The Black-Equity Stream (BESt) was created in collaboration with admissions, program leaders, community partners, Black medical students, residents, physicians and scholars.

The goal of the Black Equity Stream is to ensure equitable opportunities for Black applicants and to boost the representation of Black students in the medical program at McMaster University. Through BESt, our aim is to dismantle obstacles that may deter Black students from applying, while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Applicants applying through BESt must:

• Complete a supplementary application through OMSAS, consisting of a personal essay from you. The essay will focus on your experience and will not be scored but will assist in determining your suitability under this stream;
• Meet the same minimum academic criteria for admissions as set out for the general pool of candidates:
  • 3 or more years of undergraduate degree-level courses by May of the year of entry
  • An overall GPA of at least 3.00 as calculated on the OMSAS 4.00 scale
  • A minimum score of 123 on the Critical Analysis and Reasoning section of the MCAT®
  • The completion of the Casper test

Please note: Any applicants not invited to interview through BESt will be considered in the general applicant pool.

The Facilitated Indigenous Admissions Program (FIAP), offered by McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, aim to ensure fair access for Indigenous applicants and to enhance the enrollment of Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Metis) student in the medical program, in accordance with the goals set forth in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.

Applicants applying through FIAP must:

• Complete the FIAP self-identification application;
• Meet the same minimum academic criteria for admissions as set out for the general pool of candidates:
  • 3 or more years of undergraduate degree-level courses by May of the year of entry
  • An overall GPA of at least 3.00 as calculated on the OMSAS 4.00 scale
  • A minimum score of 123 on the Critical Analysis and Reasoning section of the MCAT®*
  • The completion of the Casper test

Please note: Any applicants not endorsed through FIAP will be considered in the general applicant pool.

*MCAT®  

In order to reduce barriers for Indigenous applicants, an applicant who is endorsed through FIAP may defer providing their MCAT score until after interview decisions have been released (late January). Please be aware that if you choose to defer the MCAT, you MUST forward an MCAT CARS score of at least 123 to the MD Admissions Office before May 1st in order to maintain eligibility. Learn more information about MCAT® Test and Score Release Dates.

Please note: Applicants not endorsed through FIAP will be considered in the general applicant pool. In this case, you MUST have submitted an MCAT score by the OMSAS submission deadline.

Indigenous Health Learning Lodge (IHLL)

McMaster University’s Indigenous Health Learning Lodge works alongside the Faculty of Health Sciences towards creating a learning environment that is culturally safe – to work with humility to enable sustainable systems change and to advance the work around concepts of truth, reconciliation, and anti-colonization with all aspects of Indigenous health and well-being.

McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Undergraduate Medical Education program participated in an agreement with the Department of National Defense (DND) to create an application stream for those currently serving Regular Force Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) subsidized under the Military Medical Training Plan (MMTP). There is a maximum of three seats each year.

Applicants must: 

• Be an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces;
• Meet the same minimum academic criteria for admissions as set out for the general pool of candidates:
  • 3 or more years of undergraduate degree-level courses by May of the year of entry
  • An overall GPA of at least 3.00 as calculated on the OMSAS 4.00 scale
  • A minimum score of 123 on the Critical Analysis and Reasoning section of the MCAT®
  • The completion of the Casper test
• Send an introduction letter to the MD Program Admissions Office, by email, indicating that you have applied through the MMTP with the Canadian Armed Forces on OMSAS.

Additional Information:

If you are currently serving Canadian Armed Forces Regular Force, you can obtain more information by consulting the Officer Specialist Training page on the Directory Military Careers Policy and Grievances’ intranet website.

For additional information regarding the MMTP application process, please email: CFHSAttractionCell-CelluledattractionSSFC@forces.gc.ca

For additional information regarding Medical Officer recruitment/roles/responsibilities and prospective military service in Health Services, please contact:

• Tina Lipcsey, Attraction Coordinator, Canadian Forces Health Services Group Headquarters
• Telephone: 613-901-1558
• Email: lipcsey@forces.gc.ca

McMaster University offers an integrated MD/PhD program for up to three students each year. Applicants will demonstrate academic excellence and a strong motivation to pursue research as a major component of their future medical careers.

Successful applicants will be admitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences MD/PhD program with PhD students in one of the following graduate programs affiliated with McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences:

• Medical Sciences
• Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences
• Chemical Biology
• Health Policy
• Health Research Methodology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience (MINDS)

Apply to the MD/PhD program, applicants must submit applications through the Ontario Medical School Application Services (OMSAS) as well as the McMaster University School of Graduate Studies portal.

To gain admission, applicants must be accepted to both the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Undergraduate Medical Education program and one of the PhD programs listed above. Additional information can be found at McMaster University’s MD/PhD Program.

Interested international applicants may apply to the UGME program through the regular admissions process on the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS). International (Visa) students should be aware that admission to the UGME program does not confer eligibility to apply subsequently through the Canadian Residency Matching Services (CaRMS) for a residency training position in Canada. Applicants should check the website for further information.

Additional Information:

• Credentialling non-Canadian Grades
• Proficiency in English
• Review McMaster University’s Policy for Exemptions to International Fees

McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Undergraduate Medical Education program does not admit students registered (currently or previous) in medical school in Canada or the United States.

Should you wish to pursue admission, the Admissions Committee will require a letter outlining the extenuating circumstances guiding you to McMaster University’s UGME program. The letter should clearly address why the move to a new and different medical school is necessary and compelling, and what is unable to be addressed at the current/previous medical school.

The Admissions Committee reserves the right to investigate and confirm the claims made in the letter. This may include contacting the current or previously attended medical school.