable.

Our current fees are outlined on our Finances page.

Over the course of the 16-month program, you are only charged for three academic terms. You are not charged for the summer term as you are on an official scheduled break during this time.

All students are also required to pay a supplemental fee for each academic year. Given that this program is 16 months and spans over two academic years, supplemental fees for both academic years are required.

There is no application required for entrance scholarships. If your application is successful you will automatically be considered for an entrance scholarship.

Scholarships may be awarded to both domestic and international applicants and are considered on a competitive basis based on the students’ academic performance, extra-curricular activities/experiences, and other criteria the MFIN Admission Committee considers to be essential for the program. A separate application is not required for the scholarship. The total amount may be paid as one payment in Term 1 or divided into equal payments between the three terms.

Additional scholarship opportunities can be found on the Office of the Registrar’s webpage.

A few business days after you have submitted your application, you will receive an email from our Program Office confirming the receipt of your application and how to monitor its status. Please make sure you keep an eye on your emails in case our Program Office has any questions about the material you have submitted.

Complete applications will have a result in approximately 2-3 months.

You do not need to mail us hard copies of your documents as part of your application. Scanned documents are used for the assessment of your application.

Reviewing applications and their components is a manual process and not done immediately after submission. However, if there is an issue with any of the application components, we will contact you at the email you provided on your application.