Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine (McMaster University)
McMaster's MD program is designed to involve medical students with a broad range of human health problems and with early exposure to patients. There are also opportunities for students to gain education and experience in more remote Northern Canadian areas or in an international setting. The program is three years in length and runs for 11 months of the year. In recent years, enrolment has increased to 217 places with the addition of the Waterloo Regional and the Niagara Regional campuses.
Program at a Glance• Three years of undergraduate education (30 semester credits) in any field of study/any university• Problem-Based, Self-Directed Learning• Early Clincial Exposure
Admission Requirements• Three years of undergrad in any discipline with a GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4.0 scale• Online application – OMSAS (Including 3 references)• CASPer (Online test)• MCAT – A score of 123 on the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Section is required*• Successful MMI *MCAT Scores: to reduce barriers for Indigenous applicants, the provision of MCAT scores may be deferred beyond the application deadline for applicants who have been approved through the FIAP process. Indigenous applicants who are approved through the FIAP process and wish to delay taking the MCAT until after invitations to interview are sent out in early February may do so, but they must forward a minimum MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning score of 123 to the Admissions Office before the offer of admission date to maintain eligibility.
Please be aware that applicants who are not approved for consideration through FIAP would be considered in the regular applicant pool and, in this case, must provide an MCAT score by the application deadline.
Indigenous applicants taking advantage of this opportunity should book their MCAT in the fall to secure a test date with a score release date that is early enough to meet the deadline.
Admission Requirements• Three years of undergrad in any discipline with a GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4.0 scale• Online application – OMSAS (Including 3 references)• CASPer (Online test)• MCAT – A score of 123 on the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Section is required*• Successful MMI *MCAT Scores: to reduce barriers for Indigenous applicants, the provision of MCAT scores may be deferred beyond the application deadline for applicants who have been approved through the FIAP process. Indigenous applicants who are approved through the FIAP process and wish to delay taking the MCAT until after invitations to interview are sent out in early February may do so, but they must forward a minimum MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning score of 123 to the Admissions Office before the offer of admission date to maintain eligibility.
Please be aware that applicants who are not approved for consideration through FIAP would be considered in the regular applicant pool and, in this case, must provide an MCAT score by the application deadline.
Indigenous applicants taking advantage of this opportunity should book their MCAT in the fall to secure a test date with a score release date that is early enough to meet the deadline.
Facilitated Indigenous Admissions Program (FIAP)
If you wish to apply through FIAP, you must complete the supplementary self-identification application to McMaster's Indigenous Health Task Force through the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge (IHLI). The application consists of:
PART A: LETTER OF CONSIDERATION The letter is used by the reviewers on the IHTF to better understand the social/cultural context of the applicant. The letter of consideration should not exceed 800 words and must include:• A request for consideration under the Facilitated Indigenous Admissions Process;• A brief overview of the applicant’s academic and personal background that highlights the reasons and motivation for chosen health profession(s);• A declaration of self-identification as an Indigenous person with a response to the following questions: Why are you requesting consideration under FIAP? What does your Indigenous identity mean to you and how do you expect that it will influence you in your program of study? PART B: DECLARATION OF ANCESTRY DOCUMENTATION (2025-2026 application cycle) The applicant must provide valid documentation regarding their First Nation (status and non-status), Métis, Inuit, Elected Band Council, Tribal Council, Treaty, community, nation or organizational affiliation. Documents must be clear photocopies, scans or photographs. FIAP will not accept genealogies or membership applications in process.
Accepted documentation may include (but is not limited to):• A copy of a valid Certificate of Indian Status or Treaty card;• A copy of a valid Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities;• A copy of a membership card from a Métis registry recognized by the Métis National Council (Métis Nation of Ontario, the Manitoba Métis Federation, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Nation British Columbia);• A copy of a membership card from a Métis Settlement General Council community.• Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, or on the band list of an individual band, or on the Inuit roll;• Written confirmation of nationhood in a federally recognized band council which has its own citizenship code; or• A self-declaration of Indigenous (status or non-status) identity by the candidate with supporting documentation from either an official in a recognized Indigenous organization or a relative in an Indigenous community. The IHTF reserves the right to verify all documentation submitted.
Update August 2024: In alignment with the roll out of the McMaster Indigenous Ancestry Verification Process for current McMaster students, applicants previously verified through the McMaster Indigenous Education Council verification committee process may submit their verification acceptance documents in lieu of the above documentation. PART C: LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Recommendation from an Indigenous community that outlines why they support the applicant seeking consideration through Facilitated Indigenous Admissions stream for the FHS program(s) they are applying to. Acceptable recommendations can be provided by diverse Indigenous communities/organizations; for example: Elders, Friendship Centres, teachers/professors, guidance/academic counselors, mentors, or professionals who can speak to the applicant’s attributes and can clearly speak to the applicant as an Indigenous person. The letter of recommendation should be typed in 12-point font and not exceed 1000 words. Letters should be on letterhead where available, and signed by the writer.
