McGill University Undergraduate Admissions 2026 for Indian Students: Fees, Cutoff & Deadlines
- Haziq Shaikh
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Introduction
For high-achieving Indian students, McGill University has always been the dream destination. Often called the "Harvard of Canada," it offers world-class education in the heart of Montreal. However, the McGill University Undergraduate Admissions 2026 cycle comes with new challenges, specifically the stricter international student caps introduced by the Canadian government.
If you are a Class 12th student planning to start your journey in Fall 2026, you need more than just good grades you need a strategic application. In this guide, we simplify the admission process, fees in INR, and the specific requirements for CBSE, ISC, and State Board students.
McGill University Undergraduate Admission 2026 Highlights
Feature | Details |
University Name | McGill University (Montreal, Quebec) |
QS World Rank 2025 | #29 (approx.) |
Intake Season | Fall 2026 (September Start) |
Application Deadline | January 15, 2026 |
Acceptance Rate | ~38% (Highly Competitive for International Students) |
Average Fee (Tuition) | ₹30 Lakh – ₹42 Lakh per year (varies by course) |
Standardized Tests | SAT/ACT (Optional for Indians), IELTS/TOEFL (Mandatory) |
What is McGill University?
McGill University is one of Canada's oldest and most prestigious institutions. Located in Quebec, it is famous for its medical, engineering, and arts programs. For Indian students, it offers a multicultural environment and a "Guaranteed Tuition Model," meaning your tuition fee is locked in for the duration of your degree a huge financial relief given the rising costs of studying abroad.
Important Dates for Fall 2026 Intake
Missing a deadline is the biggest mistake you can make. McGill is very strict with its timelines.
Event | Date (Tentative) |
Applications Open | October 1, 2025 |
Deadline to Apply | January 15, 2026 |
Deadline for Documents | March 1, 2026 |
Entrance Scholarship Deadline | January 21, 2026 |
Admission Decisions Released | March – May 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students (2026)
McGill does not look at your JEE rank. They focus entirely on your Class 10th and 12th board performance.
1. Academic Requirements
CBSE & ISC Boards:
You need excellent grades in Class 10, Class 11, and predicted/mid-term grades for Class 12.
Minimum Requirement: Overall 85%, but competitive programs like Engineering or Computer Science often require 93%–96% in core subjects (Maths, Physics, Chemistry).
State Boards:
Students from state boards usually need slightly higher percentages (90%+) to be competitive.
Prerequisites:
Engineering/Science: Must have Mathematics and two science subjects (Physics/Chemistry/Biology) in Class 11 and 12.
Management (BCom): Must have Mathematics in Class 11 and 12.
2. English Language Proficiency
Since English is the language of instruction, you must submit proof of proficiency:
IELTS: Minimum Band 6.5 (no band less than 6.0).
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 90 (with 21 in each component).
PTE Academic: Minimum 65.
Admission Process: Step-by-Step
Applying to McGill University Undergraduate Admissions 2026 is different from applying to US or UK universities.
Choose Your Program: You can apply to two programs in one application.
Apply via Minerva: McGill uses its own portal called Minerva.
Enter Academic History: You do not need to upload transcripts initially. You must manually enter your Class 10, 11, and 12 grades.
Pay Application Fee: Approximately CAD $130 (₹8,000).
Submit Documents: Only if requested (usually after provisional acceptance).
Apply for Scholarships: Major Entrance Scholarships require a separate application by Jan 21, 2026.
Fees and Cost of Attendance (2026 Estimates)
For the 2026 intake, international students will benefit from the Guaranteed Tuition Model, meaning your fees won't increase annually.
Program | Annual Tuition (CAD) | Annual Tuition (INR) |
Bachelor of Arts (BA) | ~$49,000 | ~₹30 Lakh |
Bachelor of Science (BSc) | ~$63,000 | ~₹38 Lakh |
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) | ~$69,000 | ~₹42 Lakh |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) | ~$69,000 | ~₹42 Lakh |
Documents Required
Keep these ready before you sit down to apply:
Class 10th Marksheet (Scanned)
Class 11th Marksheet
Class 12th Predicted Grades (from school counselor)
Valid Passport
Credit Card for Application Fee
IELTS/TOEFL Score Report
The "Canada Student Cap" 2026: What You Must Know
The Canadian government has reduced the number of international study permits for 2026 to approx. 155,000.
Does this affect McGill? Yes. Getting an admission offer is not enough; you also need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from Quebec to apply for a visa.
Strategy: Apply early. The PALs are limited, and once the quota for Quebec is full, no more study permits will be issued for the year, even if you have an admission offer.
Scholarships for Indian Students
McGill offers two types of financial aid:
One-Year Entrance Scholarship ($3,000): Automatic consideration based on grades (no separate application needed).
Major Entrance Scholarship ($3,000 – $12,000): Renewable for 4 years. Requires a separate application essay and leadership proof.
FAQs: McGill University Admissions 2026
1. What is the minimum percentage required for McGill University Undergraduate Admissions 2026?
For Indian students (CBSE/ISC), a minimum of 85% is required to apply, but competitive courses like CS and Engineering typically cut off at 94-96%.
2. Is SAT mandatory for Indian students at McGill?
No, McGill is test-optional for students studying the Indian curriculum (CBSE/ISC/State Boards). However, a high SAT score (1450+) can strengthen your profile.
3. What is the application fee for McGill University in Indian Rupees?
The application fee is approximately CAD $130, which converts to roughly ₹8,000. This is non-refundable.
4. When is the deadline for the 2026 intake?
The strict deadline for international students is January 15, 2026.
5. How much does B.Tech (Engineering) cost at McGill for Indian students?
A Bachelor of Engineering costs approximately CAD $69,000 (₹42 Lakh) per year in tuition fees alone.
6. Do I need to know French to study at McGill?
No. McGill is an English-medium university. However, learning basic French is helpful for daily life in Montreal and part-time jobs.
Conclusion
Securing a seat in McGill University Undergraduate Admissions 2026 requires high academic standing and early action. With the new visa caps, the competition isn't just about grades, it's about timing. If you have a 90%+ aggregate and the budget for tuition, McGill offers an ROI that is hard to beat globally.
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