Medicine is one of the world’s most advanced and sort after courses. Therefore, choosing to study medicine at the tertiary level isn’t a walk in the park. Canada is also home to some of the world’s top universities and colleges. Each year thousands of immigrants and local students apply to various Canadian universities and medical schools to study medicine and other healthcare courses. These medical schools and colleges train students to become healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, pharmacists, and all other healthcare professionals.
Seeing as medicine is one of the top programs in most Canadian colleges. It is hence very competitive. However, there are required steps to get into medical school in Canada. You need to know these steps to be sure that your pursuit of admission into a Canadian medical school will succeed.
What are the steps to get into medical schools in Canada? And how can I go about it? If you have been asking these questions, you are in luck.
Here in this guide, you’ll find everything regarding:
- The steps to get into medical school in Canada: Requirements and Eligibility
- 10 universities with medical schools in Canada that allow international students
- Stages of admission to medicine study in Canada: Selection Factors
Read on to learn more about the steps to get into medical school in Canada.
How Competitive is Medical School in Canada?
Canada is considered amongst the best places to seek high-standard education in the world. It’s not surprising that thousands of students apply to various Canadian institutions on a yearly basis. Canada is home to some of the most distinguished medical schools. Seven Canadian medical schools are ranked in the world’s top 100 best medical schools by the Times Higher Education. Due to this, Medical schools in Canada are given very high international recognition.
Getting into Canadian medical schools takes a lot of work. Each one of the Canadian medical schools is very selective. As of 2021, Canada’s average medical school acceptance rate was 5.5%. Canadian medical schools’ exact acceptance rate has usually been kept a secret due to their various privacy policies. Due to varied sources of information, the nation’s medical school acceptance rate is below 20%. This shows that entry into any of these medical schools is fiercely competitive. This is precisely why you need to know how to get into medical schools in Canada.
Getting into Medical Schools in Canada: Requirements and Eligibility
The first step to getting into medical school in Canada is to know the eligibility criteria/requirement of each Canadian medical school you are interested in. It’s no news that the competition for international schools in Canadian medical schools is fierce. It is in your best interest to put considerable time and effort into your preparation to stand out from the other applicants.
Eligibility requirements for each Canadian medical school might vary. However, here are some standard eligibility requirements you are meant to possess.
- An undergraduate degree
- Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
- Casper
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of language proficiency
- Supplementary application questions
Stages of Admission to Medicine Study in Canada: Selection Factors
The selection factors can be narrowed down to two primary forms in most Canadian medical schools.
- Academic selection factors and
- Non-academic selection factors
Considering Canada has many medical schools, knowing the right selection factors will be one of the right steps to getting into medical school in Canada. Now, it’s important to note that all Canadian medical schools have different selection factors; however, here are some common selection factors among these schools.
1. Academic Selection Factors
These are the selection factors that have to do with your academics.
GPA
Admission into medical schools is very competitive. So, to be among the top applicants, you must have a high-Grade Point Average (GPA). Certain medical schools may have their preferred GPA criteria. However, a GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale is very appealing. A GPA below 3.5 might slim down your chances or limit your options in some medical schools. Having a Good GPA is a crucial step to getting into medical school in Canada.
MCAT
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is one of the core academic section factors. In this test, you will be assessed on your physics, chemistry, biology and biochemistry knowledge. Your analytical thinking and reasoning skills will also be evaluated.
The MCAT assessment is divided into four sections:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (CPBS)
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (BBFL)
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (PSBB)
The higher your MCAT scores in these sections, the better your chance of getting admitted.
Prerequisites
In this section, before applying to a Canadian school, you must have an undergraduate degree. While certain universities like the Queen’s University School of Medicine and the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine have specific prerequisite courses, other medical schools do not.
However, the standard prerequisite courses are; Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, English, Biochemistry, Physiology, Psychology, Social Science, and Anatomy.
Experience/Activities
Although having experience in some healthcare fields or getting involved in extra-curricular activities are beneficial to you in your application to medical school, there are also optional. Whether it was a joint academic project or research that you undertook, they will show that you made good use of your time and will look good on your application.
2. Non-Academic Selection Factors
These factors do not involve your previous academic records.
