Undergraduate Music Costs and Financing

Tuition & Fees

McGill offers many resources to help you determine your living and program expenses and how to finance your educational investment. Your tuition depends on your residency status (Quebec, Canadian, or international). McGill offers a world-class education at a competitive cost.

• For the most current tuition rates and fee breakdowns, visit the McGill Student Accounts Tuition & Fees page.

Scholarships & Financial Support

We believe that financial barriers should never hold back talent. That’s why McGill and the Schulich School of Music offer a wide range of scholarships and financial aid options.

Entrance Scholarships

When you apply to Schulich, you’re automatically considered (based on your audition, academic record, and overall application strength) for several prestigious entrance scholarships, including:

• The Schulich Scholarship ($6,000 Renewable)
• The Lloyd Carr-Harris String Scholarship ($6,000 - $12,000 Renewable and entrance)
• The Suzanne Fortier Major Entrance Scholarships (Jazz Studies and Voice)
• The Wirth Family Scholarships (Strings and Voice)
• The Derek H. Davis Scholarship
• The Student Excellence Award
• The Mills-Tyrrell Entrance Scholarship (applicants from Western Canada)

The available amounts vary from $2,000 to $12,000 and can consist of either one-time or renewable awards. In specific situations, scholarships may be combined. The amounts and terms of the above awards are subject to change.

McGill Academic Scholarships

All music applicants are also considered for McGill’s centrally administered academic scholarships, which recognize outstanding academic achievement across all faculties.

There are two types:

• One-Year Scholarships: Valued at $3,000 (non-renewable): automatically considered, no application required.
• Major Entrance Scholarships: Valued between $12,000 and $48,000 (renewable for up to 4 years), application required.

To be considered for a Major Entrance Academic Scholarship, applicants must submit a separate application through the Undergraduate Admissions Applicant Portal shortly after applying for admission. Please review deadlines and required documents for the major academic scholarship.

In-Course Scholarships & Prizes

Once you’re a student, you’ll be eligible for a wide variety of merit-based awards and performance prizes. These are granted annually based on your academic and musical achievements—no application required.

Competitions & Prizes

Schulich students can also earn funding through competitions and special performance opportunities. These awards may support:

• Travel to festivals or conferences
• Special projects or research
• Solo and ensemble performances

Need-Based Financial Aid

McGill’s Scholarships and Student Aid Office provides need-based support to both Canadian and international students. This includes:

• Entrance Bursaries
• Emergency funding
• Work-study opportunities

Explore your options at the McGill Scholarships and Student Aid website.

Housing & Living Costs

Montreal is one of North America’s most affordable major cities. Students can choose from:

• On-campus residences for a supportive first-year experience
• Off-campus housing with guidance from McGill’s Off-Campus Housing Office

Learn more at McGill Residences.

How to Estimate Your Cost of Living

Planning ahead is key to a successful university experience. Schulich applicants can estimate their cost of living using McGill’s Student Budget Planning Worksheet, which helps you calculate:

• Rent and utilities
• Groceries and dining
• Transportation (public transit, bike, or car)
• Books, supplies, and instrument maintenance
• Personal expenses and entertainment
• Health and dental insurance (if not already covered)

Additional Costs for Music Students

As a music student, you may have some program-specific expenses, such as:

• Sheet music, instrument maintenance, and concert attire
• Music related software, computer equipment
• Travel for performances, auditions, or competitions