Savanna Hoffman
Canada is a popular choice for international students due to its high-quality education system, welcoming atmosphere, and safe environment. The country's diverse and inclusive community, exciting cities, and excellent healthcare system also make it an attractive destination for those looking to study abroad. For those interested in medicine, Canada offers 17 medical schools with a variety of programs to choose from. However, it is important to note that it is extremely difficult for international students to gain admission into Canadian medical schools. Most seats are reserved for Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and only a handful of schools accept international applicants. Additionally, studying medicine in Canada can be very expensive, with tuition and living expenses exceeding $300,000. International students must also obtain a study permit and provide evidence of their ability to finance their studies. While it is challenging, it is not impossible for international students to study medicine in Canada, and with proper planning and a competitive application, it may be possible to secure a spot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of medical schools in Canada | 17 |
| Acceptance rate of international students | Very limited |
| Availability of Bachelor's of Medicine or Bachelor's of Surgery | None |
| Undergraduate degree requirement | 3–4 years |
| MD program availability for international students | Limited |
| Application requirements | CASPer test, letters of recommendation, supplementary application, language proficiency, MCAT exam |
| Application deadlines | September to November |
| Admission results | January to May |
| Study permit requirement | Required before arrival in Canada |
| Tuition fees | Vary based on residency status, income, academic performance, and program |
| Top medical schools | McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Toronto |
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What You'll Learn
Application requirements
It is challenging for international students to gain admission to Canadian medical schools. Only a handful of institutions accept international applicants, and most seats are reserved for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. However, with proper planning and a competitive profile, it is possible to secure a spot. Here are the typical application requirements for international students aspiring to study medicine in Canada:
Academic Qualifications
Before applying to a Canadian medical school, international students must complete an undergraduate degree. While there is no specific "pre-med" major required, applicants typically pursue relevant subjects during their undergraduate studies. Some medical schools require a minimum of 60 credit hours, which is roughly equivalent to two years of undergraduate education. It is important to note that applicants should have strong academic scores, with high school or senior-secondary results above 60-70%.
Standardized Tests
International applicants are usually required to take standardized tests as part of the application process. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is commonly accepted by Canadian medical schools, and achieving a top score is crucial for international students due to the limited spots available. Additionally, proof of English proficiency is required, which can be demonstrated through tests such as IELTS (with a score of 6.0 or above) or TOEFL.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are typically required as part of the application package. Applicants should aim for 2-3 letters from professors or professionals who can attest to their academic and personal qualities. These letters should highlight the applicant's strengths, including any evidence of compassion, commitment, resilience, and leadership qualities that medical schools value.
Supplementary Application Materials
Canadian medical schools often require supplementary application materials, such as personal statements, autobiographical sketches, and other essays. These provide an opportunity for applicants to showcase their unique experiences, motivations, and goals beyond their academic records.
CASPer Test
Some medical schools may require applicants to take the CASPer test, which is a situational judgment test that assesses non-cognitive skills and personal characteristics. This test helps evaluate an applicant's suitability for the medical profession beyond their academic achievements.
Study Permit and Visa
International students planning to study in Canada must obtain a study permit (visa) before commencing their program. The Government of Canada requires proof of financial capability to support your studies before granting the study permit. Additionally, maintaining and renewing your visa status throughout your medical studies is essential.
Application Deadlines
The typical application period for Canadian medical schools is between September and November for enrolment in the following academic year. Admission results are usually announced between January and May.
Financial Planning
Studying medicine in Canada can be costly, with tuition fees varying based on residency status, income, academic performance, and the specific program. International students should be prepared to demonstrate proof of income and financial competence to cover their tuition and living expenses. Scholarships and financial aid may be available, and some universities offer discounts or exemptions for students from low-income families or developing countries.
In summary, while gaining admission to a Canadian medical school as an international student is challenging, proper planning, a strong academic profile, and a well-prepared application can increase your chances of success. It is important to carefully review the specific requirements of your chosen medical schools and start planning your application process early.
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Acceptance rates
Some Canadian medical schools have special arrangements with certain foreign countries to accept a limited number of international applicants. These students are expected to stay and practice medicine in Canada. The Canadian government subsidizes these schools as they aim to meet the healthcare needs of their taxpayers.
In most Canadian medical schools, in-province applicants are prioritized for acceptance. Admissions departments feel more confident that in-province applicants will remain in the region to practice medicine. This leaves international applicants facing strong competition.
The University of Toronto and McGill University are popular destinations for international students. The University of Toronto ranks #1 in Canada according to the QS World Rankings for Medicine. McGill University is synonymous with high-quality education and is one of the best medical universities in Canada.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is another top university to pursue medicine in Canada. It has built a strong reputation over the years and is one of the best medical schools in the country.
International students interested in studying medicine in Canada should be prepared for a highly competitive process. They must meet eligibility criteria, submit a complete application, and obtain a study permit.
