Kira Talent video interviews for Fall 2027: which Canadian programs use them, how they are timed and the rules on outside help

Rotman Commerce describes Kira Talent as "a company that provides an online platform for video interviews and essays." Schools set up their own questions in it. You log in from your own computer, read or watch a question, and record or type your answer before the timer ends.

Most of these assessments are asynchronous. uOttawa explains that this means you don't talk live with an interviewer. You answer recorded questions on your own schedule, before the deadline. Waterloo Engineering says the same about its interview. One exception is Waterloo's Doctor of Pharmacy, which uses Kira for a live panel interview with set times.

We only list a program when its own university page names Kira Talent. Some programs run timed video tools without naming the vendor, and some names change from year to year, so this list is not every Canadian program with a video step. If your program isn't here, read its own supplementary page.

The schools are at different stages for Fall 2027. McMaster, Waterloo, Ivey, Rotman and Schulich all show Fall 2027 or 2027 dates. Queen's has Fall 2027 dates, but its FAQ says the format details are for 2026 intakes, with an update by November 1, 2026. uOttawa's page shows no dates at all.

For full program details, see our guides to Queen's Commerce, Queen's Health Sciences and Nursing, McMaster Engineering, Ivey AEO and Schulich BBA.

Practice first. Queen's makes practice a required part of check-in. Ivey, Rotman and uOttawa allow as many practice sessions as you like, and McMaster IBH asks for at least two. Practice answers are not scored. McMaster says its practice questions are completely different from the real ones. uOttawa says its practice questions are similar in style.

One try at the real thing. McMaster says you can't redo or change an answer once you submit it. uOttawa and McMaster IBH say you get one chance per question. Ivey says all five questions must be done in one attempt. Waterloo Engineering gives one chance at its single video. At Queen's, a retake happens only if Queen's asks for one, and then you get a new random question.

Questions you don't see ahead. Queen's and McMaster Engineering both say they don't share the questions in advance. Rotman is different: it gives you one written and one video question after you send your initial application, then adds two more video questions during the assessment.

Timing is the biggest difference. McMaster Engineering gives you 10 seconds to read a video question. Queen's gives 2 minutes. Rotman's 90-second videos include 30 seconds to prepare. McMaster IBH gives 2 minutes 30 seconds per answer.

Some programs charge a fee. McMaster Engineering charges $50, paid on OUAC. Rotman charges $52, paid with your OUAC application. Schulich charges $50 starting with the Fall 2027 cycle.

Some cover several programs, some don't. One McMaster Engineering application covers Engineering, Computer Science, iBioMed and the four-year Bachelor of Technology. Queen's asks for a separate supplement for each of Commerce, Health Sciences and Nursing.

These rules are quoted or closely summarized from each school's own page. Where we found no rule, we say so. That does not mean help is allowed.

Queen's is the only school here that posts its scoring rubrics, with five levels for the written answer and five for the video. McMaster Engineering says it does not share the rubric or individual results. It names four skills it looks for: engagement, collaboration, innovation and creativity, and resilience.

Weighting differs too. Ivey says academics and leadership count equally. Schulich's FAQ says strong grades won't make up for a weak supplementary application, and the reverse is true too. Rotman and McMaster describe a holistic review. Queen's says it uses the supplement once your grades pass a minimum it sets each year.

McMaster also says it doesn't consider race or gender identity in review. It says video answers are used only to confirm that the applicant did the work, if that's ever needed.

You don't sign up for Kira on your own. You apply on OUAC first, and then the school or Kira emails you a link. Queen's says this can take up to 8 business days after its acknowledgement email. McMaster Engineering says 7 to 10 business days in one place and 10 in another. Schulich allows up to 10 business days.

Some dates are fixed. McMaster's Engineering application opens October 1, 2026. Schulich's FAQ says October 15, 2026. McMaster IBH opens in early December. Schulich won't process files during York's closure from December 21, 2026 to January 11, 2027, so invites for applications sent then come after January 11.

Check your junk folder. Schulich invites come from no-reply@kiratalent.com, and Queen's asks you to add @kiratalent.com to your safe senders. Track all of these dates in our Ontario university deadlines guide.

Schools mostly ask you to prepare your setup, not scripts. McMaster says you need a computer with a working webcam and microphone, in a quiet, well-lit space. uOttawa asks for a desktop or laptop with a webcam, microphone and internet. Queen's suggests about 30 minutes alone with a stable connection.

Some schools publish a question. Waterloo Engineering's page shows its interview question: "What experience(s), inside or outside the classroom, motivated you to apply to your chosen engineering program?" McMaster Engineering posts practice questions for each of its four skills and says it won't ask technical or skill-testing questions. Use only what the school itself publishes for your year.

Have uploads ready. Schulich needs your Leadership Profile uploaded before you can start the videos, and you can't replace it later. McMaster IBH asks for a resume first. uOttawa asks for a portfolio link at the start.

McMaster Engineering's main text gives 10 minutes for the written answer. Its FAQ, on the same page, gives 7 minutes. Plan for the shorter time and confirm with McMaster.

Schulich's BBA requirements page says the supplement opens in November 2026. Its FAQ says October 15, 2026, and its supplementary page says invites for early applicants arrive by October 16. Follow the supplementary page and confirm with Schulich.

Queen's FAQ, labelled for 2026 intakes, still lists a February 15, 2024 deadline. Queen's dates page gives February 15, 2027 for Fall 2027. Use the dates page.

The Laurier BBA program page lists courses and a high 80s average range, with no supplementary application or video. Laurier instead offers an Applicant Background Summary form after you apply. Laurier says it is "optional but highly recommended," and one form covers every Laurier program you apply to. For fall entry it is due April 25.

See our Laurier BBA requirements page for the full program view.

Kira emails a confirmation when you finish. McMaster says the confirmation means you're done, even if your applicant portal still shows the item as incomplete for several weeks. Queen's says SOLUS updates within 8 business days. Schulich says MyFile can take 7 to 10 business days to show the supplement as received.

Sending it early doesn't promise an early offer. McMaster says most decisions still come between March and May. Queen's aims to send all decisions by mid-May.