We are currently reviewing our admission requirements and program structure for the May 2027 intake. This may result in changes to this page. Please continue to monitor our website for updates. More information about the transition to the new CPA Professional program can be found on the CPA Ontario website.
To help answer some of our most common questions, please review the Graduate Diploma in Professional Accountancy FAQ below.
General program questions
CPA Ontario has updated its national competency requirements, shifting more responsibility onto graduate-level programs like the GDPA to ensure students meet all required technical and enabling competencies. DeGroote has redesigned the GDPA curriculum to reflect these changes while keeping the program in its accelerated format.
We are in the process of gaining formal approval from CPA Ontario.
The Graduate Diploma in Professional Accountancy is a full-time 14-week program that starts at the beginning of May. Classes are Tuesday through Thursday and applied learning days on Monday and Friday.
No. The McMaster GDPA program is offered only during Spring/Summer.
Majority of courses take place in person at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster Hamilton Campus. With the exception of some workshops that could be located at the DeGroote School of Business, Ron Joyce Centre in Burlington.
Students must receive a minimum of 70% in each course, and an overall average of 70% or more.
Students cannot opt out of classes in this program. Opting out of courses would not place a student in a position to graduate.
Admissions questions
The GDPA admits McMaster graduates with accounting coursework, external applicants from Canadian institutions with accounting coursework, and McMaster graduates without an accounting background on a case-by-case basis.
View the admissions page for more detailed information on who can apply.
No. At this time, applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree at a Canadian university.
After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming the receipt of your application and how to monitor its status. Please monitor your email in case our office has any questions about the materials you have submitted. If there is an issue with any of your application components, we will contact you at the email you provided on your application.
Reviewing applications and their components is a manual process and not done immediately after submission. We will correspond with you regarding the results of your application using the email you have provided on your application.
Financial questions
Tuition for May 2027 is approximately $12,500. Supplementary fees may apply. Detailed fee information is available on the Registrar’s website.
Scholarships between $1,000-$2,000 are available. Priority consideration is given to students who complete their application by the first round.
Please refer to the Finances section of the website for comprehensive information.
The fees for this program are the same for domestic and international students. Please refer to the Finances section of the website for comprehensive information.
Yes, there is a non-refundable $150 application fee associated with this program. Please note that there are no exemptions for the cost of the application.
This program is not eligible for OSAP funding. Scholarships between $1,000-$2,000 are available. Priority consideration is given to students who complete their application by the first round.
Please refer to the Finances section of the website for comprehensive information.
Post submitted application questions
After you have submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming the receipt of your application and how to monitor its status. Please monitor your email in case our Program Office has any questions about the materials you have submitted. If there is an issue with any of your application components, we will contact you at the email you provided on your application.
Reviewing applications and their components is a manual process and not done immediately after submission. We will correspond with you regarding the results of your application at the email you have provided on your application.