Top Medical Universities 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:

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.

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:

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.

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.

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

Want to fulfil your dream of studying medical courses in Canada? Make use of IDP services and contact your IDP counsellor to help make your dream come true.

Take the first step towards reaching your aspirations and get our support to start your medical course at one of the best universities there!