At DeGroote, we’re committed to supporting you from your first inquiry to long after graduation. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or ready to apply, our Admissions team is here to guide you every step of the way. We pride ourselves on offering exceptional, personalized service and encourage you to connect with us—attend an event or schedule a coffee chat with our recruitment team to learn more.
We take a holistic approach to admissions. Your academic background, professional experience, references, and test scores all matter—but we understand that strength in one area can balance another. Each application is reviewed in full to ensure we recognize your potential.
Begin by completing our online pre-assessment form. You will answer a series of questions that take about 5-minutes and you will be required to upload:
Our team will review your information and help you navigate the next steps.
The GMAT is typically required for our Full-Time MBA programs (Full-Time MBA & MBA with Co-op). However, for Fall 2026, we are offering GMAT Waivers for those meeting the eligibility noted below. Even if a waiver is not granted, we invite you to complete a GMAT/GRE and apply, as your application will still be fully considered.
To prepare for your application and formal submission please ensure preparation of the following:
With support from our team, you’ll finalize your application by submitting a formal application with McMaster Graduate Studies.
Let out team support you in finding out which of our programs is your best opportunity, and if you are eligible for a GMAT Waiver.
Applications for 2026 open on September 1, 2025. Decisions are typically made within 4-6 weeks of the round closing.
| Full-Time MBA / Full-Time MBA with Co-op | Accelerated MBA / Blended Learning Part-Time MBA |
|---|---|
|
Early Bird: September 17, 2025 Deadline for Early Bird Entrance Scholarship, International Applicants Only |
Early Bird: September 17, 2025 Accelerated MBA Applicants, McMaster Graduates Only |
| Round 1: October 15, 2025 | Round 1: November 5, 2025 |
|
Round 2: November 26, 2025 DeGroote Scholarship Competition Awards Deadline |
Round 2: February 5, 2026 Ontario Graduate Scholarship Deadline |
|
Round 3: February 28, 2026 Ontario Graduate Scholarship Deadline (available for Domestic Students) Final Deadline for International Students |
Round 3: March 25, 2026 |
|
Round 4: May 31, 2026 Final Domestic Application Deadline |
Round 4: April 30, 2026 (Accelerated MBA) May 14, 2026 (BLPT MBA) |
Completion of an Honours Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Minimum of 2 years of post-graduate work experience is required.
* Although we recommend two years of work experience, exceptional applicants will be considered with less than two years of experience.
Recommended B average (equivalent to a McMaster 8.0 GPA out of 12) or higher.
GPA will be calculated using the two most recent years of undergraduate or graduate study, 20 courses, or the equivalent of 60 academic credits. A combination may be used and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
A GMAT/GRE waiver is available based on the criteria below:
If a GMAT waiver is not awarded, your application will still be welcomed and reviewed equally, and you will be required to complete the GMAT.
In lieu of the GMAT, applicants can also submit one of the following as a part of the application:
Required for applicants:
Acceptable English Language Proficiency Tests:
Two (2) references are required.
Applicants are encouraged to seek one academic and one professional (current or former direct supervisor or manager) reference. If this is not possible, two academic or professional references are acceptable.
Applicants are required to complete an online interview prior to the submission of their application. We also encourage you to carefully review the application instructions, deadlines, and requirements.
Applicants will receive the Kira interview link one (1) business day after starting their application and completing the Select Program section. If you require any accommodation for the interview, please reach out to mbaadmissions@mcmaster.ca.
A professional resume is required for the application.
All applicants are encouraged to utilize the DeGroote School of Business MBA Resume template. Please complete all sections of the template to the best of your ability.
A $150.00 CAD application fee is required for application to each DeGroote MBA program. Payment must be made at the time of application by credit card. Please note that applications will not be reviewed until all components are completed and received.
Completion of an Honours Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Although work experience is an asset, no post-graduate work experience is required.
Recommended B average (equivalent to a McMaster 8.0 GPA out of 12) or higher.
GPA will be calculated using the two most recent years of undergraduate or graduate study, 20 courses, or the equivalent of 60 academic credits. A combination may be used and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
A GMAT/GRE waiver is available based on the criteria below:
If a GMAT waiver is not awarded, your application will still be welcomed and reviewed equally, and you will be required to complete the GMAT.