*Oral Recommendation: Applicants may request an oral recommendation for those referees with accessibility issues or Elders. Applicants must provide the name, phone number and best times to reach their referee. The IHTF will make two attempts to reach the referee. This time must be between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm EST, Monday-Friday and no later than two weeks after the program application deadline. Organizations with letterhead may not request an oral recommendation.
Note: the recommendation letter is separate from any declaration of identity documents and should speak specifically to why the writer recommends the applicant’s consideration for endorsement through the FIAP.
PART D: ENGAGEMENT WITH THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY Applying to McMaster through the FIAP is an agreement by the applicant to meet with a representative of Indigenous Health Learning Lodge twice a year. The objectives of these meetings are to ensure the applicant is meeting their academic goals; are aware of the multiple supports available to them (scholarships, bursaries, tutoring, mentorship, Elders, advocacy, professional development, etc.) In addition, students are provided with a connection to the Indigenous communities (Indigenous Health Learning Lodge, Indigenous Student Services, undergraduate and graduate student groups) at McMaster.
PART A: LETTER OF CONSIDERATION The letter is used by the reviewers on the IHTF to better understand the social/cultural context of the applicant. The letter of consideration should not exceed 800 words and must include:• A request for consideration under the Facilitated Indigenous Admissions Process;• A brief overview of the applicant’s academic and personal background that highlights the reasons and motivation for chosen health profession(s);• A declaration of self-identification as an Indigenous person with a response to the following questions: Why are you requesting consideration under FIAP? What does your Indigenous identity mean to you and how do you expect that it will influence you in your program of study? PART B: DECLARATION OF ANCESTRY DOCUMENTATION (2025-2026 application cycle) The applicant must provide valid documentation regarding their First Nation (status and non-status), Métis, Inuit, Elected Band Council, Tribal Council, Treaty, community, nation or organizational affiliation. Documents must be clear photocopies, scans or photographs. FIAP will not accept genealogies or membership applications in process.
Accepted documentation may include (but is not limited to):• A copy of a valid Certificate of Indian Status or Treaty card;• A copy of a valid Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities;• A copy of a membership card from a Métis registry recognized by the Métis National Council (Métis Nation of Ontario, the Manitoba Métis Federation, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Nation British Columbia);• A copy of a membership card from a Métis Settlement General Council community.• Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, or on the band list of an individual band, or on the Inuit roll;• Written confirmation of nationhood in a federally recognized band council which has its own citizenship code; or• A self-declaration of Indigenous (status or non-status) identity by the candidate with supporting documentation from either an official in a recognized Indigenous organization or a relative in an Indigenous community. The IHTF reserves the right to verify all documentation submitted.
Update August 2024: In alignment with the roll out of the McMaster Indigenous Ancestry Verification Process for current McMaster students, applicants previously verified through the McMaster Indigenous Education Council verification committee process may submit their verification acceptance documents in lieu of the above documentation. PART C: LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Recommendation from an Indigenous community that outlines why they support the applicant seeking consideration through Facilitated Indigenous Admissions stream for the FHS program(s) they are applying to. Acceptable recommendations can be provided by diverse Indigenous communities/organizations; for example: Elders, Friendship Centres, teachers/professors, guidance/academic counselors, mentors, or professionals who can speak to the applicant’s attributes and can clearly speak to the applicant as an Indigenous person. The letter of recommendation should be typed in 12-point font and not exceed 1000 words. Letters should be on letterhead where available, and signed by the writer.
*Oral Recommendation: Applicants may request an oral recommendation for those referees with accessibility issues or Elders. Applicants must provide the name, phone number and best times to reach their referee. The IHTF will make two attempts to reach the referee. This time must be between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm EST, Monday-Friday and no later than two weeks after the program application deadline. Organizations with letterhead may not request an oral recommendation.
Note: the recommendation letter is separate from any declaration of identity documents and should speak specifically to why the writer recommends the applicant’s consideration for endorsement through the FIAP.
PART D: ENGAGEMENT WITH THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY Applying to McMaster through the FIAP is an agreement by the applicant to meet with a representative of Indigenous Health Learning Lodge twice a year. The objectives of these meetings are to ensure the applicant is meeting their academic goals; are aware of the multiple supports available to them (scholarships, bursaries, tutoring, mentorship, Elders, advocacy, professional development, etc.) In addition, students are provided with a connection to the Indigenous communities (Indigenous Health Learning Lodge, Indigenous Student Services, undergraduate and graduate student groups) at McMaster.