McMaster University MSAF & Exam Deferral: Sick Note Guide (2026)

McMaster's MSAF system lets you self-report for assessments worth less than 25%. But for finals and major assessments, you need medical documentation. Here's how to get it.

McMaster's MSAF System: When You Do (and Don't) Need a Sick Note

McMaster University has one of the most student-friendly absence reporting systems in Ontario — the McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF). But it has important limitations that many students don't understand until it's too late.

Understanding the MSAF

The MSAF allows you to self-report an absence without medical documentation for:

  • Assessments worth less than 25% of your final grade

  • A maximum of one MSAF per term (3 days maximum)

  • Absences due to illness, injury, or family emergency


When the MSAF does NOT apply:
  • Final exams

  • Assessments worth 25% or more

  • If you've already used your MSAF this term

  • Labs, tutorials, or clinical placements (faculty-specific rules apply)


When You Need Medical Documentation at McMaster

You need a physician's note for:
1. Final exam deferrals — Submitted through the Registrar's Office
2. Assessments worth 25%+ — Requires a completed McMaster Medical Certificate
3. Multiple absences in one term — After using your MSAF, subsequent absences require documentation
4. Extended absences (more than 3 days) — Even with an MSAF, longer absences may require a note

McMaster's Medical Certificate Requirements

McMaster requires documentation that includes:

  • Physician's name and CPSO registration number

  • Date of assessment

  • Statement that the student was unable to attend the exam/complete the assessment

  • The period of incapacity


Note: McMaster specifically states that notes saying only "patient was seen on [date]" are not acceptable.

Faculty-Specific Rules

  • DeGroote School of Business: Has its own absence policy; check with the DeGroote Academic Advising office

  • Faculty of Engineering: Strict attendance requirements for labs; medical notes required for any missed lab

  • Faculty of Health Sciences (BHSc): Additional requirements for clinical placements

  • Faculty of Science: Standard MSAF rules apply for most courses


The McMaster Student Experience

McMaster's Hamilton campus serves 37,000+ students. During exam season:

  • The Student Wellness Centre wait times can exceed 4 hours

  • Hamilton walk-in clinics near campus (Main Street, Dundurn) are similarly overwhelmed

  • Many students commute from Burlington, Oakville, or the GTA and don't have a local doctor


Getting a Sick Note for McMaster

Option 1: McMaster Student Wellness Centre

  • Located in the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning (PGCLL)

  • Free for McMaster students but extremely busy during finals

  • May not have same-day availability


Option 2: Hamilton Walk-In Clinics
  • Main Street Medical Centre, Dundurn Medical Centre

  • Expect 2-4 hour waits during peak times

  • Charge $20-40 for sick notes


Option 3: Online Sick Note (MedLetter)
  • Get your note within hours without leaving home

  • $49 flat fee includes physician assessment and documentation

  • Meets McMaster's medical certificate requirements


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an MSAF for a final exam at McMaster?
No. MSAFs cannot be used for final exams. You must apply for a deferred exam through the Registrar's Office with medical documentation.

Will McMaster accept an online sick note?
Yes. McMaster accepts medical documentation from any CPSO-licensed physician. Online notes that include the physician's registration number and confirm incapacity are fully valid.

I already used my MSAF this term. What do I do?
You need medical documentation for any subsequent absences. Get a sick note from a physician (in person or online) and submit it to your faculty office.

How long do I have to submit a deferred exam request at McMaster?
You must submit within 5 business days of the missed exam. Don't delay — get your documentation immediately.

How to Get Your Documentation

McMaster students: don't let a missed exam become an academic crisis. If you've already used your MSAF or need to defer a final, [get your sick note now](/get-started/sick_note?province=ontario) — $49 flat fee, delivered by email within hours. Our documentation meets McMaster's medical certificate requirements.

Conclusion

McMaster's MSAF system is generous for minor assessments, but when it comes to finals and major coursework, you need proper medical documentation. Acting quickly is essential — the 5-business-day deadline for deferred exam requests means you can't afford to wait in a clinic queue. Online sick notes provide the fastest path to getting the documentation you need while you focus on recovery.