Frequently Asked Questions
We encourage you to try the "ASK McMASTER" button located on our Main Menu for all your financial questions . Since you are here now, below are some on-the-spot answers to popular questions.
When do I register?
Depending on your session, level and faculty, there may be staggered entry onto the SOLAR registration system, . You should always refer to the Registrar's "Getting Registered" web pages for more information.
Generally speaking, registration for Fall/Winter session goes from June to September 1. Spring/Summer session registration goes from March to May 1. Additionally, it's important to review our dates and deadlines pages for more specific financial information. Please click either Fall/Winter Important Dates and Deadlines or Spring/Summer Important Dates and Deadlines.
How do I get "Fully Registered"?
1) Select and verify your courses on SOLAR. 2) SOLAR/MUGSI – Complete and “Confirm” your online Payment Agreement. 3) MUGSI – Check your registration status in My Academics / Program/Course Status. 4) Make your payment on or before the payment deadline date. 5) MUGSI - Regularly Review your Account Statement (My Student Accounts and Cashiers/Account Statement).
I completed my Payment Agreement (PA) online but have since changed my course load. Should I amend my PA?
Yes, for an accurate summary of your fees, you are encouraged to re-enter and reconfirm your PA as you make changes and as updated information is available, such as OSAP and bursary amounts, etc. Revisions can be made until September 1(Fall/Winter session) and May 1 (Spring/Summer session). Please ensure to click “Confirm” to save your changes.
How do I make changes to my PA after Sept 1/May 1?
Revisions are not accepted on the Payment Agreement past those dates. You will be responsible for following through with the payment as you have last confirmed. If you have made changes to your academic course load, the correct fees will be charged to your Account Statement shortly after the last day to Drop/Add courses. The Payment Agreement should no longer be accessed after this point.
My payment is not showing on the PA. Where is it?
The PA is only a registration tool used to get you fully registered, and used only during the registration period. The PA provides a complete summary of your fees for the courses you have selected at the time you confirm. It does not show payments or balances owing. All payments and balances owing show on your Account Statement (MUGSI / My Student Accounts and Cashiers / Account Statement). After the last day to Drop/Add, all financial activity, including fee calculations from the Payment Agreement will appear on your Account Statement
It’s after Sept 1/ May 1, and I have just registered in SOLAR. Can I still go into the Payment Agreement?
Once you have completed your academic registration you will be prompted to enter and complete the Payment Agreement. However, you won’t be fully registered until you pay in full and the appropriate documentation has been processed by the Student Accounts and Cashiers Office (GH 209). You will be assessed a $50.00 Late Payment Agreement Fee upon registration.
Can I post-date my payment?
All methods of payment (including online/telephone banking) can be post-dated until Sept 1(Fall/Winter) or May 1(Spring/Summer). For students registering after Sept 1/May 1, payment in full is due upon registration.
How do I make a payment?
McMaster prefers online methods to pay your fees. Credit cards are not accepted as a method of payment. For more information and details on online methods available, please click on Payment Methods.
What if I can’t pay in full by the payment deadline?
If you cannot pay in full, you can select a Flex Plan on your Payment Agreement. You will be given a minimum required payment that will be due Sept 1(Fall/Winter) and May 1(Spring/Summer). The balance will be due in full no later than the last day of classes. All balances owing will be subject to monthly interest charges (1.2% monthly compounded to 14.4% annually). Balances which are not paid in full by the last day of classes will be assessed a $35 Late Payment Fee.
Will I get a bill saying how much I owe?
No. Your last confirmed Payment Agreement is your most accurate record of what you are required to pay. After the last day to register, all financial activity should be reviewed on your Account Statement on MUGSI (MUGSI / Student Accounts and Cashiers / Account Statement). It’s a student’s responsibility to be regularly reviewing all activity and balances owing. Please note: For students whose parents are involved in the payment of fees, we encourage you to include them in viewing your Account Statement regularly.
Where will I find any important messages?
Periodically, we may send you ecards though your email and put messages on MUGSI. Please activate your MacID and enable your McMaster email. We encourage you to check both frequently.
Can I defer my payment?
If you cannot meet the terms of our Flex Payment Plans, you may be able to make special arrangements with one of our financial counsellors. Please drop by the Student Accounts and Cashiers office at Gilmour Hall, Room 209 before Sept1 / May 1, if you feel you need to discuss your situation. You may also contact a credit representative at: student.accounts@mcmaster.ca or telephone: (905) 525-9140 Ext: 24478. Note: a $35.00 deferment fee may be assessed if a deferment agreement is reached.
I have an account overdue from a previous session. Can I still register?
No. Accounts from previous sessions must be settled in full before you will be able to register in a new session. To view your current balance, please go to MUGSI / Student Accounts / Account Statement and make arrangements for payment.
What is MUGSI?
McMaster University Gateway to Student Information. Students may access MUGSI to view their Account Statements, Payment Agreement as well as various financial and academic systems such as your grade report and program /registration status. We strongly encourage students to visit their Account Statement on MUGSI frequently.
I didn't apply for OSAP in time but I have received an assessment.
Select the OSAP Flex Plan on the Payment Agreement, and it will do the appropriate calculations for you. Please pay particular attention to the Payment Schedule / Messages sections for important information regarding your payment required.
How does OSAP work?
All OSAP funding will be paid to your personal bank account (according to banking information provided with your OSAP application), and not remitted to McMaster on your behalf. For undergrad students in a full year program, OSAP is generally paid out in two installments: approximately 60% of your total funding comes in September, and if you maintain your unit count, approximately 40% of the funding is paid to you in January. You are responsible for making the appropriate payments to your McMaster student account according to the Payment Schedule / Messages sections on your Payment Agreement. For the most current information, please contact the Student Financial Aid and Scholarship office at: http://sfas.mcmaster.ca/