Click on the headings below to find out more information.

In the Faculty of Social Sciences, we know that learning extends far beyond the classroom. It is uniquely transforming to live, study and learn in another culture as a student. This is why we have agreements with universities worldwide offering you countless opportunities to expand your experiences on a global level. A study abroad experience will provide you with the opportunity to gain a varied perspective on your course of study, expand your horizons and enhance your professional as well as personal goals. An experience abroad will also increase your marketability and give you a competitive edge.

[Back to the top]

The Study Abroad program allows selected students to spend part or all of their third year studying abroad at a university or equivalent institution approved by the Faculty of Social Sciences.

To be eligible to participate, you must be registered in an Honours or combined Honours program and have completed at least 60 units of work with a Cumulative Average of at least 7.0. Individual programs may have specific additional requirements. You must return to McMaster University to complete your final 30 units of work in order to graduate. If you do not return to McMaster after participating in this program, you do not have the option of graduating with a three-year BA degree on the basis of work completed elsewhere.

[Back to the top]

McMaster offers different formal exchange programs for students. Exchange students register and pay regular fees at McMaster and do not pay tuition to the other university. While studying elsewhere, students must keep in contact with their academic advisor at McMaster.

[Back to the top]

Undergraduate Social Sciences students are permitted to go on an exchange to the following universities. The application deadline date for university wide exchange programs is usually the first week of February. Specific details can be found on the Study Abroad website. 

[Back to the top]

McMaster is one of several Ontario universities whose students may apply to take part in regional exchange programs with institutions in France (ORA) and Germany (OBW). Every year, between 40 and 50 students from Ontario are selected to participate in exchanges with each country. The application deadline date for these programs is December 19.

[Back to the top]

France

Rhône-Alpes is in south-eastern France, and borders both Switzerland and northern Italy. For more information, click here. If you are planning to study a Social Sciences program, you may apply to the following institutions: 

Since 95% of the courses are in French, you need to be able to function in French.

[Back to the top]

Germany

Bordering on France and Switzerland, Baden-Württemberg is in south-western Germany. For more information, click here. If you are planning to study a Social Sciences program, you may apply to the following universities:

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
Universität Hohenheim
Universität Karlsruhe
Universität Konstanz
Universität Mannheim
Universität Stuttgart
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen

Since many courses are in German, you need to be able to function in German (e.g. at a minimum, completion of German 1Z06).

[Back to the top]

If you participate in an exchange, you should apply for a travel scholarship. Further details are available from the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

[Back to the top]

After you have attended a session and have decided to apply for an exchange program, please make an appointment to discuss your exchange university choices and to develop a study plan (PDF) with the Study Abroad Academic Advisor in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

To make an appointment, please contact:

Tina Horton, Study Abroad Academic Advisor
KTH 120
hortont@mcmaster.ca

[Back to the top]