McMaster Engineering I - Engineering Physics
McMaster University
The published admission average for Engineering I - Engineering Physics at McMaster University is 87% for September 2027 entry, under OUAC code MEP. This program also requires a supplementary application. Applying adds a $50 program fee to the OUAC application fee.
Engineering Physics teaches you how to apply physics principles to solve real engineering problems, with emphasis on space systems and advanced technologies. Unlike general engineering programs that focus on specific disciplines like civil or mechanical engineering, this program keeps physics at its core while building practical engineering skills. It suits students who are strong in math and science and want to work on cutting-edge projects like satellites, propulsion systems, or other physics-intensive applications.
Plain-English summary. The universities publish requirements but not an explanation of the program, so this one is written for you and checked against the official listing above. Read the university’s own page before you decide.
Admission average
87%
OUAC code
MEP
Study options
Co-op
McMaster University publishes this as “A minimum of 87% is required for consideration. Admission is by selection.” — and notes the average actually needed can sit above the published figure.
What’s the McMaster Engineering I - Engineering Physics acceptance rate?
McMaster University doesn't publish an acceptance rate for Engineering I - Engineering Physics, and no Ontario university publishes one for any program. What it publishes is the admission average: 87% for September 2027 entry. McMaster acceptance rate, program by program
Admission requirements
- Required
- ENG4U, MCV4U, SCH4U, SPH4U
McMaster’s own wording
- English 4U
- Calculus & Vectors 4U
- Chemistry 4U
- Physics 4U
- See Ontario high school course codes.
How many other programs require these outright:
Also required
- OUAC application deadline: January 15, 2027
- Mandatory
- supplementary application
- due January 28, 2027, at 11:59 pm (ET). Applicants will be provided with details.
- Alternative Offers
- If you are interested in specific alternative programs, include your choice(s) on your OUAC application. McMaster will give full consideration to each program selection.
Degrees
Bachelor of Engineering, BEng · Bachelor of Engineering and Management, BEng&Mgt · Bachelor of Engineering and Society, BEngSoc
What it costs
First-year tuition at McMaster is $6,163.20 for an Ontario student in arts and science in 2026–27. Engineering and iBioMed, Level 1 ($12,694.70) and Integrated Business and Humanities ($10,293) cost more. McMaster tuition, program by program
Source: McMaster University on Ontario Universities’ Info. Grade ranges change year to year and are not guarantees — confirm with the university before you apply.
What this leads to
The picture for physics as of 2026-08-17, not a description of this particular program.
Physics graduates work as researchers in universities and government labs, or move into applied roles like firmware engineers, medical physicists, or data scientists in industry. Most bachelor's holders don't stay in pure physics—they transition into fields that value their analytical and computational skills.
In its favour
- Strong starting salary: physics graduates average $77,839 per year in Canada, with 25th percentile earning $51,346. This is solid for a bachelor's degree.
- Growing demand in AI and tech: employers actively hire physicists for machine learning roles, AI research, and automation systems where physics knowledge matters.
- Broad job options: there are 800+ listed physics jobs in Canada right now, across research, engineering, materials science, game development, and data science.
- Useful for grad school: if you want to do research later, a physics degree opens doors to master's and PhD programs in physics, engineering, computer science, and applied fields.
Worth knowing
- Research jobs require a PhD: if you want to do academic or research physics, a bachelor's degree alone won't cut it. You'll need to commit to grad school.
- High barrier to industry without extra skills: most bachelor's holders end up needing to learn coding or data science skills on the job. The physics degree alone doesn't get you hired; the math and problem-solving mindset does.
- Saturated entry level: many physics positions posted target people with 2+ years experience or master's degrees. Entry-level spots are competitive.
- Automation of routine research tasks: AI is already automating lab work, data processing, and experimental analysis. Pure experimental physics roles are shrinking.
How AI is changing this work
AI is changing physics work in two directions at once. Routine lab tasks—data collection, screening experiments, simulations—are being automated by AI systems and self-driving labs. But at the same time, there's new demand for physicists who can work with AI: evaluating AI models for scientific accuracy, designing physics-informed machine learning, and building AI systems that understand physical systems. The National Research Council and University of Toronto are funding major projects in this space. If you're thinking research, know that traditional experimental physics roles are shrinking while hybrid roles (physics + AI/ML) are growing. For the next four years, your degree will be in high demand for AI work, but pure physics research paths are getting narrower.
Where this came from (6 sources)
- 1. Salary: Physics Graduate (May, 2026) | Glassdoor
- 2. $46k-$80k Physics Jobs Canada Jobs (NOW HIRING) May 2026
- 3. 806 physics jobs in Canada, June 2026 | Glassdoor
- 4. 193 phd physics Jobs in Canada, June 2026 | Glassdoor
- 5. $19-$91/hr Physics Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING) Apr 2026
- 6. 173 Ai physics jobs in Canada
Deadline reminders
This program needs a supplementary application, and those close before the January OUAC deadline — some in early December. We’ll email you before the ones that apply to Engineering I - Engineering Physics.
We send your email address and the programs you’ve starred, so the reminders are the right ones. Your marks and your average are never sent — they stay in this browser. Deadline emails only, and you can reply to stop them.