Frequently Asked Questions

General information on the program can be found on the McGill Summer Academy website. Important communications will be sent to participants via email. We also have an Instagram page that we recommend participants follow for updates.

Please contact mcgill.summeracademy [at] mcgill.ca for any questions that are not answered on this page.

We are able to offer a limited number of full scholarships to Canadian students who identify as Black or Indigenous, or who face financial barriers. Visit the Awards page for more information.

Email mcgill.summeracademy [at] mcgill.ca to request any changes to a submitted application. We will do our best to accommodate these changes, but cannot guarantee all requests.

No. We do not require official transcripts. You may upload scanned or pdf versions of your report card.

No. Participants will meet their roommate when they arrive at McGill.

After participants have paid the full amount for MSA, a form will be sent out to collect any information necessary to ensure their safe stay, including dietary restrictions and allergies. Participants’ meal plans will then be adjusted based on this information.

Yes. All dorm rooms have private bathrooms equipped with a toilet, sink and shower.

Yes. All dorm rooms offer free Wi-Fi. Participants will also be able to access McGill's free Wi-Fi on campus.

Yes. We require all participants to stay on campus to ensure their safety and provide the full MSA experience.

Classes will take place in the morning, from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a break. Afternoons and evenings will be dedicated to events, activities around Montreal, and free time.

Our courses are designed specifically for MSA students, and are therefore appropriate for grade 10 and 11 students. We are confident that accepted students will be able to handle the material.

We admit roughly 50 students into each stream for each session, depending on demand.

No. MSA is an academic summer camp and is not eligible for course credit.

You may book your transportation now - plane, train, or bus tickets - though please buy refundable tickets. 

For Arrival Day, please plan your travel to arrive on Sunday, July 6 (Cohort 1) or Sunday, July 20 (Cohort 2) between noon and 6 pm EST.

*NOTE: If you arrive before the specified arrival date, you must arrange for your own accommodation and your own transportation to the residence the following day.

For Departure Day, please plan to travel home on Saturday, July 19 (Cohort 1) or Saturday, August 2 (Cohort 2) between 10 am and 4 pm EST. Check out is in the morning and you will need to take your luggage with you.

*NOTE: If you leave after this date, you will need to book your own accommodation and transportation to the airport, train station or bus station.

If you are an MSA Award recipient, DO NOT book transportation yourself.

Yes. A packing list will be sent out by email in the weeks prior to the start of MSA.

Travel Documents

Most participants will need either a VISA or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada. Some participants only need their passport. Find out if you need a VISA, eTA, or passport at the Government of Canada travel site.

Find out how to apply for a visitor VISA here.

Find out how to apply for an eTA here.

COVID-19 Travel Documents

As of April 1, 2022, pre-entry testing is no longer required for fully-vaccinated travellers entering Canada by land, air or water.

Travellers entering Canada by air may use the ArriveCAN app to make their customs and immigration declaration 72 hours prior to boarding their flight. Remember to bring your travel document entered in ArriveCAN (e.g. passport). Check the ArriveCAN app or visit the CBSA website to see if you are arriving at a participating airport.

1. A letter explaining your visit to Canada. This will be your offer of admission to MSA.
2. If you are under 18, you may need to provide the information of a custodian for the duration of your stay in Canada (If you are 17, it is not required, but it is recommended. It is required if you are 16 or under).

Name: Gillian Nycum, Ms.
Address: 3415 rue McTavish, McLennan Library Building, Montréal QC H3A 0C8
Phone number: 514 398-4751

A guardianship form for students under 18 will be sent to accepted participants.

You will need to submit this information with your VISA application and show it to border services officials upon arrival in Canada. Find more information about VISA requirements here.

Yes. Due to liability concerns, we require all participants not covered by Canadian provincial health insurance to use the insurance MSA offers. Instructions will be provided to admitted participants.

Each cohort will have a Family & Friends Day, during which participants can leave campus with their designated family member or friend. Please be sure to fill out the Family & Friends Day form, which will be available after acceptance.

Montreal summers can be quite hot and humid, with highs over 30°C (86°F). Be sure to pack accordingly and bring a reusable water bottle!