McGill University Exam Deferral: Complete 2026 Guide
McGill University in Montreal is one of Canada's most prestigious institutions, and their exam deferral process reflects their high academic standards. The process varies significantly by Faculty, so knowing your Faculty's specific requirements is essential.
McGill Exam Deferral Process
To defer a final exam at McGill:
1. Contact your Faculty's Student Affairs office as soon as possible
2. Submit a Deferral Request through Minerva (McGill's student portal)
3. Provide medical documentation within the Faculty's deadline (typically 5 days)
4. Faculty reviews and communicates the decision
Documentation Requirements
McGill requires a medical note that includes:
- Date of the medical consultation
- Confirmation of inability to write the exam
- Duration of the medical condition
- Physician's name, licence number (CMQ for Quebec physicians), and signature
- Contact information
Bilingual note: McGill accepts documentation in English or French.
Important: McGill accepts notes from physicians registered with any Canadian provincial college, not just the College des medecins du Quebec (CMQ).
Faculty-Specific Requirements
| Faculty | Office | Deadline | Special Notes |
|---------|--------|----------|---------------|
| Arts | OASIS (Dawson Hall) | 5 days | Standard process |
| Science | SOUSA (Burnside Hall) | 5 days | Standard process |
| Engineering | Student Affairs (FDA) | 5 days | Standard process |
| Desautels Management | BCom Office | 3 days | Stricter deadline |
| Education | Student Affairs | 5 days | Standard process |
| Music | Student Affairs (Strathcona) | 5 days | Performance exams differ |
| Law | Student Affairs | 3 days | Stricter deadline |
| Medicine | Student Affairs | 3 days | Stricter deadline |
Getting a Sick Note in Montreal
Option 1: MedLetter (Online) - 2-4 hours
- Accepted by McGill (physician registered with Canadian provincial college)
- Documentation in English (accepted by McGill)
- Signed note emailed same day
- Cost: $49 flat fee
- Available 7 days/week
Option 2: McGill Student Health Service
- Located at 550 Sherbrooke Street West (Brown Building)
- Walk-in and appointments
- Very busy during exam periods
- Free for McGill students (covered by student fees)
- Bilingual service
Option 3: Montreal Walk-In Clinics (CLSCs)
- Multiple options in the McGill Ghetto, Plateau, Downtown
- Wait times: 2-6 hours (Montreal walk-ins are notoriously slow)
- Free with RAMQ (Quebec health card)
- Out-of-province students may face billing issues at CLSCs
Special Considerations for Out-of-Province Students
Many McGill students are from outside Quebec and may not have RAMQ coverage:
- Ontario students: OHIP covers basic physician visits in Quebec, but some clinics won't bill OHIP directly
- Other provinces: Coverage varies; you may need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement
- International students: Must use McGill's student health insurance or pay out-of-pocket
- MedLetter: $49 flat fee regardless of your insurance situation; no RAMQ needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Does McGill accept online doctor's notes?
Yes. McGill accepts medical documentation from any licensed physician registered with a Canadian provincial medical college. Virtual consultations are accepted.
What if I don't have a Quebec health card (RAMQ)?
You can still get medical documentation from any licensed Canadian physician. MedLetter is a convenient option that doesn't require RAMQ.
Does McGill accept notes in English only?
Yes. McGill is an English-language institution and accepts documentation in either English or French.
How long until I get my deferred exam date?
Typically 3-6 weeks. Deferred exams at McGill are usually scheduled during the supplemental exam period in August or the next regular exam period.
Can I defer a midterm at McGill?
Contact your professor directly for midterm accommodations. The formal deferral process through Minerva is primarily for final exams.
Get Your McGill Exam Deferral Note Today
Montreal's long clinic wait times shouldn't prevent you from meeting McGill's deadline. MedLetter delivers same-day documentation accepted by all McGill Faculties.
Serving McGill students in Montreal, Westmount, and surrounding areas.