Douglas Olsen
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, vibrant cities, and excellent healthcare system also make it an attractive destination for those looking to study abroad. For those interested in studying medicine in Canada, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that competition for entry into Canadian medical schools is fierce, with an average admission rate of 18% in the 2018/2019 cycle. Additionally, international students face additional challenges, as some medical schools only accept applications from students whose countries have signed contracts with them. However, for those who are eligible and willing to put in the effort, studying medicine in Canada can offer a unique and rewarding experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| High school/senior-secondary scores | Above 60-70% |
| Language proficiency | English or French (TOEFL, IELTS, or other accepted tests) |
| Proof of income | Yes |
| Work experience | Preferred (12 months or above) |
| Undergraduate degree | Yes |
| Prerequisite courses | Yes |
| Application deadlines | Between September and November for the following academic year |
| Tuition fees | CAD 30,000 to CAD 125,000 per year or more |
| Scholarships | Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Canadian Government Scholarships, Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, Commonwealth Scholarships |
| Study permit | Required |
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What You'll Learn
Application requirements and process
Firstly, it is important to note that 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, aka Doctor of Medicine (MD) programs, unless on a rare, special arrangement, usually between their government and the Canadian government. Some medical schools in Canada are open to all foreign students, while some only accept applications from international students whose countries have signed contracts with them. Therefore, it is crucial to check whether your preferred school accepts contract or non-contract international students before applying.
Assuming you meet the basic criteria of citizenship and have confirmed that your desired school accepts international students, the next step is to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. These criteria include having high school/senior-secondary scores above 60-70%providing proof of income and competence to finance your studies, and giving an IELTS exam (or any other English proficiency test) with a score of 6.0 or above. Work experience of 12 months or more is also preferred.
In addition to the above, you will need to have completed a bachelor's degree with strong academic performance and specific prerequisite courses. While some Canadian medical schools, such as the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine and Queen's University School of Medicine, have specific prerequisite courses, others do not. It is important to research the specific requirements of your chosen university.
You will also need to successfully complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and provide proof of proficiency in English or French. This can be done by submitting TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB, CAEL, or other accepted test scores. Some universities may also require a CASPer Test, which assesses non-cognitive skills and personal characteristics, and letters of recommendation (typically 2-3) from professors or professionals who can attest to your academic and personal qualities.
The application process typically involves submitting a supplementary application, which may include personal statements, autobiographical sketches, and other essays. You will also need to obtain a study permit (visa) by the start of the program. Most students must apply for their study permit online, and it is generally recommended to obtain the permit before arriving in Canada. The Government of Canada requires evidence that you can pay for your studies before granting a study permit.
Tuition fees for international students can range from approximately CAD 30,000 to CAD 125,000 per year or more, depending on the university and program. However, scholarships and financial aid opportunities are available to help offset the cost of tuition.
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English language proficiency
English is the primary language of instruction at most universities and colleges in Canada, so international students need to demonstrate a high level of English proficiency. While some institutions may waive the requirement for a language test if your prior education was conducted in English, most will require proof of English ability through an approved test.
The minimum language requirement for English language testing is typically CLB level 7, although this may vary depending on the program. For instance, higher levels of English proficiency may be required for Master's-level courses due to their complexity.
There are several English language proficiency tests that are accepted by Canadian educational institutions. These include:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT (internet-based test) - a minimum overall score of 90 is usually required, although some institutions may require a higher score.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - a minimum score of 6.0 or above is required.
- MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery)
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)
- Advanced Placement (AP) English Language & Composition or AP Literature & Composition - a final grade of 4 or better is required.
- International Baccalaureate English A (higher-level or standard-level) - a final grade of 5 or better is required.
It is important to check the specific language requirements of your chosen program and institution, as not all tests may be accepted everywhere, and some institutions may have higher minimum score requirements. Additionally, as part of the application for a study permit, applicants may need to submit valid language test results. Failure to demonstrate sufficient language proficiency is a common reason for study permits to be refused.
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Scholarships and funding
Scholarship Opportunities:
Canada boasts an impressive array of scholarship opportunities for international students pursuing medicine. These scholarships are offered by various universities, governments, non-governmental organisations, and international organisations.
University Scholarships:
Many Canadian universities offer fully funded medical scholarships specifically for international students. Here are some examples of university-specific scholarships:
- B. Wiswell Scholarship by Dalhousie University
- J Douglas Scholarship in Community Health and Epidemiology by Queen's University
- AE Bowie Scholarship in Medicine by the University of Alberta
- College of Medicine Graduate Scholarship by the University of Saskatchewan
- Douglas and Jean Bailey Scholarship by the University of British Columbia
Government Scholarships:
The Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada, participates in major international scholarship programs. These include scholarships offered by Canadian governments, foreign governments, and international organisations. The Study in Canada Scholarships, for instance, provides short-term exchange opportunities for international students at Canadian post-secondary institutions.