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Alternative routes
Studying medicine in Canada is a dream for many international students, but it is also one of the most competitive and costly paths to take. Canada is extremely limited in its acceptance of international students into medical programs. Only a handful of Canadian medical schools accept international applicants, and even then, most seats are reserved for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
One alternative route for international students wishing to study medicine in Canada is to first complete an undergraduate degree in Canada, apply for permanent residency, and then apply to a medical school as a domestic student. This route can improve your chances of acceptance and funding. However, it is important to note that studying medicine in Canada as an international student is extremely difficult, and even completing an undergraduate degree in Canada first does not guarantee acceptance into a medical program.
Another option is to consider other areas of specialisation in the medical field, such as psychology, physiology, medical research, public health, nutrition, biological sciences, organic chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, medicinal chemistry, physical therapy, nursing, genetics, biomedical engineering, or medical technology. However, enrollment in these study fields may still be limited, and additional training or licensure may be required to practice in certain professions.
Additionally, some international students choose to study medicine in the Caribbean or Europe and then apply back to North America. However, this route also has its own challenges, and securing a residency in Canada as an international graduate can be difficult.
It is also worth noting that there is no medical bachelor's degree or undergraduate studies in Canada. Students typically complete 3–4 years of an undergraduate degree program before applying directly to an MD program. This means that, unlike some countries, Canada does not allow students to enter medical school directly from high school.
Finally, it is important to be aware of the eligibility criteria for studying medicine in Canada as an international student. In addition to high school scores, English proficiency test scores, and proof of income, you will also need to obtain a study permit and an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution in Canada.
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Study permits
International students wishing to study medicine in Canada face a highly competitive process, with only a handful of medical schools accepting international applicants. It is also an expensive endeavour, with tuition and living expenses potentially exceeding $300,000. However, it is not impossible, and with proper planning and a standout application, international students can increase their chances of acceptance.
One important step for international students is to obtain a study permit, which is required for studying in Canada. This process typically involves applying for the permit before arriving in Canada, although there may be exceptions where students can apply within the country or at the port of entry. The Government of Canada mandates that applicants provide evidence of their ability to finance their studies before granting a study permit. This financial proof is part of a complete application package, which also includes a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI), proof of health insurance, and a valid passport. Obtaining a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) may also be necessary.
The letter of acceptance from a DLI is crucial, as it confirms enrolment in a recognised medical program. International students should note that only a limited number of Canadian medical schools offer spots for international applicants. Most seats are reserved for Canadian citizens or permanent residents due to provincial funding models. Thus, it is advisable for international students to explore alternative paths, such as completing their undergraduate studies in Canada, gaining relevant experience, and then applying for permanent residency before applying to medical school.
While studying medicine in Canada as an international student is challenging, the country's medical degrees are recognised and valued worldwide. The rigorous education and holistic approach ensure graduates are well-rounded physicians equipped with academic excellence and strong communication skills. This makes Canadian medical graduates highly sought-after both within Canada and internationally.
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Tuition fees
Although Canada is one of the top choices for international students due to its high-quality education system, welcoming atmosphere, and safe environment, it is extremely unlikely for an international student to get into medical school in Canada. Applicants who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot apply for medical studies, i.e., Doctor of Medicine (MD) programs, unless there is a rare, special arrangement, usually between the applicant's government and the Canadian government.
The University of Toronto, established in 1872, is one of the best places to study medicine in Canada. It ranks #1 in Canada according to the QS World Rankings for Medicine. The tuition fees for international students for a B.Sc. in Paramedicine are $55,000 - $60,000, and for a B.Sc. in Medical Radiation Science, they are $55,000 - $60,000. McGill University, founded in 1821, is another one of the best medical universities in Canada. The tuition fees for a Master of Surgery with Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Joint MD, CM and OMFS) are $59,778 for international students. The Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery with PhD (Joint MD, CM, and PhD) costs $59,778 for international students. The University of British Columbia (UBC) is also one of the best medical schools in Canada.
According to Statistics Canada, in 2022, the average university tuition cost for international undergraduate students in Canada was $36,100 per year, and for international graduate students, it was $21,100 per year. Universities Canada estimated the average living costs to be around $15,000 per year for university students in 2019. In 2024, the financial requirement for applicants outside of Quebec to obtain a study permit increased from $10,000 to just over $20,000 to reflect the cost of living in Canada.
In addition to the high tuition fees, international students must also consider the cost of living in Canada, which is above average. However, there are financial aid programs available to support international students in Canada, including scholarships, government grants, and loans.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible for international students to study medicine in Canada. However, it is extremely difficult and costly, with only a handful of Canadian medical schools accepting international applicants.
The requirements include:
- High school/senior-secondary scores above 60-70%
- Passing the IELTS exam (or another English proficiency test) with a score of 6.0 or above
- Proof of income and competence to finance your studies
- Passing the CASPer situational judgement test
- Letters of recommendation from professors or professionals
- A supplementary application, which may include personal statements and essays
The University of Toronto is ranked number one in Canada for medicine and is a popular choice for international students. Other top medical schools include McGill University and the University of British Columbia (UBC).
The cost of studying medicine in Canada varies depending on the university and program. For example, the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences program at the University of Toronto costs $45,000 to $48,000 for international students, while the Master of Surgery with Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at McGill University costs $59,778.
Canada offers a high-quality education system, a welcoming atmosphere, and a safe environment. Students can also gain exposure to a diverse range of cultures and benefit from the country's excellent healthcare system.
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