Top Medical Universities in Canada : The benefits of studying in Canada are endless, so it has become one of the most sought-after countries for higher education by international students. High-quality education, internship opportunities, and liberal government policies related to post-study work and immigration create a perfect combination for international students. Add the low cost of living and it doesn’t get any better than that!
If you’re planning to study medical courses in Canada, it may be one of the best decisions to make due to the number of specialisations offered by Canadian universities. Also, there are many available job opportunities in the healthcare sector that will help individuals complete their degree and find employment without any delays.
If you want to reach your dream of studying medical courses in Canada, read on!
Best medical schools in Canada
There are currently 17 medical schools in Canada. A Medical course in Canada is a 3-to-5-year program, depending on the host university and the background of each student.
There are some policies towards accepting international applicants, so check with your preferred medical schools to see if they accept applications from international students. Here are the top 5 medical schools in Canada and their ranking by subject according to:
| University Name | QS World University Ranking by Subject | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| McGill University | 22 | 10,000 – 15,000 CAD |
| University of Alberta | 92 | 37,000 – 50,000 CAD |
| Dalhousie University | 201-250 | 35,000 – 40,000 CAD |
| Western University | 201-250 | 32,000 – 58,000 CAD |
| University of Manitoba | 251-300 | 19,300 – 29,000 CAD |
McGill University
Located in beautiful Montreal, Quebec, McGill University is renowned for its academic excellence and research programs. With its diverse student body and vibrant campus, McGill offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including science, arts, engineering and medicine.
University of Alberta
Situated in the vibrant city of Edmonton, Alberta, the University of Alberta is a leading research-intensive institution. Known for its strong focus on innovation and discovery, it offers a wide range of programs in areas such as business, engineering, arts and medicine. The university also boasts a thriving community and numerous extracurricular activities.
Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to research. With a rich history and strong sense of community, Dalhousie offers a diverse range of programs, including arts, sciences, health professions, law and management, attracting students from around the world.
Western University
Western University provides a dynamic environment for learning and research. Recognised for its world-class facilities and exceptional faculty, Western offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including social sciences, engineering, health sciences and medicine.
University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba is a leading research-intensive institution. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, it offers many programs in areas such as arts, sciences, engineering, medicine and health sciences. The university fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for students to thrive academically and personally.
Medical courses in Canada
There is a wide range of medical courses in Canada that are offered to international students.
Below is a list of some of the popular degrees and their duration:
| Course name | Degree level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Health Informatics Technology | Graduate diploma | 2 Years |
| Bachelor of Science in Paramedicine | Bachelor’s degree | 4 Years |
| Bachelor of Science in Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Bachelor’s degree | 6 Semesters |
| Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry (Honours) | Bachelor’s degree with Honours | 4 Years |
| Master of Science in Medicine | Master’s degree | 2 Years |
Popular scholarships for studying medical courses in Canada
To help finance your goals, you can apply for certain scholarships, financial aids and bursaries which may be provided by the Canadian government, Canadian universities and colleges, charity foundations or the government of your own country. Here’s a list of the top 5 scholarships for studying medical courses in Canada: A Medical course in Canada is 3-to-5-year program, depending on the host university and the background of each student.
| Scholarship | Value |
|---|---|
| Graduate Award in Oncology | 25000 CAD |
| Canadian Liver Foundation Graduate Studentships | 20000 CAD |
| Shire Canada Inc Graduate Scholarship | 2900 CAD |
| Krista Rawson Graduate Award in Nursing | 2000 CAD |
| Owen Moore Memorial Passion Award | 500 CAD |
Admission process at medical universities in Canada
The admission process at medical universities in Canada can be highly competitive, as the number of applicants usually exceeds the available spots. Typically, the process starts with the submission of an application through the university’s online portal, where applicants provide information about their academic background, personal statement and any relevant extracurricular activities or experiences.
Following the initial screening of applications, many universities conduct interviews to assess candidates’ interpersonal skills, communication abilities and commitment to medicine as a career. These interviews may be conducted in person or virtually.
After the interview stage, the final selection is made based on a combination of factors, including academic performance, MCAT scores (if applicable), letters of recommendation and the interview evaluation. It’s important for applicants to carefully review each university’s admission requirements and deadlines to ensure a smooth application process.
Eligibility criteria of medical universities in Canada
As an international student, you should plan to meet all the academic requirements within the deadline. Generally, an application or documentation is ignored if received after the deadline while any incomplete application gets rejected.
There are general criteria and requirements for getting into a medical school in Canada. However, you must check with your host institution if further requirements are still required as documents and test scores may differ between institutions.
Check out the eligibility criteria to study medical courses in Canada:
- Completion of at least 3 years of undergraduate study towards a Canadian university bachelor’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree in biology or another related field.
- Passing the English proficiency test like TOEFL or IELTS and getting the score set out by the host institution
- Taking the acceptance tests like the MCAT or/and CASPer and getting the score set out by the host institution.
- Obtaining the minimum GPA required by the host institution.
- A valid student permit
- 3 letters of recommendation
- 2 brief personal essays answering a specific question related to the faculty’s mission and values
- Academic transcripts
- Clear passport photograph
- Authentic identity card
- Statement of purpose