An applicant's entrance audition and academic record are considered when making an admission decision. As a limit is placed upon the number of students who are admitted for study in a particular instrument or program, fulfilment of the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Proof of English proficiency may be required of non-Canadian students whose mother tongue is not English. It is the applicant's responsibility to make the necessary arrangements to take these exams before the application deadline. TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test are accepted exams.

Students are expected to obtain the Quebec Diploma of College Studies (Diplôme d'études collégiales (DEC)) in the Music Concentration or equivalent. Applicants with a DCS/DEC in a field other than Music must have the equivalent Music prerequisites and/or performance experience. The minimum overall average required is 75%. CEGEP graduates are considered for admission to a three-year or a four-year program.

Applicants are expected to obtain a high school graduation diploma that leads to university admission in the student's home province. Ontario high school students are normally expected to have obtained a minimum of six pre-university (4U, 4M) courses; at least four of the six must have been taken at the 4U level. There are no specific non-Music prerequisite courses required, and the minimum overall average should be 75%. Canadian high school graduates are admitted to a four-year program.

Applicants are expected to obtain a high school graduation diploma that meets the requirements for university/college admission in the U.S. The minimum overall average required is B+. There are no specific non-Music prerequisite courses, SAT, or Achievement Test results required. Some credit will be granted for Advanced Placement Examinations in appropriate subjects. U.S. high school graduates are admitted to a four-year program.

In general, applicants must be eligible for admission to university in their country of origin and have above-average grades. Students who have completed an International Baccalaureate, a French Baccalaureate, or a minimum of three GCE “A" (Advanced) Level examinations are considered for admission into a three-year program. Normally, applicants with five GCE “O" (Ordinary) Level results, plus one year of schooling beyond the Ordinary Level, are admitted to a four-year program. Applicants with qualifications from other systems will be considered for either a three-year or a four-year program.

Transfer students are considered on the basis of both their university or college work and previous studies. Normally, students are expected to complete a full year of university studies prior to applying for admission, and to be in good standing as defined by the university previously attended. The minimum overall average required is a CGPA of 3.00. Transfer credits for non-Music courses in which a grade of C or better has been received are granted following an evaluation of the student's transcript. Transfer credits, with certain restrictions, are granted for music complementary or elective courses following an evaluation of the student's transcript (a higher grade may often be required). Transfer students must complete a minimum of 60 credits at McGill in order to obtain a degree.

Applicants who are at least 21 years of age and are Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents at or before registration, who have not met the high school or CEGEP academic requirements, and who are able to demonstrate exceptional talent in their discipline may be considered for admission. Such applicants may reside anywhere in Canada. All available academic/educational documents must be submitted. An interview may be required.

Special Students do not need to fulfil any of the academic requirements outlined previously, but are required to have the necessary music prerequisites for the courses concerned. The minimum requirement is a bachelor's degree in music or equivalent. Registration is subject to the availability of space in the course(s) concerned. Special Students are normally not entitled to lessons in an instrument or in voice. Registration is permitted for one year only, after which time the student must apply for admission to either a degree or diploma program.

Individuals wishing to take courses at McGill for credit at another university may be admitted as Visiting Students provided they have the prerequisites for the course(s) concerned and have official permission from their home university.