McGill Schulich School of Music (BMus) admission requirements: 75% or 80% minimum, audition and statement of intent

McGill asks Ontario students for a high school diploma with six 4U or 4M courses, including at least four at the 4U level. If you only have three 4U courses, McGill says you can still apply to music, but you should mention it in your statement of intent.

There's no required math or science. You self-report your Grade 11 and 12 marks in the application. Plan your courses with our course planner.

For Ontario students, McGill wants a Grade 11 and 12 average of 75% or higher for a performance program, and 80% or higher for a music research program. McGill's FAQ says most successful applicants have higher grades than the minimum.

McGill's FAQ also says the academic record carries equal weight with the audition, and so does the statement of intent. It adds that space in each instrument and program counts, and the number admitted changes each year. McGill does not publish an admitted average. Track your marks with our Top 6 average calculator.

All undergraduate music applicants must pass an audition in their main instrument or voice, even for composition or research majors. You can audition on campus in February and March, or send a recorded audition. McGill's audition page for Fall 2027 had no dates posted for any instrument on October 7, 2026, and says each instrument has one audition day.

Only voice and early music voice applicants send a screening video, due January 15, with results by late January to early February. Recorded auditions must be less than 6 months old. Voice and jazz recordings need live accompaniment, and backing tracks aren't allowed. McGill warns that edits or glitches may stop your video from being evaluated.

Your statement of intent is one page at most. McGill says it should reflect your authentic voice. You also upload a music resume of one to three pages.

McGill gives recommended performance levels, not requirements: RCM Grade X for performance programs and RCM Grade IX for research programs.

McGill's music deadline is January 15 for the application form, all supporting materials and recorded auditions. On-campus auditions run in February and March, and decisions are released from early April.

Two warnings. First, some McGill music pages still label the January 15 deadline as being for Fall 2026, while the audition page is titled Fall 2027. Second, the FAQ says recorded auditions are due by February 1, but the deadlines and audition pages say January 15. Plan for January 15 and confirm with the Schulich admissions office.

McGill says to apply as soon as possible if you want to audition on campus. Compare dates on our Canadian deadlines page.

There's no entrance theory test to get in. After you're admitted, McGill uses an online Music Placement Exam to place you in theory, ear training and keyboard courses. You can't fail it, and it doesn't go on your transcript.

For programs that need MUSP 140 or MUTH 150, those two placement exams are mandatory. Last year's window ran from May 4 to June 1, 2026, and McGill doesn't offer late exams. If you skip them, you start in the 100-level courses.

McGill's Bachelor of Music pages don't list a co-op option. McGill lists work-study jobs as part of its need-based aid, and the school offers career planning and peer mentorship. Note that the Concurrent BMus and BEd program isn't open for admission in 2026-2027 while it is reviewed.

McGill's music finance page gives a quick view of undergraduate tuition and fees for 2026-2027: $7,538 for Quebec residents, $17,405 for Canadians from outside Quebec, and $40,998 for international students. McGill says international students are guaranteed the same rate for their whole program.

Residence and meal plans are listed at $20,000, or $9,000 to $12,000 for an apartment. Music students also pay for sheet music, instrument care and concert clothes. You pay an application fee and an audition fee when you apply. The audition fee is non-refundable and covers live or recorded auditions.

You're automatically considered for Schulich entrance scholarships based on your audition, grades and overall application. McGill lists awards such as the Schulich Scholarship ($6,000 renewable), with amounts from $2,000 to $12,000.

McGill's central academic awards include one-year $3,000 scholarships with no application, and Major Entrance Scholarships of $12,000 to $48,000 that need a separate application. See our scholarship finder for more.

Performance majors need 75% and focus on your instrument or voice. Research majors such as Music History and Music Theory need 80%. Music Studies is a flexible major for students admitted from Fall 2025 on. It uses a video portfolio and a personal statement, with no on-campus audition unless you also apply to a performance program.

You can submit two program choices for one application fee, and the audition fee is charged once. McGill says neither choice gets priority.

Out-of-province tuition at McGill is more than double the Quebec rate. Budget with the $17,405 figure, plus Montreal housing. McGill accepts a recorded audition if date conflicts or travel make the trip hard.

Grades matter as much as playing here. Protect your teen's Grade 11 and 12 marks while they prepare repertoire. Read our McGill guide for campus context.