Short Essays
You may be required to write more about yourself and other things in your application. Most medical schools may ask you to submit an autobiographical sketch or write personal statements or short essays as part of your application.
References/Recommendation
Having a letter of recommendation or a reference letter is only sometimes a requirement by some medical schools. However, if you are required to get a recommendation letter, it should be written by your past professors or employers. Most medical schools may require 2 or 3 letters of reference from each applicant. These reference letters will ascertain your academic and/or professional performance.
CASPer
The CASPer test, although a test, is different from the MCAT test. The CASPer test is a 90-minute test that focuses on your knowledge in specific areas. The areas that the test is focused on involve situational judgment. The test can be considered a situational judgment test that assesses your behavioral tendencies and whether you are suitable for a people-centered career.
Interviews
Most medical schools want to know more about you in person. As such, you may be asked to come for a physical interview before your selection.
Steps to Get into Medical School in Canada As an International Student
There are only 10 medical schools that allow international students in Canada, and each has its various application process. Let’s look at the application process for most Canadian medical schools;
Step 1: Review their academic requirements
Before applying, be sure to review the academic requirements of your school of choice. All medical schools have varying academic requirements; however, the main most common academic requirements are the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Grade Point Average (GPA), and prerequisites.
Step 2; Review their non-academic requirements
Same as the first step, be sure to review the non-academic requirements of your school of choice before applying. All medical schools have varying or unique non-academic requirements. However, the most common academic requirements are the CASPer test, Interviews, and prerequisites.
Step 3: Carefully examine your application and ensure that it is complete
Be sure to examine your application properly before submission. Arrange your transcripts that are requested. Ensure that you list and provide all your academic transcripts for all studies completed at the tertiary level. Remember to send your Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and any other required document to OMSAS directly.
Step 4: Submit an online application to the school’s website
Canadian medical schools have varying dates to begin accepting applications. Some medical schools’ application portals that accept international students usually open in early July. Some Canadian medical schools are applied to through the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS). Not all medical schools use OMSAS, so you would have to apply to the medical school of your choice through their university website.
NB: Ensure to submit your application before the submission deadline
Submission deadlines for most medical schools vary. However, most university medical school application deadlines are around October. The application deadline also stands for applicants who apply using OMSAS. Be sure to submit your application at the right time and not after the deadline.
Step 5: Prepare for your CASPer test and Admission interviews
After submitting your application, you may be called upon to take your CASPer test alongside a physical interview. The CASPer test will help the school ascertain if you are mentally and emotionally fit for the program.
Best Medical Schools in Canada
Let’s look at some of the top medical schools in Canada. These medical schools are also highly acknowledged and they also accept international students. They are:
1. The University of Toronto
The MD (Doctor of Medicine) program at the University of Toronto allows students from all backgrounds. This is solely aimed at bettering the Canadian healthcare system.
The university is ranked number 12 on the 2022 QS World University ranking for medicine. The school’s preferred language of instruction is English. The school accepts non-contract international students and application into the universities medical school is through OMSAS (Ontario Medical School Application Service).
The first-year tuition fees for Ontario indigenes and non-indigenes and international students are different. Ontario indigenes pay CAD 23,090, Non-Ontario indigenes pay CAD 23,780, while foreign/international students pay CAD 91,760.
Application Requirements
GPA
- GPA for international undergraduates is 3.6, while for international undergraduates is 3.3
MCAT
- MCAT requirements are 125 in each section (with an allowance of 124 in one section).
Prerequisite Courses
- In this section, you are required to have 2 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in life sciences and 1 FCE in social science, humanities or language.
Academic Explanation Essays (Optional)
- You can submit 2 original brief personal essays, autobiographical sketches & statements Verifiers with 3 references.
2. McGill University
There are various programs that McGill’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences offers programs for both undergraduates, graduates, and international medical graduates. These programs aim to prepare the students to pioneer in medical practice and research.
These programs include:
- MDCM: A 4-year program for undergraduates
- MDCM & Ph.D.: 7 to 8-year combined MD and Ph.D. program.