In lieu of the GMAT, applicants can also submit one of the following as a part of the application:
Required for applicants:
Acceptable English Language Proficiency Tests:
Two (2) references are required.
Applicants are encouraged to seek one academic and one professional (current or former direct supervisor or manager) reference. If this is not possible, two academic or professional references are acceptable.
Applicants are required to complete an online interview prior to the submission of their application. We also encourage you to carefully review the application instructions, deadlines, and requirements.
Applicants will receive the Kira interview link one (1) business day after starting their application and completing the Select Program section. If you require any accommodation for the interview, please reach out to mbaadmissions@mcmaster.ca.
Full-Time MBA with Co-op applicants may be invited to an additional one-on-one interview with a member of our Career and Professional Development team after the submission of their application.
A professional resume is required for the application.
All applicants are encouraged to utilize the DeGroote School of Business MBA Resume template. Please complete all sections of the template to the best of your ability.
A $150.00 CAD application fee is required for application to each DeGroote MBA program. Payment must be made at the time of application by credit card. Please note that applications will not be reviewed until all components are completed and received.
Completion within the last 10 years of a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Administration from a recognized Canadian or American university.
Candidates who have completed the following degrees may also apply:
McMaster University
Western University
Two (2) years of postgraduate work experience are required.
One (1) year of work experience is recommended for McMaster University graduates from the following programs:
Recommended B average (equivalent to a McMaster 8.0 GPA out of 12) or higher.
GPA will be calculated using the two most recent years of undergraduate or graduate study, 20 courses, or the equivalent of 60 academic credits. A combination may be used and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Not Required.
Candidates who fail to meet the above GPA criteria or who wish to strengthen their academic application may wish to submit a GMAT or GRE.
Required for applicants:
Acceptable English Language Proficiency Tests:
Two (2) professional references are preferred.
Applicants are encouraged to seek two professional references (current or former direct supervisor or manager). If this is not possible, one academic and one professional reference are acceptable.
Applicants are required to complete an online interview prior to the submission of their application. We also encourage you to carefully review the application instructions, deadlines, and requirements.
Applicants will receive the Kira interview link one (1) business day after starting their application and completing the Select Program section. If you require any accommodation for the interview, please reach out to mbaadmissions@mcmaster.ca.
A professional resume is required for the application.
All applicants are encouraged to utilize the DeGroote School of Business MBA Resume template. Please complete all sections of the template to the best of your ability.
A $150.00 CAD application fee is required for application to each DeGroote MBA program. Payment must be made at the time of application by credit card. Please note that applications will not be reviewed until all components are completed and received.
Completion of an Honours Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Minimum of 4 years of relevant postgraduate work experience is required.
Recommended B average (equivalent to a McMaster 8.0 GPA out of 12) or higher.
GPA will be calculated using the two most recent years of undergraduate or graduate study, 20 courses, or the equivalent of 60 academic credits. A combination may be used and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Not Required.
Candidates who fail to meet the above GPA criteria or who wish to strengthen their application may wish to submit a GMAT.
GMAT is required for non-degree applicants.
Required for applicants:
Acceptable English Language Proficiency Tests:
Two (2) professional references are preferred.
Applicants are encouraged to seek two professional references (current or former direct supervisor or manager). If this is not possible, one academic and one professional reference are acceptable.
Applicants are required to complete an online interview prior to the submission of their application. We also encourage you to carefully review the application instructions, deadlines, and required documents.
Applicants will receive the Kira interview link one (1) business day after starting their application and completing the Select Program section. If you require any accommodation for the interview, please reach out to blptinfo@mcmaster.ca.
A professional resume is required for the application.
All applicants are encouraged to utilize the DeGroote School of Business MBA Resume template. Please complete all sections of the template to the best of your ability.
A $150.00 CAD application fee is required for application to each DeGroote MBA program. Payment must be made at the time of application by credit card. Please note that applications will not be reviewed until all components are completed and received
These are competitive and limited-enrollment programs, which requires a selective admissions process.
We aim to assemble a dynamic cohort of qualified students, and we take a holistic approach when evaluating candidates. The following are some of our evaluation guidelines:
If you have questions or concerns about the admission process, curriculum or the program experience, we encourage you to read our frequently asked questions.
We highly encourage all applicants to submit their profiles for review prior to applying. Complete our pre-assessment form to receive your personalized program recommendation.
Let us know if you have any questions about the admissions process. We’re here to help!
