MELD Diploma
MELD Diploma
Opening the Doors to McMaster University for English-Language Learners
The McMaster English Language Development (MELD) Diploma is an academic bridging program designed for international students whose primary language is not English and are looking to improve their communication skills in order to succeed in a McMaster University undergraduate program.
Students who meet the academic requirements for one of our undergraduate programs but do not meet the minimum English-language proficiency scores may wish to consider applying to the MELD program. Acceptance into the MELD program includes a conditional offer of admission from an undergraduate program. Successful completion of the MELD Diploma guarantees admission into the undergraduate program that the student originally received the conditional offer from.
From MELD to McMaster Undergrad
Following the successful completion of the MELD Diploma, students move on to their undergraduate studies at McMaster University, ranked as one of the Top 100 universities in the World and third in Canada. We have 25 direct-entry programs in the following six faculties: Business, Engineering, Sciences, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities. For more information on our undergraduate programs and their academic admission requirements, please check out the McMaster Future Students page.
Student Stories
We are proud to share the stories of a few of our students that have gone onto incredibly successful undergraduate careers. We have witnessed them grow over the past few years and know that they will find rewarding professional careers after graduation, attributed in part to the English-language foundation that the MELD Diploma has provided them.
Esther, B.Sc., Hons (Life Sciences) MELD 2015-2016
“I’m glad that I chose to study in the MELD program – The writing, presentation skills and large vocabulary that I learned played a crucial role in my academic reports, poster presentations, and lecture notes.”
Markus, Engineering, MELD 2020-2021
“Starting my undergraduate studies with the MELD program was one of the best decisions I made as an international student. The skills I gained through MELD have been invaluable throughout my academic career. I highly recommend the MELD program to anyone looking to succeed as an international student in Canada.”
Lee, BCom., Hons MELD 2015-2016
“I am so glad that I took the MELD program as my first year of university, because it means much more than a language program – for me it was the best transition between high school and university.”
Information Box Group
Ericka, Social Sciences Play Video
“I would highly recommend anybody to consider the MELD program, it is really amazing.”
Saven, Biochemistry Play Video
“University is not just a place you gain knowledge from, but it’s a community that you belong to, and that’s what I found in McMaster.”
Seina, Cognitive Science of Language Play Video
“You may feel afraid to move overseas, I also did, but keep going; because McMaster is worth it.”
Rita, Life Sciences Play Video
“Everything I learned from the MELD Program, such as communication skills, presentation skills, writing skills, they’re all very helpful for my study in Life Sciences.”
Program Details
Students must meet the academic requirements for one of McMaster University’s undergraduate programs and have obtained one of the following minimum scores of English Proficiency (or equivalent):
- TOEFL iBT: 70
- IELTS: 5.0
- CAEL: 50
- DUOLINGO: 75-114
- PTE: 40
For more information on the academic requirements of our undergraduate programs and the application process, please visit the McMaster Future Students page.
MELD students are enrolled as full-time McMaster University students and are required to take a total of 5 courses per term during the Academic Year. Students who complete all 10 courses successfully with a passing grade will be granted their diploma and will move into their undergraduate program in the following Academic Year. The MELD course schedule is as follows:
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Term 1, Fall (September – December) |
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| MELD 1Q03 – Critical and Analytic Reading In this course students develop their critical reading and reasoning skills by engaging, summarizing, analyzing, and reflecting on texts representing a variety of academic disciplines. The course emphasizes vocabulary building strategies (vocabulary in context) to communicate information clearly in different academic writing tasks. 6 Hours per week. |
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| MELD 1QQ3 – Grammar, Structure and University Writing This course focuses on using appropriate language (grammar, vocabulary, style), structure, and source attribution for writing in common post-secondary genres, while developing the critical thinking skills necessary for academic success. Attention will also be paid to less formal modes of online communication, such as email writing. 6 Hours per week. |
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| MELD 1R03 – Aural Communication and Academic Culture This is an intensive course that focuses on the listening and note-taking strategies needed for aural and oral success in university, that also introduces students to problem-based learning. Aural skills are enhanced through exposure to a variety of academic lectures, discussions, debates and podcasts. 6 Hours per week. |
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| MELD 1RR3 – Oral Communication for Academic and Social Interactions In this course students are introduced to the fundamentals of oral communication, including listening, for communicating successfully in university contexts, through inquiry-based learning activities and discussions. Pronunciation sessions will reinforce speech production and overall fluency. 6 Hours per week. |
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| LINGUIST 1E03 – Introduction to English Linguistics I (degree credit) This course introduces students to the study of the linguistic structure of contemporary English, particularly the distinctive sounds of English and how they are organized (phonetics and phonology), and the analysis of the structure of words (morphology) and their meaning in modern English. 4 Hours per week. |
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Term 2, Winter (January – April) |
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| MELD 1S03 – Critical Reading, Research and Academic Vocabulary This course further develops students’ analytical reading and critical thinking skills. Students will engage, analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and reflect on more challenging scholarly texts from a range of disciplines. The course strengthens students’ contextual vocabulary knowledge to enable effective and accurate written academic communication. 6 Hours per week. |
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| MELD 1SS3 – Academic Writing, Reporting and Research This course focuses on the development of research, reading, and composition skills to craft an academic report. Language (grammar, vocabulary, style), structure, source attribution, and critical thinking skills are further developed. 6 Hours per week. |
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| MELD 1T03 – Cross-cultural Perspectives on Language and Language Learning In this course students will explore the relationships between language, culture and society and how those relationships affect English language learning and communication in English. Students will further develop their critical listening and note-taking skills through lectures and inquiry-based learning scenarios. 6 Hours per week. |
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| MELD 1TT3 – Oral Communication for Academic Discourse In this course students will learn to apply effective oral communication strategies to a variety of higher education contexts, including case-study presentations and formal discussions. Cultural awareness, aural skills, and advanced features of pronunciation will also be reinforced. 6 Hours per week. |
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| LINGUIST 1EE3 – Introduction to English Linguistics II (degree credit) This course explores the linguistic structure of contemporary English, focusing on the analysis of sentence structure (syntax), the meaning of words (lexical semantics) and the interaction of sentence structure, meaning and language use (pragmatics). 4 Hours per week. |
In addition to coursework that prepares students to be successful undergraduates, students participate in co-curricular activities that help build community while further developing communication skills. Students also have the opportunity to interact with undergraduate students through mentoring sessions.
2023/24 Academic Year
$32,681.54
Tuition does not include textbooks, supplementary fees and UHIP. Additional costs can include Residence fees and Meal Plans.
MELD Scholarships
Each year the MELD Program gives out $40,000 in financial awards to the top MELD graduates based on academic performance. These awards are automatically applied to the recipients’ tuition fees for their first-year of undergraduate studies.