The McGill Entrance Bursary is a need-based financial aid program for undergraduate students from low- to modest-income families. It helps make McGill University more accessible by supplementing other funding sources like government aid and part-time work. Awards vary based on financial need and tuition rates, and recipients are automatically eligible for the Work Study Program.
McGill University, located in Montreal, Canada, is one of the world’s leading research universities. It is committed to supporting qualified students who face financial challenges through its Entrance Bursary Program. The program is open to newly accepted first-year undergraduates and direct entrants to professional programs in Medicine and Law.
McGill Entrance Bursary Benefits
- Financial assistance through an entrance bursary, value depends on financial need and tuition rate
- Automatic approval to seek employment through the University’s Work Study Program
- Awards credited in two equal instalments at the start of fall and winter terms
- Limited number of renewable bursaries available for up to four years
McGill Entrance Bursary Eligibility Criteria
- Enrol in a full-time degree program at McGill University
- Demonstrate financial need, including intention to apply for government student aid and/or Indigenous Band Support Funding
- Newly accepted first-year, first-degree undergraduates
- Newly accepted first-year undergraduate direct entrants to professional programs in Medicine and Law (with prior degree)
- International students not eligible for government aid may still apply based on demonstrated financial need
- Students registered with Student Accessibility & Achievement may be eligible with reduced course load
How to Apply for McGill Entrance Bursary
- Upon acceptance, log into Minerva and select Financial Aid/Awards tab > Financial Aid Menu > Apply for a McGill Entrance Bursary > Apply to Entrance Bursary Program > Complete and submit
- Submit a CSS Financial Aid Profile if you are a Canadian student living outside Canada, U.S. student, or international (non-U.S.) student
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the McGill Entrance Bursary. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the McGill Entrance Bursary?
The McGill Entrance Bursary is a need-based financial aid program for undergraduate students from low- to modest-income families. It supplements other funding sources like government aid and part-time work to make McGill more accessible.
Who is eligible for the McGill Entrance Bursary?
Newly accepted first-year, first-degree undergraduates and direct entrants to professional programs in Medicine and Law are eligible. Applicants must enrol full-time and demonstrate financial need, including intention to apply for government aid.
What is the deadline for the McGill Entrance Bursary?
The application officially closes on June 30, 2026. However, students are strongly encouraged to apply within 30 days of formal acceptance as funding is limited and offered on a rolling basis.
How do I apply for the McGill Entrance Bursary?
After acceptance, log into Minerva and navigate to Financial Aid/Awards tab > Financial Aid Menu > Apply for a McGill Entrance Bursary. Complete and submit the application. Some students must also submit a CSS Financial Aid Profile.
What are the benefits of the McGill Entrance Bursary?
Benefits include financial assistance based on need and tuition rate, automatic approval for the Work Study Program, and awards paid in two equal instalments. A limited number of renewable bursaries are available for up to four years.
Is the McGill Entrance Bursary renewable?
Entrance bursaries are not automatically renewed, but a limited number of renewable bursaries are available for up to four years. Renewal requires continued financial need and satisfactory academic standing.
Can international students apply for the McGill Entrance Bursary?
Yes, international students who are not eligible for government aid may still apply based on demonstrated financial need. The program considers financial need for all McGill students, including international ones.
When will I receive a decision on my McGill Entrance Bursary application?
Award decisions begin in February and continue on a rolling basis, typically 2-3 weeks from application submission and/or documentation receipt. Decisions are posted on the Financial Aid/Awards tab on Minerva.
How is the McGill Entrance Bursary paid?
Entrance bursaries are credited to your student fee account in two equal instalments at the start of the fall and winter terms. You should deduct the appropriate amount from your e-bill if not already considered.
What if I defer my admission? Can I still get the bursary?
If you defer to the winter semester of the same year, half of your bursary may be deferred. If you defer to the following fall, you must re-apply as funding varies each year.
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