Study Medicine in Canada: A Complete Guide
Navigating Canadian Healthcare Institutes
Table of Content
- Why should you study medicine in Canada?
- 1. Quality of education
- 2. Quality of living
- 3. A multicultural environment
- Best Medical Schools in Canada
- 1. University of Toronto
- 2. McGill University
- 3. University of British Columbia
- Eligibility to study Medicine in Canada for international students
- Eligibility for undergrad applicants
- Eligibility for postgraduate/graduate studies
- Scholarships for the best medical schools in Canada
- Job opportunities and salary after you study Medicine in Canada
Opting to study medicine in Canada can be a great choice for many medical enthusiasts around the world. Not only is the quality of education quite high, but you also enjoy other benefits such as quality of living and more. Here is a complete guide for your journey across medical universities in Canada and what barometers you must use to choose between them.
Why should you study medicine in Canada?
For some, just mentioning the idea of studying medicine in Canada can be incentive enough to study abroad. However, there are many considerations, such as financial implications, as well as the due diligence that comes with the move, which might hinder you from finalising your decision. We’re here to help you out and tell you why you should choose Canada as your next destination for further studies.
1. Quality of education
The medical schools in Canada have a glittering reputation around the world for being a hub of quality and value-for-money education. Enjoy the efficient and beautiful infrastructure whilst you receive amazing courses from well-qualified faculty.
2. Quality of living
According to the 2023 Global Livability Index, Canada ranked in the top 10 for all 11 categories by which the research was conducted! Not only that, Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto ranked in the ten most livable cities. The numbers speak for themselves.
3. A multicultural environment
When you choose to study medicine in Canada, you also sign up for a healthy multicultural environment second to none. The country is known for fostering lovely ties between various communities and ethnicities.
Best Medical Schools in Canada
Now that we have the reasons to pursue medicine in Canada out of the way let us focus on the best medical schools in the country. These universities have built up their reputation through years of delivering excellent experiences for students. Let’s find out which ones they are.
1. University of Toronto
Rankings
1. QS Rankings: 21st globally, 1st in Canada, 2nd best in North America according to QS World rankings 2023.
2. Times Higher Education: 6th in the world for clinical, preclinical, and health programs, according to Times Higher Education 2023 rankings.
Popular worldwide, the University of Toronto is one of the best places to study medicine in Canada. Established in 1872, the institution has evolved by leaps and bounds and now ranks #1 in Canada according to the QS World Rankings for Medicine.
Popular Undergraduate programs
1. B.Sc Paramedicine - $55,000 - $60,000 for international students
2. B.Sc in Medical Radiation Science - $55,000 - $60,000 for international students
3. B.Sc in Nursing - $55,000 - $60,000 for international students
4. MD - $55,000 - $60,000 for international students
Popular postgraduate programs
1. M.Sc in Pharmacy - $60,000 - $65,000 for international students
2. M.Sc in Physical Therapy - $60,000 - $65,000 for international students
3. Juris Doctor - $60,000 - $65,000 for international students
2. McGill University
Rankings
1. QS Rankings: 30th globally, 22nd globally for Medicine
2. Time Higher Education: 46th globally, 32nd globally in clinical, pre-clinical and health programs.
McGill University is one of the best medical universities in Canada and is synonymous with high-quality education. Founded in 1821, McGill probably should be on the top of your list to study medicine in Canada.
Popular undergraduate programs:
1. MD - $59,654 for international students
2. B.Sc Medicine Preparatory Exam (Med.P) - $59,654 for international students
Popular postgraduate programs
1. Master of Surgery and Medicine - $59,778 for international students
2. Master of Surgery with Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Joint MD, CM and OMFS) - $59,778 for international students
3. Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery with PhD (Joint MD, CM, and PhD) - $59,778 for international students
3. University of British Columbia
Rankings
1. QS Rankings: 34th globally, 28th globally for Medicine
2. Times Higher Education: Ranked 40th globally
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a top university to pursue medicine in Canada. The UBC is one of the best medical schools in Canada and has built up years of reputation.
Cost of popular undergraduate programs:
1. Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences - $45,000 - $48,000 for international students
2. Doctor of Medicine (MD) - not open to international students
3. Bachelor of Biochemical Engineering (BME) - $45,000 - $48,000 for international students
Popular postgraduate programs
Juris Doctor (JD) - not open to international students
Eligibility to study Medicine in Canada for international students
Before moving abroad to study medicine in Canada, there are some eligibility criteria that you need to keep in mind. You need to ensure that these criteria are met thoroughly so that you can seamlessly transition into your dream university and do so without any hitches at all.
Eligibility for undergrad applicants
1. High school/senior-secondary scores need to be above 60-70%.
2. Give the IELTS exam (or any other English proficiency test). Scores need to be 6.0 or above.
3. Prove proof of income and competence to finance your studies to pursue medicine in Canada.
Eligibility for postgraduate/graduate studies
1. High school/senior-secondary scores need to be above 60-70%.
2. Give the IELTS exam (or any other English proficiency test). Scores need to be 6.0 or above.
3. Prove proof of income and competence to finance your studies to pursue medicine in Canada.
4. Work experience preferred (usually 12 months or above).
5. 4-years bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
6. SoP and LoRs
Scholarships for the best medical schools in Canada
Studying abroad can be an expensive affair. Therefore, it is crucial that you avail as many financial benefits as you can. Here is a list of some of the best scholarships to study medicine in Canada:
1. Shastri-Indo Canadian Institute Scholarship
2. National Research Council of Canada scholarships (NRCC)
3. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Program
4. Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program
5. Partnership Grants by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
6. Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowship
7. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
8. Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship
9. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
10. B. Wiswell Scholarship by Dalhousie University
Job opportunities and salary after you study Medicine in Canada
Of course, after pursuing your education with such heavy financial implications, one must wonder what their job opportunities would look like after they graduate. The best medical universities in Canada also often lead you to the best jobs in the country! Here are some jobs you can land after pursuing medicine in Canada:
1. Cardiologist: $300,000 - $320,000/year
2. Gastroenterologist - $350,000 - $370,000/year
3. Orthopedic surgeon: $390,000 - $410,000/year
4. Urologist: $260,000 - $280,000/year
5. Pharmacist: $100,000 - $120,000/year
6. Hematologist: $290,000 - $300,000/year
7. Neurologist: $290,000 - $300,000/year
Studying medicine in Canada, at the end of the day, is a great choice for those who wish to study in a completely new environment and get more exposure. As a student in Canada, you would be face-to-face with people belonging to many different cultures, which can help you gain a multicultural perspective in your everyday life. In addition, the high quality of education will be sure to help you excel in the future!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top medical schools in Canada for international students?
University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, McMaster University, and University of Alberta are highly ranked. Note that spots for international students are limited.
How much does it cost to study medicine in Canada?
For international students, tuition ranges from CAD 30,000 to 80,000 per year. Living expenses add approximately CAD 15,000-25,000 annually. Costs vary by institution and location.
What are the requirements to study medicine in Canada?
Typically require a bachelor's degree, high GPA, MCAT scores, letters of recommendation, and English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL). Some schools may have additional prerequisites or interviews.
Can I work while studying medicine in Canada?
Full-time students can generally work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. However, medical programs are intensive and may limit work opportunities.
What are the career opportunities after completing an MBBS in Canada?
Graduates can pursue residency in various specialties, work in research, public health, or healthcare administration. Canada offers good job prospects, but competition for residency positions is high.
How many years is medicine in Canada?
4 years of undergraduate studies followed by 4 years of medical school. After this, graduates must complete a residency program lasting 2-7 years, depending on their chosen specialty.