McMaster Divinity College is celebrating God’s continued provision with another strong year of enrollment. This fall, 73 new students joined the MDC community, bringing the total number of students enrolled in Fall 2025 to 274.
The PhD program has risen 22% from last fall. This year’s cohort includes a higher percentage of Canadian students while still maintaining strong international representation, an encouraging sign given recent federal legislation restricting study permits for international students. The MA in Counselling and Spiritual Care program also continues to thrive, with 15 new students this year, driving higher overall enrollment and reflecting the demand for faith-based education in counselling and care.
Another significant marker of growth is the increase in full-time enrollment (FTE). With students taking more courses per person on average, MDC’s total FTE this fall has risen, up 13% from last year and nearly 17% higher than the five-year average. This increase reflects not only strong student numbers, but also deeper engagement and commitment to studies across the College.
“These numbers are a testimony to God’s continual working in the lives of each student that comes to us at MDC,” said Dr. Stanley E. Porter, President and Dean of MDC. “Their testimonies and passion for learning and ministry encourages us, and we are committed to providing them with the very best education for leadership, scholarship, and service.”
This year’s new students represent every level of study at MDC, including also the MA in Christian Studies, MA in Theology and Ministry, MDiv, DPT, Graduate Certificate, and non-degree learners who enrich the community of study and practice.
While MDC’s celebrates the continued growth, we also recognize the financial barriers that many students face in pursuing their studies. MDC’s donors play a vital role in ensuring that students can follow their calling without being held back by financial concerns, and we thank them for their loyal support and generosity in our mission.
Online and new student orientations took place the week of September 1, with classes officially starting on September 8 in a variety of formats. As MDC looks forward to another year of learning, formation, and service, we give thanks to God for His provision and invite our friends and supporters to join us in prayer and continued support for our students.
Find photo highlights from New Student Orientation below:
