McMaster’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers a four-year Basic stream at McMaster or Mohawk and an Accelerated stream at McMaster for eligible university applicants. The program combines problem-based, self-directed learning with simulation and clinical practice. Basic-stream students apply to each site separately and remain at the site where they are admitted. Both streams lead to a McMaster BScN.
- Program
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Basic (A) and Accelerated (F) Streams
- Credential
- BScN
- Location
- Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Casper
- Required
- Next deadline
- January 15, 2027 (Nursing I, Group A application)
- Length
- Basic: four years; Accelerated: five consecutive full-time terms
Casper Requirement for McMaster University Nursing (Basic and Accelerated BScN)
McMaster University Nursing (Basic and Accelerated BScN) requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Test to book
- Casper assessment
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Complete a sitting listed for McMaster Nursing. Applicants who self-identify through the Facilitated Indigenous Admissions process are exempt under McMaster’s nursing requirements. One Casper sitting suffices when applying to multiple McMaster Nursing sites.
Casper format
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test run by Acuity Insights. The current format has 11 scenarios (4 video-response and 7 typed-response) with 2 questions each and takes about 65 to 85 minutes, including optional breaks. Typed-response scenarios allow 3.5 minutes to answer both questions.
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McMaster University Nursing (Basic and Accelerated BScN) Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- OUAC, except current McMaster students using the applicable internal or returning-student application
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Nursing I, Group A application | January 15, 2027upcoming |
| Nursing I, Group B application | February 1, 2027upcoming |
| Accelerated application | February 1, 2027upcoming |
Apply separately through OUAC to each Basic site you want considered; admission to one site does not permit transfer to the other. Accelerated applicants must have completed or registered in prerequisite subjects by the application deadline. Casper dates are separate from application deadlines.
McMaster University Nursing (Basic and Accelerated BScN) Admissions Statistics
Period: Published McMaster BScN admissions policy
- Facilitated Indigenous admissions: 5% of seats reserved for Indigenous students across BScN streams who meet admission requirements
Eligibility Requirements for McMaster University Nursing (Basic and Accelerated BScN)
- Degree / credits
Basic accepts eligible secondary-school applicants and applicants with other qualifying education. Accelerated requires a prior university degree or at least 54 units, equivalent to two years, of university degree credits; applicants with a nursing background or enrolled in nursing are ineligible.
- Citizenship
Applicants from other countries may present secondary-school qualifications equivalent to Ontario requirements.
- Language proficiency
McMaster teaches in English and requires acceptable English-proficiency evidence unless an exemption is granted.
Admission pathways
- Basic (A): Four-year entry stream
- Accelerated (F): Five consecutive full-time terms for eligible university applicants
Other requirements
- Clinical-readiness documentation: Before lab or professional practice, provide required health-screening and vulnerable-sector-screening evidence
- Practice preparation: Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers with AED and BVM, online health-and-safety modules, and mask-fit testing and training
Selection Factors McMaster University Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Basic, Grade 12 English U | Required |
| Basic, Grade 12 Biology U | Required |
| Basic, Grade 12 Chemistry U | Required |
| Basic, Grade 12 mathematics | Advanced Functions U, Calculus and Vectors U, or Mathematics of Data Management U |
| Basic, two additional Grade 12 U/M courses | Six courses total |
| Accelerated, Psychology | 6 units, including 3 introductory units Requires at least C-/60%. Required courses must be within five years. |
| Accelerated, Human Physiology or Human Anatomy and Physiology | 6 units covering all specified human systems Requires at least C-/60%. Required courses must be within five years. |
| Accelerated, Statistics | 3 units covering specified statistical methods Requires at least C-/60%. Required courses must be within five years. |
| Accelerated, Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Nutrition or Kinesiology | 6 units Requires at least C-/60%. Required courses must be within five years. |
GPA
- How it is calculated
Basic Ontario secondary-school admission uses six appropriate Grade 12 U/M course grades; Basic university-credit applicants are assessed on all university degree-credit courses. Accelerated uses the last two full years, at least 54 units, of university degree-credit courses.
- Minimum
- Basic university-credit applicants need at least a B cumulative GPA and 12 graded units; Basic pre-health applicants need 85% overall and 75% in each required subject. Accelerated applicants need B/75%; meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission.
- Competitive
- Basic secondary-school consideration typically requires at least 85%.
Admissions tests
- English-language proficiency (required for some applicants): Provide an accepted test result if McMaster requires one; exemptions are discretionary
Supplementary application
Casper is the published nursing supplementary assessment. Applicants seeking facilitated Indigenous admission must also submit McMaster’s self-identification application. For Accelerated, required courses must be completed or in progress when applying; the school’s prerequisite form asks applicants to identify transcript courses and submit the form by the application deadline.
How applicants are ranked
Admission is by selection using academic qualifications and assessment of personal and professional characteristics; Casper forms part of that assessment unless the facilitated Indigenous exemption applies. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an offer.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at McMaster University Nursing (Basic and Accelerated BScN)
- Program length
- Basic: four years; Accelerated: five consecutive full-time terms
- Structure
Problem-based, small-group and self-directed learning combined with clinical education.
- Campuses
- McMaster University, Mohawk College
Basic students develop skills in simulation in Year I and provide direct patient care in hospital and community settings in Years II to IV; Accelerated students apply prior university learning to nursing practice.
Campus and facilities
Basic students remain at their admitted McMaster or Mohawk site throughout the program and receive a McMaster BScN. Accelerated is offered at McMaster only. Local placements include hospitals, public health, visiting nursing agencies and long-term care; students arrange their own transportation to clinical sites.
Tuition and Funding at McMaster University
- McMaster tuition: Charged per course unit at the applicable faculty and student-status rate
- Supplementary fees: Additional fees apply
Nursing courses may carry more than three units, and charges vary by student status.
McMaster University's Mission and Values
Prepare professional nurses to enhance the health of individuals, families, communities and society.
How to Prepare Your McMaster University Nursing (Basic and Accelerated BScN) Application
- Choose Basic or Accelerated and check your eligibility
- Match every prerequisite to your transcript
- Apply to each Basic site you want considered
- Book a Casper sitting listed for McMaster Nursing unless exempt
- Submit required documents and, if applicable, the Indigenous self-identification application
- Check your applicant portal and prepare clinical-readiness documents if admitted
Frequently Asked Questions About McMaster University Nursing (Basic and Accelerated BScN)
Is Casper required?
Yes, unless covered by McMaster’s facilitated Indigenous admissions exemption.
Can I apply to both Basic sites?
Yes; apply separately through OUAC.
Can I transfer between sites?
No.
Where is Accelerated taught?
At McMaster University.
How long is Accelerated?
Five consecutive full-time terms.
Does meeting the GPA minimum guarantee admission?
No.
Sources
Last updated: September 26, 2026