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 a private 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 to Montreal once you have been accepted. Please buy refundable tickets.

Information on recommended arrival and departure times will be posted soon.

*NOTE: All participants arriving and departing during the posted arrival and departure times will be picked up from the airport, train station or bus station by MSA staff. If you arrive before or depart after these times, you must book your own accommodation and transportation to/from 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.

1. A letter explaining your visit to Canada. This will be your MSA acceptance letter.
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).
   • A Guardianship Form will be sent to accepted participants. This form is mandatory for all participants under 18. It will include the contact information of the 'temporary guardian' who will be responsible for you for the duration of the program.
   • 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, all participants must be covered by either Canadian provincial health insurance or Blue Cross travel insurance. Other private insurance will not be accepted.

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.

Visitors are not permitted to enter McGill buildings (outside of Arrival and Departure days), or to participate in program activities.

Please do not plan to leave the program outside of Family & Friends Day.

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!