Other Scholarships:
In addition to university and government scholarships, there are numerous other scholarships available for international students in Canada. For example, the Fulbright Scholarship is a renowned program that supports international students in various fields, including medicine. The Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarship is another scholarship specifically mentioned as an option for international students of medicine.
Application Process:
Applying for scholarships typically involves several key steps:
- Research: Identify scholarships relevant to international students studying medicine in Canada. University websites and government pages are excellent sources of information.
- Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, which may include academic records, extracurricular activities, and a demonstrated passion for medicine.
- Documents: Gather all required documents, such as a student visa/study permit, valid passport, letters of recommendation, English language proficiency test scores, academic transcripts, and more.
- Apply Early: Scholarship deadlines vary, so it's essential to start your application early and submit all necessary documents on time.
- Interviews: Some scholarships may require interviews, so prepare by practicing common questions and discussing your motivation for pursuing medicine in Canada.
Tuition Fees and Costs:
When planning to study medicine in Canada as an international student, it's important to consider the costs involved. Tuition fees for international students in medicine programs can range from approximately $55,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on the university and program. Additionally, living expenses and other associated costs should be factored into your financial planning.
In summary, scholarships and funding play a pivotal role in supporting international students who aspire to study medicine in Canada. By exploring university-specific scholarships, government programs, and other opportunities, students can gain access to high-quality medical education in Canada while mitigating the financial burden. With proper research, meeting eligibility criteria, and a well-prepared application, international students can secure scholarships to fulfil their dream of pursuing medicine in Canada.
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Medical school rankings
The University of Toronto is ranked as the best university for medicine in Canada by the Times Higher Education Subject Rankings: Medicine for 2025. The University of Toronto was also ranked 1st in Canada for medicine in the QS Rankings 2025, and 12th in the world in the 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject (for Medicine). The Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto was named among the world's top three Best Universities for Clinical Medicine by the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is ranked 2nd in Canada for medicine in 2025, scoring highly for research quality and industry connections. The University of British Columbia is also featured on the list of Canada's Best Medical Doctoral Universities for 2025 by Maclean's.ca.
McGill University is ranked 28th globally for medicine by QS Rankings and is featured on Maclean's.ca's list of Canada's Best Medical Doctoral Universities for 2025. The university's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences offers programs for undergraduates, graduates, and international medical graduates.
Other universities featured on Maclean's.ca's list of Canada's Best Medical Doctoral Universities for 2025 include Western, McMaster University, the University of Ottawa, Queen's University, and the Université de Montréal.
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Student visa requirements
To study medicine in Canada as an international student, you will need to obtain a study permit (visa) before the start of your program. The Government of Canada requires that you provide evidence of the ability to pay for your studies before granting a study permit. Most students must apply for their study permit online, whether they are applying from outside or inside Canada. Paper applications are reserved for those with a disability that prevents them from applying online or those with specific identity or travel documents for non-national residents, refugees, or stateless persons.
Generally, you must obtain your study permit before arriving in Canada, although there are specific situations where you might be able to apply from within Canada or upon arrival. International applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English or French (TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB, CAEL, or other accepted tests). It is also worth noting that there is no medical bachelor's degree/undergraduate studies in Canada. That means universities do not offer Bachelor's of Medicine or Bachelor's of Surgery. Students are usually required to have completed 3 to 4 years of an undergraduate degree program before applying straight to the MD program. Some medical schools set the requirement at 60 credit hours (about 2 years) of undergraduate studies.
Additionally, high school/senior-secondary scores need to be above 60-70%. Work experience is preferred, usually 12 months or above. Applicants must also provide proof of income and competence to finance their studies.
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Frequently asked questions
You must have an undergraduate degree with strong academic performance, including specific prerequisite courses, and successfully complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). You will also need to demonstrate proficiency in English or French, and some universities may require you to take the CASPer situational judgement test. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of income and competence to finance your studies.
The cost of tuition for international students can range from approximately CAD 30,000 to CAD 125,000 per year or more. However, international students can explore scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help fund their studies, such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and Canadian Government Scholarships.
The University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia are all top-ranked medical schools in Canada that accept international students. The University of Toronto's MD program, for example, seeks students from diverse backgrounds who have the potential to improve the Canadian healthcare system.
