Specialized Summer English Programs
We offer a variety of specialized programs for university students (undergraduate and graduate level) and faculty. These programs combine specialized instruction in subject areas in various fields of Health Sciences, Engineering, Humanities and Business with an optional English (ESL) & Cultural Immersion pre-course section. The program length can be customized from 1 to 4 weeks. Most programs are scheduled between the second week of July to the second week of August. Please be aware that although we may accept individual students for these programs, we typically create the programs to fit the needs of university student or faculty groups.
We currently offer programs in e-Health, Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Problem-Based Learning (with Introduction to Evidence-Based Medicine). See further details below.
If you have any questions after reading below, please don’t hesitate to contact us at oia@mcmaster.ca for more information or to discuss your customized program interests.
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This popular program provides participants with an opportunity to learn essential concepts in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, including:
Entrepreneurial Opportunity Identification, Leadership for Innovation, Enterprise Opportunity Development, and Business Launch and Development. The program culminates in a Start-up Pitch Competition which will provide awards to the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners.
The pre-course section includes 1-2 weeks of intensive English practice with an emphasis on developing a strong foundation of English language skills relevant to entrepreneurship and innovation topics.
Participants should be current university students at the graduate or senior undergraduate level. Our programs are taught by expert McMaster faculty and the program is readily applicable to fields of engineering, design and business.
This program offers an intensive introduction to e-Health, including lectures and discussions on topics such as Health Research Methods,
Health Policy, Health Economics, Public & Population Health, Health Informatics, Health Technology Assessment and Health Data Mining and applications for AI. The program culminates in each student developing a presentation of a process map which demonstrates their understating of e-Health concepts, specifically by detailed explanation of the role of selected e-health technologies in patient “care paths”.
The pre-course section includes 1-2 weeks of intensive English practice with an emphasis on developing a strong foundation of English language skills relevant to e-health and health policy.
Participating students should be at the graduate or senior undergraduate level in the health sciences, medical or related fields. The program is taught by a team of expert McMaster faculty from the fields of Health Sciences, Social Sciences and Business.
This programs offers a 1-2 week introduction to Problem-Based Learning (PBL), a globally adopted pedagogy for medical education first 
developed at McMaster University. It includes lectures and discussions on the concepts of PBL and its application in specific medical education contexts, such as perioperative outcomes. The program also includes an overview of current issues in medical education as well as an introduction to Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM).
This program is offered to professionals, educators and administrators in the health sciences. This program is taught by expert McMaster faculty from our world-renown Faculty of Health Sciences.
English & Cultural Studies (ESL)
For students (high school or undergraduate) who want to improve their English in an English-speaking environment at a Global Top 100 university. Our program also includes great opportunities to experience Canadian culture and visit world-renowned sites such as Niagara Falls. We offer 4-week, 3-week, and 2-week programs. If you have any questions after looking at the application form and information brochures, please don’t hesitate to contact May at chenmay@mcmaster.ca, or Paul at leegsmp@mcmaster.ca.
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Our Intensive English Summer Programs are designed for pre-university and university students abroad who would like to combine a high quality English language development program with an experience of Canadian culture. Classroom activities integrate listening, reading, speaking and writing skills at an appropriate level from beginner to advanced. 
In addition to in-class ESL instruction, students will enjoy activities in small groups led by McMaster University students. These activities are both educational and fun, and help to apply and improve students’ language abilities while introducing them to different aspects of Canadian life. Activities range from organized sports events, to trips to major shopping centres, movie theatres and restaurants, where students will have many opportunities to practice their English in real-life settings.
Students will also have the opportunity to experience Canada’s beautiful outdoors with trips to places of special scenic interest such as the Royal Botanical Gardens. We will arrange trips to Niagara Falls, the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum and other places of interest.
- 30 hours a week of language instruction (15 hours in class, 12.5 hours applied practice per week)
- highly qualified and experienced instructors
- small, friendly classes assure individual attention for students
- afternoon tutorials taught and facilitated by McMaster graduate students
- lessons include reading, writing, academic vocabulary and presentations
- welcome and graduation ceremony
- completion / achievement reports available upon arrangement
- accommodation on campus in university residence
- use of university facilities and services, including Wi-Fi
- visits to local historic and scenic sites
- full schedule of organized excursions and recreational activities (a three-day sight-seeing trip to Quebec/Thousand Islands, is an optional extra)
| ESL Program | Dates | Fee (CAD) |
| 4 week | July 7 – August 4, 2024 | $4,800 |
| 3 week | July 14 – August 4, 2024 | $4.400 |
| 2 week | July 21 – August 4, 2024 | $3,900 |
| OPTION: Eastern Canada Trip: (based on double occupancy) | $700 | |
Program fees include: tuition, meal card (value varies by program), accommodation,
excursions, airport pick-up and drop-off, access to recreational facilities,
and university health insurance.
Payment Information: A non-refundable deposit of CAD $300.00 must accompany the
application form. The deposit should be in the form of a certified Bank Cheque or Money Order payable to McMaster University. The balance must be paid one month before the beginning of the program.