Considering applying to medical school? Don’t restrict yourself to U.S. institutions—many medical schools in Canada welcome international applicants, regardless of citizenship or residency status. These Canadian schools often have application criteria akin to those in the U.S., requiring the MCAT, personal statements, and letters of recommendation, albeit with potentially differing application timelines. To aid in your research, we’ve compiled a detailed list of all Canadian medical schools to assist you in exploring your options.
Top Medical Schools in Canada
University of British Columbia
Situated near the U.S. border on Canada’s west coast, UBC offers a diverse MD program across four campuses. With an annual intake of 288 students, this “distributed” program emphasizes training in rural and underserved areas, with a focus on increasing opportunities for rural and Indigenous students.
- Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
- Acceptance Rate: 10%
- Average GPA: 88.45/100
- MCAT Requirement: Minimum of 124 in each section
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University of Ottawa
At the University of Ottawa, approximately 166 students engage in bilingual medical education in English or French. Through clinical rotations and immersive experiences, students gain practical skills in diverse medical settings. The school also offers a unique seven-year MD/PhD program.
- Location: Ottawa, Ontario
- Acceptance Rate: 3.5%
- Average GPA: 3.85/4.00
- MCAT: Not required
Dalhousie University
Established in 1868, Dalhousie University in Eastern Canada offers a comprehensive four-year MD program with a holistic approach to medical education. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including medical humanities and health law. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in the Health Mentors Program, where volunteers with health challenges share their experiences with the healthcare system.
- Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Acceptance Rate: 11.1%
- Average GPA: 3.86/4.00
- MCAT Requirement: Minimum of 123 in all sections, with the total score dependent on GPA.
University of Manitoba
As Western Canada’s pioneer medical school, the University of Manitoba admits a class size of 110 students annually. The four-year MD program is divided into Pre-Clerkship and Clerkship stages, offering diverse coursework. Students can also opt for unique subspecialty courses such as Indigenous health or international travel electives at affiliated clinics worldwide.
- Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Acceptance Rate: 16.1%
- Average GPA: Not specified
- MCAT Requirement: Applicants with scores below 515 are discouraged from applying.
Memorial University of Newfoundland
With an annual class size of 80, Memorial University of Newfoundland prioritizes province residents for its integrated medical curriculum. Emphasizing community and rural medicine, students build patient-student relationships in various environments. It’s essential to note that international applicants are no longer accepted due to Canadian Resident Matching Service regulations.
- Location: St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Acceptance Rate: 14.9%
- Average GPA: 3.85/4.00
- MCAT Requirement: Section scores average 125-127, with an overall average of 85% or higher.
University of Saskatchewan
Serving local residents primarily, the University of Saskatchewan offers a certificate in global health alongside its medical program. This certificate combines academic courses with urban-based service experiences in underserved communities, including rural, remote, and Indigenous areas. Only Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have lived in Canada for at least three years prior to applying are eligible to apply.
- Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Acceptance Rate: 23.6%
- Average GPA: 0.88/1.00
- MCAT Requirement: In-province applicants require a minimum score of 492 (with 122-123 section scores), while out-of-province applicants need a minimum of 510 (with 127 section scores).
Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Established in 2022 as Canada’s first independent medical university, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine follows a distributed, community-engaged learning model. With campuses in Sudbury and Thunder Bay, the school’s small class size of 64 students enables immersive experiences in Indigenous and francophone communities, focusing on patient-centered medical education.
- Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
- Acceptance Rate: 3.7%
- Average GPA: 3.8/4.0
- MCAT Requirement: Not specified
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University of Alberta
Renowned for its social accountability, the University of Alberta offers innovative medical programs and research opportunities. With 162 spots annually, the school prioritizes Albertan residents and offers joint MD programs, including MD/MBA and MD/PhD.
- Location: Edmonton, Alberta
- Acceptance Rate: 12.4%
- Average GPA: 3.85/4.00
- MCAT Requirement: Minimum of 124 in each section; out-of-province applicants need 128+ in Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.
University of Calgary
In Alberta, the University of Calgary provides a three-year post-graduate medical program and the Leaders in Medicine initiative, allowing students to pursue additional degrees alongside their MD. The school offers 65 residency training programs across the province.
