With just over a month left of the Winter semester and warm weather (hopefully) on the way, many McGill students are getting ready to bid adieu to Montreal and head home for the summer. However, for those who are unsure of their summer plans, or want to stay in Montreal a little longer, McGill’s Summer Studies offerings provide over 300 condensed courses across the downtown and MacDonald campuses for students to get ahead in their degree or take a course in a discipline they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to. Follow this guide to make the most of your summer courses at McGill!
Benefits of summer courses
Summer courses offer many unique opportunities for McGill students. Though course material is packed into a short time period, typically lasting four to six weeks, balancing your workload with other activities becomes much easier with fewer classes on your plate. During the fall and winter semesters, it can be difficult to juggle assignments and exams for four to five classes, while also maintaining an active social life and healthy habits. Summer studies feature more intense classes each day, but with only one course to focus on, you’ll have ample free time to study, relax, and try all of those restaurants and excursions that you didn’t get around to during the traditional school year.
For students entering their second year, spending some time in Montreal over the summer gives you the opportunity to settle into your new apartment and make it feel like home before the fall semester starts. Summer courses also alleviate the need to look for a subletter, depending on how much time you plan to spend in Montreal.
How to register
Registering for a McGill summer course is very similar to registering for the fall and winter semesters. Simply log onto Minerva, go to the student menu, and click on ‘registration menu.’ From there, click “Search Class Schedule and Add Course Sections,” select the option for ‘Summer 2026’ from the dropdown bar, and search for classes based on subject to view what McGill is offering for the term.
Note that McGill’s summer courses start and end at different times between May and August. Check out the Summer 2026 course schedule on the McGill Summer Studies website to view all available course offerings and confirm that the class you are looking to take falls within a time period that accommodates the rest of your summer plans.
Basic course schedule
Summer courses offered by all faculties, with the exception of the Desautels Faculty of Management, take place over the same three sessions:
For the May session, classes begin on Friday, May 1, 2026. Final exams will take place for 3-credit courses on Tuesday, June 3 and Thursday, June 4, while 6-credit courses will have their final exams on Thursday, July 9.
For the June session, classes begin on Thursday, June 5. Final exams for these 3-credit courses will take place on Thursday, July 9, and 6-credit courses will administer finals on Monday, Aug. 10.
Finally, for the July session, classes will begin on Friday, July 10, and all final exams will be held on Monday, Aug. 10.
Due to the condensed time period, the weekly schedule for most courses is two and a half hours a day, Monday through Thursday.
Study tips and tricks
Summer courses at McGill also provide an opportunity to test good study habits to bring into the next school year. If you’ve found yourself cramming before exams or are unsatisfied with your note-taking, the summer semester is the perfect time to reassess and examine what works and what doesn’t for your academic success.
Devote time after each class to going over the material that you learned that day. A plethora of information can be taught in two and a half hours, so it is a good idea to make sure you have a sound understanding of what you learned before covering new material in class the next day. When you need a break from studying, take the opportunity to walk around new neighbourhoods or hop on a BIXI and enjoy the sights of Montreal in full bloom.
Summer courses are also a great time to get to know your professors. If you introduce yourself and attend office hours with thoughtful questions, you’re likely to foster a fruitful relationship with an expert in your field before the fall semester even begins.