- MDCM program for International Medical Graduates (IMG)
- IMG-2: A 2-year option that is open to international medical graduates from Quebec
- IMG-4: A 4-year option open for all international medical graduates
The university is ranked at number 49 on the 2022 QS World University ranking for medicine. The school’s preferred language of instruction is English and it also accepts non-contract international students
3. McMaster University
The Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine is the medical school located at McMaster University. The medical school is committed to readying students (both domestic and international) in the healthcare field.
The university is ranked at number 49 on the 2022 QS World University ranking for medicine. The school’s preferred language of instruction is English. The school accepts non-contract international students and application into the universities medical school is through OMSAS (Ontario Medical School Application Service).
The first-year tuition fees for Ontario indigenes and non-indigenes and international students are different. Ontario indigenes pay CAD$26,215.32, Non-Ontario indigenes pay CAD 28,263, while foreign/international students pay CAD 96,000.44.
Application Requirements
You are to undergo 3 years of undergraduate degree-level work (30 half-year credits or 15 full-year credits)
GPA
- GPA for international graduates is 3.0/4.0.
MCAT
- MCAT requirements are 123 in each section i.e., both critical analysis and reasoning sections (the selection process will not consider points in other sections).
CASPer Test
Academic Explanation Essays (Optional)
- You can submit 2 original brief personal essays, autobiographical sketches & statements Verifiers with 3 references.
Canadian Medical Schools That Accept International Students
There are a total of seventeen universities in Canada that have a faculty of medicine. Hence there are a total of seventeen medical schools in Canada. Out of the seventeen medical schools, only 10 Canadian medical schools accept international students. Two universities among the listed 10 that accept international students are Dalhousie University and the University of Calgary. These two universities only accept international students from other countries (mainly in the Persian Gulf). These international students are accepted based on a signed contract between the medical school and their country. The contract is made on the grounds that the international student will only practice in Canada upon graduation from medical school.
Here are 10 universities with medical schools in Canada that allow international students
- The University of Toronto
- McGill University
- McMaster University
- The University of Alberta
- The University of British Columbia
- The University of Calgary
- The University of Ottawa
- Dalhousie University
- University de Sherbrooke
- Queen’s University
Tips to Improve your Chances of Getting into Medical School in Canada
1. Consider adding some medical experience to your resume
Gathering some experience in your preferred field of interest is always a good idea. Medical schools love seeing you make good use of your time—activities such as job shadows with doctors and other medical professionals. Medical school admission committees want to ensure that their students have realistic expectations of their careers in medicine.
2. Do research projects
Having or being involved with research projects will demonstrate your hands-on science knowledge and really shine through in your medical school application. Get involved in research projects related to the branch of medicine you hope to specialize.
3. Study early for your MCAT and CASPer tests
It’s vital that you start to prepare for your MCAT and CASPer tests. Seeing as medicine is a broad field; you have to be able to cover all you can as fast as you can. Getting into medical school in Canada is very tough because of the competition, and obviously, the committee will choose the best candidates.
4. Consider being bilingual
Seeing as Canada has two official languages, English and French, it’s obviously an added advantage if you are fluent in both languages. Being bilingual increases your chances of studying in provinces that are mostly French-speaking.
5. Be interested in extra-curricular activities
Show them other interesting things about you besides schoolwork. Be sure to point out your hobbies and strengths in your application letter. Whether sports, art or music, whatever sparks your interest, school work, take it seriously.
6. Be mentally prepared for your interviews
Research the school you wish to apply to and see what their mission statements are all about. Be sure to be yourself and be polite in your interview. Do not take questions lightly; comport yourself and give satisfactory answers.
7. Ask a mentor or professor to put in a good word for you
The school can only know so much about you through your application. However, a recommendation letter can go a long way for you. Find your college professor or mentor with whom you have built a personal relationship and ask them to put a good word for you in your recommendation letter.
Wrapping Up on Steps to Get Into Medical School in Canada
Getting into Canadian medical schools can be challenging. As such, you have to be ready and prepared on all grounds. Reading the article, you should have learned one or two things to guide you or show you the steps to get into medical school in Canada. As an international student, remember that your options are few, so try your best.
Frequently Asked Questions on Steps to Get Into Medical School in Canada
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