- Location: Calgary, Alberta
- Acceptance Rate: 15%
- Average GPA: 3.87/4.00
- MCAT Requirement: Minimum of 128 in Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills for non-Alberta applicants.
Western University
With a focus on patient-centered care and research, Western University admits 171 students yearly. The four-year curriculum offers various learning options, including thesis-based and international tracks.
- Location: London, Ontario
- Acceptance Rate: 10.5%
- Average GPA: 3.93/4.0
- MCAT: Not specified
McGill University
McGill University holds the top spot as Canada’s premier medical school and holds the distinction of being the first established medical institution in the country. It operates across two campuses, Montreal and Campus Outaouais, with instruction in English and French, respectively. Notably, the Steinberg Centre for Simulation and Interactive Learning offers immersive training, preparing students for real-world interactions in clinical and research environments.
- Location: Montreal, Quebec
- Acceptance Rate: 7.5%
- Average GPA: 3.89/4.00
- MCAT Score: If undergraduate studies were completed outside Canada, a minimum score of 508 is required.
McMaster University
McMaster University offers a unique three-year medical program admitting 203 students annually. Beyond the standard medical degree, the school provides opportunities for a joint MD/PhD, allowing students to specialize in various fields such as medical sciences, biochemistry, and health policy. These programs are available across three different campuses.
- Location: Hamilton, Ontario
- Acceptance Rate: 6.7%
- Average GPA: 3.88/4.00
- MCAT Score: A minimum score of 123 is required, with other MCAT section scores not factored into the selection process.
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University of Toronto
The University of Toronto boasts an internationally acclaimed medical school structured around four smaller learning “academies,” each linked to clusters of affiliated hospitals and healthcare sites. Additionally, students can opt for collaborative degree programs like the Comprehensive Research Experience for Medical Students, focusing on acquiring practical research skills.
- Location: Toronto, Ontario
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Average GPA: 3.94/4.00
- MCAT Score: Minimum score of 125 in each section.
University of Sherbrooke
The University of Sherbrooke stands out among Canadian medical schools for its requirement that admitted students be fluent in French. Classes are conducted in small groups, fostering a collaborative learning environment with a primary care focus. Students undergo a seven-week rotation in family medicine and gain hands-on experience in various community-based settings.
- Location: Sherbrooke, Quebec
- Acceptance Rate: 7.1%
- Average GPA: Not available
- MCAT Score: Not applicable
Queen’s University
Queen’s University ranks among the most selective medical schools in Canada, admitting 100 students annually to the first-year class, including a few spots reserved for international students. Renowned for its close faculty-student relationships, Queen’s offers collaborative classes and extensive clinical experiences.
- Location: Kingston, Ontario
- Acceptance Rate: 1.89%
- Average GPA: Range of 3.0-4.0/4.00
- MCAT Score: Cut-offs vary annually based on applicant pool data.
Also read Best Medical Schools in The USA
Laval University
Established in 1848, Laval University is one of Canada’s oldest medical schools. Admitting 223 students each year, primarily from Quebec, Laval conducts its curriculum in French, offering an interdisciplinary learning environment for students to leverage their language skills.
- Location: Quebec City, Quebec
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Average GPA: Not available
- MCAT Score: Not applicable
University of Montreal
With nearly 300 students admitted annually, the University of Montreal delivers its curriculum predominantly in French. Catering mostly to Quebec residents, the school prioritizes active learning and student engagement within its Francophone community, providing diverse clinical opportunities within Quebec’s largest health network.
- Location: Montreal, Quebec
- Acceptance Rate: 16.6%
- Average GPA: Not available
- MCAT Score: Not applicable
Conclusion
Canadian medical schools offer a wide range of opportunities for aspiring physicians, each with its own unique features and requirements. From the bilingual programs of Montreal to the collaborative learning environments of Queen’s University, students can find a medical education that aligns with their goals and preferences. Whether it’s the primary care focus of the University of Sherbrooke or the extensive clinical opportunities at the University of Montreal, Canadian medical schools provide a high-quality education that prepares students for successful careers in medicine.