McMaster Entrance Bursary

What you will need

• ✓ Complete the General Application on the AwardSpring platform
• ✓ Activate your MacID using the Barcode and Student ID Number from your Acknowledgement letter
• ✓ Log in to AwardSpring using your McMaster email (MacID@mcmaster.ca)
• ✓ Complete any necessary 'Follow-Ups' on the AwardSpring Dashboard
• ✓ Recommended: apply for government student aid by June 30 so McMaster can verify your financial situation

About this award

You can receive between $1,000 and $5,000 through this bursary. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an incoming Level 1 student starting your first baccalaureate undergraduate degree and you can show that you have financial need. Applications open on AwardSpring on November 1, 2026, and close February 19, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Only students who are selected are notified, in mid-May. Selection is based on your demonstrated financial need. Selection criteria aren't published — ask McMaster University how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. The bursary is paid in mid-September, after the add/drop deadline. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with McMaster University whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be an incoming Level 1 student entering McMaster University for your first baccalaureate undergraduate degree program, though this excludes Mohawk McMaster. You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a refugee. You must also demonstrate financial need. Note that this award is OSAP (the Ontario Student Assistance Program — the provincial government's financial aid for students) exempt, meaning it will not affect your OSAP assessment.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen, permanent resident or refugee
• ✓ Open to high school students
• ✓ Resident of Ontario

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• Financial NeedAvoid submitting a vague description of your costs. Instead, provide clear evidence of your financial situation. Submit your application for government student aid by June 30 to ensure McMaster University can verify your situation and secure funding for September.
• SupportAvoid waiting until the last minute to set up your accounts. Instead, activate your MacID (your unique McMaster University identification) immediately using the barcode and ID number in your acknowledgement letter. This ensures your profile connects to the application system on time.
• StrategyAvoid ignoring your inbox after you apply. Instead, add "mcmaster.awardspring.ca" to your safe senders list. Check your McMaster and applicant email accounts regularly for feedback, as only selected students are notified.
• RealismAvoid expecting multiple entrance bursaries. Instead, remember that domestic students are eligible for only one entrance bursary, one entrance award by application, and one automatic entrance award, although you can receive multiple financial awards.

Questions students ask

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