Study Medicine in Canada
A guide to Canadian medical schools. Discover entry requirements, OMSAS, MCAT scores, tuition fees and why it is highly competitive for international students.
Canadian Medical Education Specialist • Updated: March 1, 2026
Overview
Canadian medical schools are renowned for their high-quality, publicly funded education systems and focus on community health. Similar to the US, medicine is a postgraduate degree. However, the Canadian system is notoriously protective of its provincial residents, making it incredibly challenging for international students and even out-of-province Canadian applicants to secure a spot.
Key Fact
There are 17 medical schools in Canada, but only a few (like the University of Toronto, McMaster and McGill) accept a very small number of international students each year. Often, these spots are entirely separate or funded by foreign governments.
Entry Requirements
Academic Standards
- A completed bachelor's degree with an exceptionally high GPA (often 3.9+ on a 4.0 scale).
- Specific prerequisite courses, though some schools like McMaster have dropped strict prerequisites.
- A competitive MCAT score (focus heavily on the CARS section for Canadian schools).
- CASPer test (a situational judgment test) is required by almost all Canadian medical schools.
Admissions Tests
The MCAT is required for most schools (except those in Quebec and Northern Ontario). The CASPer test is widely used to assess non-cognitive skills and ethics.
Application Process
1. GPA & Extracurriculars
Maintain an exceptionally high GPA during your undergraduate degree while engaging in the CanMEDS roles (Leader, Scholar, Advocate, etc.).
2. Standardized Testing
Sit for the MCAT and the CASPer test in the summer prior to applying.
3. Application Submission
Apply through OMSAS for Ontario schools, or directly to provincial schools in late September/early October.
4. MMI Interviews
If shortlisted, attend Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs), a format pioneered by McMaster University, held between February and April.
Costs & Tuition
| Expense Type | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (International Students) | $30,000 - $90,000+ CAD / year |
| Tuition Fees (Domestic Students) | $14,000 - $25,000 CAD / year |
| Living Expenses | $15,000 - $25,000 CAD / year |
Note: Costs vary significantly depending on the specific university, state/province and individual lifestyle. Always check official university websites for exact figures.
Pros & Cons of Studying in Canada
Pros
- • Excellent standard of living and safe environment
- • Highly respected medical degree globally
- • Lower domestic tuition compared to the USA
Cons
- • Almost impossible for international students to get admitted
- • Fewer medical schools means intense domestic competition
- • Harsh winters in many provinces
Notable Medical Schools in Canada
University of Toronto
Accepts ~10 international students per year into its MD program.
McMaster University
Pioneer of the MMI and PBL, occasionally accepts a very small number of international applicants.
McGill University
Located in Quebec, accepts a select few international students (often requiring French proficiency for clinicals).
Université de Montréal
Francophone university that accepts some international students from French-speaking countries.
Interactive Directory
Need an alternative route to medicine in Canada?
If you don't meet the direct entry requirements, consider our Medical Foundation Programme to secure your spot at a top university.
Explore Foundation Pathways